Modern slavery update in Australia – Dentons

Report on the Restructuring of Dentons and Dacheng Law Offices in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Fostering Strong and Independent Legal Institutions (SDG 16)

The recent structural evolution of Dentons and Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP (“大成”) marks a significant step towards reinforcing strong, independent, and just institutions. This strategic separation is aligned with the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by promoting transparent and accountable governance within the legal sector.

• Strengthening National Sovereignty: By establishing Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP as an independent entity organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, the new structure respects and strengthens national legal frameworks and institutional sovereignty.
• Promoting Rule of Law: The clear distinction between the two firms ensures adherence to distinct regulatory environments, thereby promoting the rule of law and creating more effective and transparent institutions at the national and international levels.

A New Model for Global Partnerships (SDG 17)

This restructuring pioneers an innovative model for global collaboration, reflecting the core tenets of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The establishment of a “Preferred Law Firm” relationship creates a sustainable and resilient partnership that adapts to diverse legal landscapes.

• Innovative Collaboration: The arrangement between Dentons and Dacheng serves as a new blueprint for multi-stakeholder partnerships, facilitating the exchange of expertise while respecting organizational independence.
• Global and Local Synergy: This model enables both firms to leverage their unique strengths—Dacheng’s deep presence in over 40 locations in China and Dentons’ global network across 160+ locations—to achieve shared objectives and provide comprehensive legal services that support sustainable development.

Key Structural Details of the New Arrangement

1. Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP (“大成”): Is now a fully independent law firm. It is organized as a partnership under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and is not a member or affiliate of Dentons.
2. Dentons’ Preferred Law Firm: Dacheng operates as Dentons’ Preferred Law Firm within China, maintaining a collaborative relationship.
3. Dentons Group (a Swiss Verein): Remains a separate international law firm, with a global presence that includes members and affiliates in regions such as Hong Kong SAR, China.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• Based on the content of the provided article, which is a legal disclaimer, there are no Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are directly addressed or connected to the issues discussed. The text focuses solely on the legal and corporate relationship between two law firms, Dentons and Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, and does not touch upon any social, environmental, or economic development themes central to the SDGs.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Since no SDGs are addressed in the article, no specific targets can be identified. The article’s content is limited to clarifying that Beijing Dacheng Law Offices is an independent entity and serves as Dentons’ “Preferred Law Firm in China,” which does not align with any of the 169 SDG targets.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• The article does not contain any information that could be used as an indicator to measure progress towards any SDG targets. The mention of the number of office locations for each firm is a business metric, not an indicator for sustainable development as defined by the UN framework.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: dentons.com