According to a statement from Dentons, Nextlaw Global Referral Network avoids the pitfalls of existing ‘pay-to-play’ referral networks by not charging a fee for membership and by not being territorially exclusive. It is based on a new technology platform that promotes reciprocal repeat referrals, which combined with free membership and the ability to have multiple firms with differing strengths in any city should provide clients with ‘the best lawyers for their need, without exception.’  

‘Free to focus on what they do best’

Dentons global chairman Joe Andrew commented: ‘The advantages to member firms are equally clear. Globalisation has presented many firms with a false choice: expand or die, leading some to fall into the generalist trap, exaggerating their capabilities and what they can deliver for their clients. While growth is part of our strategy, it may not be for all. Nextlaw Global Referral Network allows firms to continue to focus on what they do best, get new business because of that expertise, and grow existing business through a direct line to the largest pool of legal talent in the world—all without paying anything.’

A focus on small to mid-sized firms

Dentons has named lawyer and technology entrepreneur Jeff Modisett to be the Nextlaw Network CEO. Although open to any law firm that meets its quality standards, the network focuses its membership primarily on small to mid-sized law firms, and firms of any size that are in one location, country or region, or that specialise in one practice area or industry sector. Applicants are vetted by a panel consisting of partners of Dentons, partners of other member firms, and other general counsel, who evaluate each applicant based on criteria including client feedback, independent third-party quality rankings and unique practice and/or sector expertise.