CMS sacks managing partner

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang has sacked one of its managing partners, and the UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is investigating.

The global firm, created in May last year by the merger of CMS, Nabarro, and Olswang, has ousted Singapore managing partner Andrew Stott.

The firm has referred the matter to the SRA, which is looking into the matter, the Law Society Gazette said. CMS’ Singapore office, which has 28 lawyers, is part of the firm’s UK partnership.

Stott was legacy Olswang’s managing partner in Singapore before the merger. After the deal, he remained the leader of the combined firm in the city-state.

Toby Grainger, who is also a legacy Olswang partner, is the new CMS Singapore managing partner.

The decision to remove Stott was recommended by other senior partners and approved by the firm’s 20-partner board. The reason for the dismissal remains unclear, and the firm has refused to comment on specifics of the matter.

“We confirm that a partner has been dismissed from the firm and the circumstances have been reported to the SRA. CMS does not normally comment publicly on confidential partner matters. We are mindful of the SRA process and serious sensitivities and will not be commenting further at this time,” a spokesperson said.