Dentons, the global law firm, announces the launch of its Smart Cities/Communities Think Tank, a forum for developing equitable solutions for sustainable and prosperous cities and communities.

Dentons' Smart Cities Think Tank brings together thought leaders from government, academia, industry and non-governmental organizations (NGO) to craft innovative legal, economic, security and policy solutions to help cities and communities leverage existing and emerging technological developments for the betterment of the lives of their citizens. Dentons launches the Smart Cities Think Tank on the heels of its highly-successful inaugural Smart Cities Summit where more than 150 key industry leaders and policymakers from the public and private sectors discussed a range of critical legal and policy issues facing cities and communities as they make decisions about incorporating 21st century technologies into their physical, digital and social infrastructure.

"Dentons' Smart Cities Think Tank offers our clients and the broader community unparalleled access to an extraordinary group of leading lights guiding the path for the future of our cities," said Mike McNamara, US CEO of Dentons. "This assembly of exceptional talent is already demonstrating action on our commitment to help make the delivery of critical services and investment across our cities and communities more efficient, practical and cost effective."

The Smart Cities Think Tank flows from the vision inspired by Clint Vince, chair of Dentons' US Energy practice and co-chair of the Firm's global energy sector. The think tank has identified "14 Pillars of Success" for a Smart Cities program. These include: government leadership and public policy; regulation; energy; telecommunications; transportation; buildings and city planning; consumer and community social infrastructure; cyber and physical security and privacy; environment, health and safety; finance, investment and economic development; technology and innovation; water, waste water and waste; NGOs and universities; and smart global approach.

Each pillar is co-chaired by industry authorities, including professionals from Dentons and former or current government, academic, industry and NGO leaders.

"Dentons Smart Cities Think Tank offers our clients innovative and practical options to meet the challenges presented in identifying and deploying technologies and strategies to become a Smart City," said Clint Vince, Chair of Dentons' U.S. Energy Practice. "We are excited to launch this platform with the support of so many talented and respected thought leaders across the country."

Dentons' global Energy practice includes over 1,000 lawyers and professionals working to provide innovative solutions to clients in the most dynamic energy markets across the world. Dentons' Energy group has consistently received top rankings in leading trade publications including Chambers USA, The Lawyer and Legal 500. In its Guide to Energy and Infrastructure, IFLR1000 ranked Dentons as a Tier 1 firm in seven categories and recognized the firm's work in 15 countries and four regions. Who's Who Legal named Dentons its "2017 Energy Firm of the Year" for the third consecutive year and most recently, Dentons was recognized as "Energy Firm of the Year" by Chambers Canada 2018.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world's largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI Client Service 30 Award winner and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Global Referral Network. Dentons' polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work. www.dentons.com