Dentons

International law firm Dentons has launched its Nextlaw Global Public Affairs Network. The goal of the network is to connect public affairs and public relations firms across multiple regions to opportunities arising from an increasingly complex range of client needs, which often require solutions achieved in the arena of public opinion as well as in a courtroom.

"There is a natural synergy between the legal and public affairs professions, and we want to be the premier provider of integrated, complete, cross-functional services,” said Dentons global chairman Joe Andrew.

The platform launches with 60 public affairs and public relations firms—including FTI Consulting, Portland and Hill+Knowlton Strategies—spanning 100 countries, including FTI Consulting. It will leverage technology designed and built in support of the Nextlaw Global Referral Network, which Dentons launched in October 2016. That network includes over 475 law firms (with some 25,000 lawyers) in more than 185 countries.

The Public Affairs Network will charge no fee for membership, allow no geographical exclusivity, and is open to public affairs and public relations firms regardless of size.

“Our platform is designed to attract the best firms in the world, creating a sophisticated, networked environment in which clients are ensured they’ll receive the best service wherever in the world they have a need,” said Dentons global CEO Elliott Portnoy.