Richard Smith, who will lead the newly-formed team, is ranked as a leading individual in Chambers and Legal 500. An accredited specialist and also an accredited family law mediator, he regularly advises professionals and members of the business community and has acted for a number of high profile individuals.

He is joined by Jennifer Wilkie, also an accredited specialist in family law and mediation, who has a particular interest and expertise in international related issues.

Burness Paull chair Peter Lawson said: “When individuals need family law advice it often relates to the single most important issue they have faced in their lives, and they want to get things right.

“Family and divorce law is also increasingly complex. It requires many different attributes, including an understanding of business interests and structures; a grasp of how children are impacted by relationship breakdowns; tax insight; litigation experience; negotiation techniques and mediation skills.

“Few family lawyers have the ability to do all of that, but Richard and Jennifer can do so.

“They are passionate about ensuring that their clients’ interests are managed in a way that is as free from acrimony as is possible, and that is why they have been recognised as Scotland’s top experts in the field of family and divorce law.”

He added that the firm had identified a clear growth opportunity in the market and had sought out the best talent in the field to capitalise on it.

“There have been significant shifts in this area of the law in recent years, and it’s clear that lawyers of Richard and Jennifer’s undoubted skill and reputation will be key players in helping to meet growing demand.

“By adding this new market-leading offering to our existing range of services it will further cement the firm’s position as a trusted advisor to clients who want exceptional service and exceptional legal advice.”