Washington, DC—Nextlaw Referral Network today announced that it has developed two significant diversity programs designed to enhance inclusion while creating a more effective network.

The Nextlaw Referral Network has formed a strategic association  with the National Association of Women and Minority Owned Networks (NAMWOLF), and has created sophisticated technology filters that enable any member conducting a search to screen for and easily identify women and minority-owned firms currently on the platform.

Nextlaw Referral Network was launched in October 2016 and quickly rose to become the largest legal network in the world. The Network includes more than 600 high-quality law firms in more than 185 countries. Founded by Dentons, the world's largest law firm, the Network differs from more traditional networks in that it doesn’t charge members fees and doesn’t offer geographical monopolies to its members. The platform is open to any and all high-quality law firms, regardless of size.

"We’re proud that we’ve designed, built and launched a new network model in an industry known for resisting change, " said Joe Andrew, Dentons Global Chairman. "But we’re even prouder of the principles under which we operate, with a commitment to diversity being one of our bedrock principles.”

“At Dentons -- as well as with our innovative Nextlaw family of initiatives -- we view inclusion as something to be integrated into everything we do," said Elliott Portnoy, Dentons Global CEO. "Our Network example is proof that we have built new technologies and platform features to showcase women and minority firms, while also solidifying important partnerships with others dedicated to the same important diversity goals.”

"We are always looking for innovative ways to strengthen diversity in the legal profession, and working in collaboration with Nextlaw Referral Network is a way that we can make significant progress to advance the principles of inclusion," said NAMWOLF CEO Joel Stern.

Dentons founded Nextlaw Referral Network in 2016 as part of its suite of innovations initiatives. These initiatives include Nextlaw Labs, the industry’s premier and leading innovation and technology consultant; Nextlaw Ventures, the industry’s first dedicated investment fund focused exclusively on early-stage legal technology start-ups; Nextlaw In-House Solutions, an in-house strategic consultancy; Nextlaw Referral Network; and Nextlaw Public Affairs Network, a fully integrated network of more than 100 of the world’s top public affairs and public relations firms.

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com