Dentons has announced the launch of  the Nextlaw Global Referral Network, a free law firm referral network that is intended to allow member law firms to easily connect and track referrals in the legal market.

The network, which is expected to launch in mid-2016, will run on a free membership model and will not be territorially exclusive. The network is expected to run on a new technology platform that will promote reciprocal repeat referrals.

Law firms that already have a referral relationship with Dentons will get immediate invitations to join. Given that the firm referred work to 920 law firms last year, and received referrals from 500, the network could be many times bigger than Lex Mundi, presently the largest referral network with approximately 160 firms.

Dentons has named Jeff Modisett, a lawyer and technology entrepreneur, as CEO of the network.  

“The challenge for clients with today’s referral networks is that they are ‘pay-to-play’—you do not get the right firm for the client’s particular need, just the firm willing to pay to be part of the referral network,” explained Joe Andrew, Dentons Global Chairman, in a statement. “Nextlaw Global Referral Network is different because it is free, so clients will get the best lawyers for their need, without exception.”

Any firm that applies for membership will be evaluated based on a number of criteria, including client feedback, independent third-party quality rankings, awards and accolades, and unique practice and/or sector expertise. Applicants will have to sign a membership agreement and adhere to the network’s terms of use.