Telecoms giant NTL has appointed Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson as its primary adviser, Legal Week can reveal, as the company completes a major review of its legal function following its merger with rival Telewest.

The move, a rare example of a US adviser taking a lead corporate role for a major European business, sees Fried Frank named as the company’s lead counsel because it is able to advise NTL on both sides of the Atlantic.