PLMJ ends exclusive relationship with China’s Dacheng

PLMJ has confirmed it has ended its exclusive relationship with Dacheng following the Chinese firm’s merger with Dentons last year.

In January 2015, Dacheng and Dentons announced a merger that would create the largest law firm in the world with 6,500 lawyers and professionals.

A PLMJ statement said the firm had been asked to join the merged firm, but declined. As a result the firm is now working with other “local independent firms”, in addition to maintaining a relationship with Dentons/Dacheng.  

“In the context of this merger, PLMJ was also invited to join the new firm Dentons/Dacheng,” the statement said. “We refused this offer because it is not part of the strategy of PLMJ and PLMJ International Legal Network – however, we would stress the good relations we maintain with this new firm and this is reflected in the matters we continue to work on in partnership.”

It added: “This merger does not change PLMJ’s strategy for the Asian markets, which it will continue to pursue through the good relations we maintain with Dentons/Dacheng, with local independent firms and through our partnership with DSL Lawyers, a leading Macao-based law firm, where our managing associate Rita Assis Ferreira has been based for three years.”