Two specialists will head the team: Alison Edmondson and Robert Gilmour, who have joined Shepherd and Wedderburn as partners and will be supported by five other lawyers who join with them.

Ms Edmondson specialises in financial issues arising from separation and divorce, with particular expertise in matters involving owner-managed businesses, farming, executive remuneration, pensions, trusts and the protection of inherited wealth. She is recognised for her expertise in advising on complex financial cases and novel family law issues.

Mr Gilmour advises on the full spectrum of family law matters and has established a prominent Scottish practice in assisted reproduction and surrogacy. He is an experienced litigator, mediator and family law arbitrator and regularly advises on complex financial and child law disputes.

Andrew Hall, managing partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Alison, Robert and their team to Shepherd and Wedderburn.

“Alison and Robert are recognised leaders in their field and bring an exceptional combination of expertise, experience and reputation. Their arrival enables us to establish a first-class family law offering, and further strengthens the breadth of services we provide to our clients.

“Family law is a natural complement to many of the services we already deliver across the firm. The addition of this capability enhances our ability to provide joined-up advice whenever required.”

Ms Edmondson added: “We are delighted to be joining Shepherd and Wedderburn. We are particularly pleased to be joining with our colleagues, bringing a strong team with a shared commitment to our clients. We all look forward to working with our new colleagues across a wide range of complementary specialisms to deliver the best possible advice for Shepherd and Wedderburn’s clients.”

Mr Gilmour commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to build on the reputation and expertise we have developed over many years within a firm that shares our commitment to exceptional client service. We look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the business where clients’ family law needs overlap with their personal, property and commercial interests.”