Dentons is launching the Nextlaw Global Public Affairs Network, a worldwide network of public affairs firms, in the first half of 2017.
To be comprised of companies and organizations of all sizes, the network will help clients shape government policy or public opinion through lobbying, public relations, advertising, grassroots organizing, grass-tops outreach, survey research and digital and social media, says Dentons.
According to Dentons, the Nextlaw Global Public Affairs Network will also use technology that supports the Nextlaw Global Referral Network , which now has more than 300 law firms as members, that debuted on October 5.
The Nextlaw Global Public Affairs Network, which will charge no fees for public affairs firms that become members, will enable members to research the capabilities of other members easily, as well as featuring peer reviews through its technology platform. It will allow for multiple members in a single market, with the intention of becoming the largest, most versatile network of its kind in the world.
The quality of members will be evaluated based on a number of criteria, including client feedback, independent third-party quality rankings, awards and accolades, recommendations by other members and unique practice or sector expertise. The network exists to ensure that its members are able to better serve their clients through trusted relationships with other network members.
“Dentons serves our clients in the court of public opinion as well as the court of law,” says Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons. “In today’s media-centric, cable and digital world, this can often mean integrating cross-functional services such as legal representation and public affairs capabilities. By building a public affairs network we expand our already strong public affairs offering to serve our clients in a one-stop-shop way across the globe.”
“In today’s changing and complex global environment, quantity is a tool for quality,” Andrew added. “No matter how large a law firm or a public affairs firm is, no single firm can provide the best expertise everywhere in the world. For us to serve our clients, we need knowledgeable professionals who understand the regulatory, business and economic cultures of their respective regions. This is why we have created both Nextlaw Global Referral Network and, now, Nextlaw Global Public Affairs Network. Our goal is to connect clients to the highest quality lawyers and public affairs talent around the world.”
Other than helping clients in the court of public opinion, Dentons Global Chief Executive Elliott Portnoy says the network can also serve as an avenue for member forms and clients to connect.
“The public affairs profession contains about 20 large global and regional firms, which exert tremendous influence in the industry. There are also thousands of smaller firms that are truly in and of their communities. Now, we can connect these firms easily and efficiently for the benefit of clients. Our network represents the best of both worlds. We’re creating an environment in which clients are ensured they’ll receive the best service available everywhere in the world,” Portnoy says.
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