Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, today formalized its combination with offices of the nearly century-old Australian law firm Gadens, solidifying its position as the Pacific Rim's leading law firm.

Dentons now serves 84 markets in Pacific Rim countries, more than any other law firm. Clients in Australia and around the world now benefit from the local experience of 7,600 Dentons lawyers serving 57 countries on six continents.

“The launch of Dentons in Australia and Papua New Guinea is another step in our drive to connect clients around the world to lawyers who know the communities, the culture and the business and legal environment of the markets in which clients need a matter addressed or a dispute resolved,” said Joe Andrew, Dentons Global Chairman.

“Our clients, particularly those in China, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea, responded enthusiastically to the announcement of our combination,” said Elliott Portnoy, Dentons Global CEO. “Adding market-leading experience in Australia’s banking and finance, real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources sectors to our global teams significantly enhances our offerings to clients in the Pacific Rim.”

Dentons Australia Region CEO Steve Healy, said: “Both international and domestic clients will benefit from being advised by the largest global elite law firm in the world. We have enjoyed an exceptional track record in Australia for almost 90 years and in Papua New Guinea for over 45 years and this combination will allow us to offer our clients connections to international markets with business expertise and legal experience across every practice and sector globally.”

In keeping with its polycentric nature, which emphasizes market-specific sensitivities in determining how to best serve clients, Dentons has adopted multiple operational models with the various members of the Gadens joint venture.

Dentons will have offices in Sydney and Perth in Australia and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. The firm will also be able to meet client needs in Brisbane and Adelaide.