Ms Macdonald, a former dean of the Faculty of Solicitors in Dundee, has been advising people across Tayside for more than 40 years. She has run her own practice - Lesley Macdonald Family Law - for the past nine years, and will return to Lindsays, where she was previously a partner, as a consultant on August 3.

She is particularly well known for her work in financial disputes, regularly advising on the division of assets in high-value cases, as well as cohabitee claims on separation and death.

On her upcoming new role, she said: “I am really excited to be rejoining Lindsays and enjoying all of the benefits of being part of a bigger team again. If I was going to return to working within a firm, it was only ever going to be with Lindsays.

“Throughout the nine years I have been away, I have maintained a strong working relationship with the team at Lindsays and have regularly referred clients to the firm for support in areas where it has particular expertise.

“While I am looking forward to this move personally, I also believe it will be hugely positive for the people with whom I work as they will be able to benefit from the full-service legal advice available as part of the wider Lindsays family.”

Ms Macdonald is being accompanied back to Lindsays by her longstanding assistant Hilary Sandman who will use her 35-plus years of experience to support the family law team in Dundee as an executive assistant.

The appointments have been welcomed by Alison McKee, a partner and head of family law at Lindsays.

She said: “We have always enjoyed a strong, positive relationship with Lesley, so I am delighted to welcome both her and Hilary back.

“We have a fantastic Family team across Tayside. To add Lesley’s reputation, knowledge and experience to that further strengthens the advice we are able to give people as they consider some of the most significant decisions they are ever likely to make in their lives.

“Our work and client-base in Dundee and throughout the wider region has grown considerably in recent years. This appointment ensures we are well placed to support that growth.”