Dentons Opens In Georgia

Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, has entered the Georgian market with the opening of its new office in Tbilisi. The Firm’s expansion into Georgia will solidify Dentons’ market leadership in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). 

”Our new Tbilisi office will further enhance Dentons’ position as the preeminent law firm in CEE, CIS and Central Asia,” said Tomasz Dąbrowski, Chief Executive Officer of Dentons Europe. “With a legacy dating back more than 25 years, not only were we among the first international law firms in the region, but we have also established a solid track record on many of the most important deals and litigations in these emerging markets.”

“In line with our polycentric strategy, Dentons is now the only global law firm to offer clients on-the-ground legal knowledge in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.  We are in the unique position to serve our clients’ legal needs right across this energy-rich region,” said Elliott Portnoy, Global Chief Executive Officer of Dentons.

The highly ranked team of 11 professionals, including two partners, brings capabilities in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Corporate, Banking and Finance, Intellectual Property, Energy, Government, and Infrastructure and PPP. The team joins Dentons from DLA Piper.

Evan Lazar, Chairman of the Board of Dentons Europe commented, “Our new colleagues are recognized by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 as being among the most distinguished lawyers on the Georgian market. We are truly delighted to welcome them onboard.”

Otar Kipshidze will lead Dentons’ Tbilisi office as Managing Partner and will also head the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice in Georgia.  He brings extensive experience in litigation, energy, banking and finance and corporate law. Partner Avto Svanidze will lead the local Corporate practice.  He advises on M&A, real estate, financing, restructuring  and infrastructure privatization, and has represented clients in many of the largest transactions on the Georgian market.  Senior Counsel Ted Jonas advises clients on international business transactions, energy and infrastructure projects, government relations, and dispute resolution.  He is dual qualified in the US and Georgia.

Otar Kipshidze commented, “By joining forces with the world’s largest law firm, we will ensure that our clients continue to receive top quality legal advice, both here in Georgia and around the world. We also see excellent synergies arising from Dentons’ strong presence in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.”

“Our latest office opening adds to Dentons’ incredible growth momentum in Europe,” said Joe Andrew, Dentons Global Chairman.  “Our recent recognition as Europe Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Europe Awards 2017  shows that our consolidated market presence across Europe is resulting in better service for our clients.”

With the addition of the Tbilisi office, Dentons now employs more than 7800 lawyers in 150 offices across more than 60 countries around the world.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world’s largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI Client Service 30 Award winner and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Global Referral Network. Dentons’ polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work.