Dentons US, McKenna Long Merge

NEW YORK, July 1, 2015 -- Continuing the momentum Dentons has created with the introduction of NextLaw Labs, its innovation platform, the combination with 大成, and the addition of new talent worldwide, the Firm today announced that the merger between Dentons US and McKenna Long & Aldridge, creating the new Dentons US LLP, is now effective.

"Just in the first half of this year we have significantly advanced our global strategy, with a unique polycentric approach that highlights the importance of being in-and-of communities around the world," said Global Chairman Joe Andrew. "Today's milestone further supports that strategy with an enhanced presence in the US."

"All of our clients will benefit from the new Dentons US," said Elliott Portnoy, Global Chief Executive Officer. "We are focused on reflecting and supporting our clients' ambitions as they develop their businesses across many borders--whether they are clients outside the US looking inward, or US clients looking to do business internationally."

Dentons' expanded US team comprises 1,100 lawyers and professionals and brings together the exceptional talent of the two firms into one US powerhouse offering clients even greater expertise in more locations throughout the world's largest legal services market. 

Jeff Haidet, US Co-Chief  Executive Officer, added, "It's an historic day for the Firm and we are delighted to be able to combine two very strong, talented teams to create a US legal powerhouse. With 21 locations in the US, this team provides unrivalled access to markets across the US and around the world."

Peter Wolfson, US Co-Chief Executive Officer, said, "This is an exciting and invigorating time for Dentons. We now offer clients enhanced experience and reach across virtually all of our practices and sectors, bringing clients the highest quality legal counsel anywhere they want to do business."

US Leadership

Jeff Haidet, who served as McKenna Long’s Chairman, and Peter Wolfson, previously Dentons US Chief Executive Officer, will serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers of Dentons US LLP.

Mike McNamara, previously Dentons US Managing Partner, will be the Managing Partner of the merged Dentons US LLP.

Mark Flanagan, previously McKenna Long's Managing Partner, will be US Integration Partner responsible for promoting profitable revenue growth, integration and competitive pricing strategies.

Attracting Talent

In the US and around the world, Dentons is focused on continuing to enhance and improve the quality offered to its clients. One of the ways the Firm accomplishes that is by offering more experience and a deeper understanding of clients' businesses, in more of the places clients want to get a deal done or dispute resolved.

Since announcing the merger, the Firm has welcomed near than three dozen new laterals in the US alone (legacy Dentons and Legacy McKenna Long combined), not to mention the additional more than 100 others who have joined internationally. That new talent is helping the Firm deliver on its promise of quality to its clients.

About Dentons

Dentons is a global law firm driven to provide a competitive edge in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2014 Global Elite Brand Index, Dentons is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality in new and inventive ways. Dentons' clients now benefit from 3,000 lawyers and professionals in more than 80 locations spanning 50-plus countries. With a legacy of legal experience that dates back to 1742 and builds on the strengths of our foundational firms - Salans, Fraser Milner Casgrain (FMC), SNR Denton and McKenna Long & Aldridge - the Firm serves the local, regional and global needs of private and public clients.  www.dentons.com.

In 2015, the Firm announced its intention to combine with Chinese firm 大成. Upon launch later this year, the new firm will offer clients experience from more than 6,600 lawyers and professionals in more than 125 locations and 50-plus countries.