Dentons, the global law firm, today announced that Sharon Gay has been named managing partner of the Firm's Atlanta office.

Combining an extensive background in public service and her private law practice, Gay has played an instrumental role in the development of some of Atlanta's largest commercial real estate projects. She focuses her practice on state and local government law, particularly in the areas of land use and zoning, tax allocation district financing, and other economic development incentives triggering the revitalization of many of Atlanta's neighborhoods. She is a recognized pioneer in the use of tax allocation district financing in Georgia to provide funds for community redevelopment.

"Dentons' Atlanta office plays an integral role in offering our clients across the US access to a booming and increasingly global economy in the Southeast," said Mike McNamara, Dentons US Chief Executive Officer. "Sharon's shared vision to pursue strategic legal work, bolster client relationships and give back to the community, paired with the strong local and national leadership of Jeff Haidet, continues to strengthen our firm's position as the city's leading global law firm."

The Firm's venerable Atlanta office enjoys a rich legacy in the market where the contributions of its lawyers and professionals are woven throughout the fabric of success in the business community and the growth of the city. In recent years, Dentons' unprecedented expansion has led to it emerging as a global powerhouse at the same time Atlanta has stepped into the spotlight of a prominent role on the international stage.

"Dentons enjoys a longstanding legacy of helping our clients and our communities achieve their goals, and we know that our clients are best served when we are fully engaged with the local business and philanthropic organizations that make this city great," said Jeff Haidet, Dentons' US Chairman. "Sharon's selfless dedication to embedding the firm within those communities makes her a great fit for continuing this Dentons tradition for the years to come."

As Dentons' global footprint continues to expand -- with recent combinations in Mexico and Central and South America -- its steadfast commitment to Atlanta endures. The Firm has pledged to provide up to $375,000 in pro bono services to the Westside Future Fund, a nonprofit working to raise more than $30 million to help develop blighted sections of West Atlanta, and serves as general counsel for Points of Light, an Atlanta-based international foundation spearheaded by former President George H.W. Bush.

"Our firm has a deeply-rooted history of being in and of our communities to create opportunities for growth for our clients and the residents of the city of Atlanta," said Gay. "I am honored to lead and build upon that history as we continue evolving and innovating to provide the best legal services in our increasingly global economy. I am committed to building the law firm of choice not only for global businesses, but for those community partners who cherish Atlanta's unique opportunities to continue strengthen our city."

Gay joins the ranks of other Atlanta Dentons partners and principals who have served in prominent leadership positions around Atlanta, including Thurbert Baker, former Georgia Attorney General; Gordon Giffin, former US Ambassador to Canada; Eric Tanenblatt, former chief of staff to Governor Sonny Perdue; Brian McGowan, former CEO of Invest Atlanta; Steve Labovitz, former chief of staff for the City of Atlanta; Mark Burkhalter, former Speaker of the House (GA); Lemuel Ward, former attorney in the City of Atlanta Law Department; Edward Lindsey, former Georgia State Representative and House Majority Whip.

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