CMS bolsters Corporate Crime practice with appointment of leading white collar crime lawyer
CMS is pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Newman as a partner in its Corporate Crime practice based in London. Carl joined CMS on 12 January 2026 from another leading law firm, where he was a partner and Head of White Collar Defence and Investigations.
Carl has 25 years of experience representing clients on high-profile and complex criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as compliance and regulatory matters. He has extensive expertise in financial crime and misconduct, acting for regulated entities and individuals. He has managed proceedings and investigations involving bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and the National Crime Agency.
Carl is recognised in leading legal directories Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, and is also listed as a ‘Leading Lawyer’ by Spears 500.
Eoin O’Shea, Head of the Corporate Crime Practice at CMS, said: “Carl is a brilliant defence lawyer with a long track record of successful cases, who will be a great asset to the team. With our broad disputes and regulatory capability, we are well placed to support clients across sectors as enforcement activity intensifies and expectations of boards and senior management continue to rise.”
Steven Corney, Co-Head of Litigation & Arbitration at CMS UK, said: “Carl’s arrival further strengthens our ability to advise clients on the full spectrum of corporate crime risk, from preventative compliance and internal investigations to defence in high stakes proceedings. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to investing in our corporate crime practice and contentious practice more generally.”
Carl Newman said: “I am delighted to join a team known for its pragmatic, strategic approach to risk and its ability to guide clients through the most challenging regulatory and criminal issues. CMS’s international platform and deep sector expertise provide an exceptional foundation for the next chapter of growth for my practice. I look forward to working with the team and contributing to the group’s impressive momentum as we continue to support clients facing high‑stakes, multi‑jurisdictional challenges.”
Carl’s appointment follows two other previous senior hires to the CMS Corporate Crime team: Kitty St Aubyn (of Counsel, London) and Sally Clark (of Counsel, Edinburgh).
Supported by a global team of over 400 expert lawyers, the CMS UK Corporate Crime team regularly advises corporates and individuals across multiple jurisdictions on financial crime and all other areas of criminal and regulatory risk (including competition, cyber, environmental, health and safety).
