Karen Wylie joined the firm as a senior associate in January and is the latest family lawyer to become an accredited mediator.

She said: “Mediating a solution can provide more certainty than going into court. Of course, in the situation of a highly distressing issue such as domestic abuse, there is often no other option than going straight into litigation.”

“Slowly attitudes towards alternative dispute resolution and mediation are changing. This way of resolving disputes should not be ‘alternative’ but should be an integrated part of the dispute resolution process. The more amicable a divorce settlement can be, the better for everyone, particularly children.”

She added: “The training provided by CALM Scotland has provided me with a great foundation. I am keen to facilitate as many mediations as I can. Every mediation a mediator takes part in informs their practice, as every session is situational and there is always something to learn.”