Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, today announces that Paloma Gomez has been appointed as the new CEO for its Latin America and the Caribbean Region. The LAC Region announced a year ago a transition in leadership and that a formal process would be initiated, which has now resulted in the appointment of a new Regional CEO. As part of the previously announced transition, Jorge Alers will play an important role leading key initiatives within the global firm.

Since first entering the Latin America and the Caribbean region in 2016, Dentons has been recognized as the fastest-growing law firm in the region. With a presence in 28 countries across the region, Dentons offers the largest geographic coverage of any law firm in the region. Paloma will lead the next phase of Dentons’ LAC growth.

Paloma, the first woman to fill the role of LAC Region CEO, joined Dentons in 2018, following a career as a lawyer and firm leader in Spain, the US, and Latin America.  She started practicing law in 1996, and focused on international transactions, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Joint Ventures, and International Arbitration. A decade ago, she shifted her focus from practicing law to helping preeminent law firms position themselves for success, emphasizing client centricity and talent development.  As part of this re-focus, she was appointed as Partner in Dentons’ Bogota office and as LAC Region Business Development Director.  She was subsequently promoted to the position of Chief Clients and Markets Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

“I am honored and grateful to be appointed as the new CEO for Dentons Latin America and the Caribbean Region,” said Paloma Gomez. “Clients seek the unique value that Dentons provides: a single law firm, wherever they are, to help them grow, protect, operate and finance their businesses. I see us becoming the leading law firm in Latin America and the Caribbean, and leader in each of our markets. With our unmatched coverage, local expertise, and exceptional talent, I look forward to building a more integrated Region that is more than the sum of its jurisdictions and one that continues to put its clients first.”

“From the outset, Paloma has been a fundamental part of the strategic planning in the LAC Region,” said Jorge Alers, outgoing Dentons LAC Region CEO. “Her appointment as LAC Region CEO is a testament to her tremendous contributions to date and to her ability to position the region for even greater success as we continue to drive a client-driven offering.”

“I thank Jorge for his unwavering dedication which has seen our Latin America and the Caribbean Region grow from 0 to 28 countries since we entered the region in 2016. I am thrilled that Jorge will continue to play a leadership role within the global Firm,” said Elliott Portnoy, Global CEO of Dentons. “This transition has long been planned and I have confidence in Paloma whose understanding of the dynamic needs of our clients, coupled with her experience as both lawyer and leader, position the Firm well as we continue to build an even more integrated region that will drive benefits for every other region of the Firm.”

“When we set out our strategy to become the only pan-Latin American and the Caribbean law firm, we made the decision to hire the CEO first and in doing so we found Jorge Alers - the perfect person to lead our efforts. On May 1, 2016, Dentons had no offices anywhere in Latin America or the Caribbean and today we are the only pan-Latin American and Caribbean law firm with 34 offices in 28 countries. This is a historic accomplishment that would not have happened but for Jorge Alers,” said Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons. “With Paloma now at the helm I look forward to continuing to enhance the region’s place within our global Firm which will enable us to bring the very best service to our clients - both within and outside of Latin America and the Caribbean.”

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