Apparently not content with being the largest law firm in the world by number of attorneys, Dentons has decided to expand its ranks even more with the acquisition of the Indian law firm Link Legal.
With the completion of the deal, Dentons will add more than 100 lawyers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad (five of the six largest cities in India) to its army of more than 11,000 attorneys worldwide — already more than 2,000 lawyers more than its closest competitor.
The acquisition would offer Dentons an established, physical presence in India. Its Link Legal Indian lawyers would represent clients within India, while Dentons lawyers would represent Link Legal’s clients outside the country. Essentially, it would be one firm and operate in accordance with the rules and regulations of India.
This is the first time, according to Dentons itself, that an international law firm has combined with an Indian law firm. Because Dentons operates under a Swiss verein structure, Link Legal will be able to work under the Dentons platform, all while maintaining control of its own local affairs.
“This is history in the making in India because this is not a joint venture, not a ‘best friends’ relationship, not a ‘referral agreement,’ but a combination as Dentons has done around the world,” said Joe Andrew, Dentons’ Global Chairman. “The combination in India again makes Dentons not only a first-mover but a first-mover in a market that matters to our clients.”
“India will be the most populous country in the world next year with a fast-growing economy, making it an increasingly important market for our clients around the world,” said Elliott Portnoy, Dentons’ Global CEO. “This historic combination will allow Dentons to connect clients to leading talent in India and provide a seamless one-firm experience in more than 200 locations around the globe.”
Dentons’ acquisition of Legal Link will launch “within the next couple of months,” according to Andrew.
Dentons shows no signs at all that it is done growing. Only time will tell which law firm will be the next to be brought under its massive umbrella.
