WBD recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europe's most innovative law firms

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has once again been ranked in the FT Innovative Lawyers report 2020. The report is a unique analysis of the legal industry and is compiled through interviews, extensive research and robust client, independent and expert references.

The firm was ranked in the Top 30 most innovative law firms in Europe for demonstrating innovation for clients and in how the law is practised as well as the wide range of programmes run by the firm to support talent, skills and responsible business initiatives across the UK and beyond.

To name just a few, key projects in the last 12 months include WBD Accelerate, a new service aimed at start-up businesses to help them navigate complex legal issues; leading the way in e-signatures which has become a business critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic; the firm's improved Knowledge Management system to offer clients quick and easy access to key insights and tailored content; and WBD's award winning apprenticeship programmes.

Partner Nick Barwood, who sits on the firm's Management Board and has responsibility for innovation and service delivery at WBD, said:

"We're thrilled to be recognised by the Financial Times on the back of major projects where we have demonstrated innovative thinking and initiative. The legal sector needs to embrace innovation in order to remain competitive, relevant and progressive. At WBD, we have a strong focus on innovation with our dedicated Innovation Group that works with lawyers and clients to help identify new opportunities of delivering the best value and coordinate initiatives and projects across the firm that help drive our business and our clients forward."

Last week, WBD was also highly commended at Legal Week Innovation Awards 2020 in the CSR Innovation category on the back of its partnership with a number of other law firms in Bristol to maximise the positive impact of its community work.

Ranking in the UK's top 20 law firms, WBD provides legal expertise across a range of sectors including financial institutions, insurance, public & government services, energy & natural resources, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, retail & consumer, transport, logistics & infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology & life sciences, technology and private wealth.