Dentons Grows in India as Baker McKenzie, Others Weigh New Rules

Global law firm Dentons is the first to enter India by combining with New Delhi-based mid-size firm Link Legal.

The deal, which involves no transfer of money, ownership or foreign lawyers, remained unaltered after it was first announced in October — even after India relaxed rules to allow foreign lawyers and firms to practice in the country.

“We don’t fly in, fly out, we don’t export, import people,” Dentons global chief executive officer, Elliott Portnoy, said in an interview. The rebranded Dentons Link Legal remains independently owned and managed, said the Indian firm’s executive chairman, Atul Sharma.

The ...