National Grid Transco (NGT) has named Fiona Smith as its new global general counsel ahead of an upcoming panel review, handing CMS Cameron McKenna an early edge in the battle to secure the lead adviser role to the newly-merged energy giant.

The appointment of the National Grid lawyer follows the £14.8bn merger between National Grid and Lattice Group, and is regarded as a boost to Camerons’ chances of retaining its biggest corporate client, against Lattice adviser Linklaters.