Local legal news sources are reporting talks have been taking place for a number of months after the firm identified Portugal as a ‘key European market’ of ‘strategic interest.’

Evaluating the market

Eight firms are believed to be in the mix, with market sources saying the firm has narrowed the field down to three or four potential partners. Reports also suggest a number of other UK and US law firms are currently exploring the possibility of opening in Lisbon, with negotiations having taken place with a number of Portuguese firms in recent weeks. Iberian Lawyer reports a Dentons spokeswoman saying, ‘like every major law firm we are constantly evaluating the market for opportunities to further enhance our business for the benefit of our clients, and we have identified a strategic interest in key European markets such as Portugal. While at any given time we are likely to be in discussion with many groups of individuals and firms across the world, we do not make any comment on such discussions until they are complete to protect the privacy of those involved and to ensure our clients are the first to be informed of any enhancement to our firm.’

Web summit

Perhaps a protent, last year Dentons’ global venture technology group was a lead sponsor of the Web Summit, a gathering of tech entrepreneurs and innovators in early November. The firm hosted a private reception with Forbes for the winners of the 2018 Midas Europe list. Among those Web Summit will be take place in Lisbon from 5-8 November, attracting ‘entrepreneurs, tech superstars, media and startups.’