Leading law firm Harper Macleod has bolstered its family law team with the recruitment of Partner Karen Gibbons, who will be based in the firm’s Edinburgh office at Citypoint, Haymarket.

Gibbons, accredited as a family law specialist by the Law Society of Scotland and former Chair of the Family Law Association of Scotland, was previously with Balfour & Manson LLP. She is dual-qualified in Scots and English law and is also accredited as a Family Law Mediator. She is also trained in Collaborative Practice.

She is the latest addition to the firm’s 20-strong Partner group in Edinburgh and also becomes the fourth partner, alongside Amanda Masson, Jenny Smith and Alexis Miller, in Harper Macleod’s 10-strong family team.

Martin Darroch, Chief Executive of Harper Macleod, said: “We are delighted that Karen has chosen to join what is already one of the strongest family law teams in the country. She is very well known and highly regarded in the sector and possesses exactly the type of drive and talent we look for in our people.

“The provision of personal legal services, including family law advice, is a major part of our business and Karen’s combination of experience and specialist knowledge complements our existing team in Edinburgh, as well as those based in Glasgow, Inverness and Lerwick. I’m sure she will be a great success and a welcome addition for our clients.”

Gibbons has extensive experience in all aspects of family law, including pre-nuptial, pre-cohabitation, separation agreements, divorce and child related matters, including child abduction.

She said: “Harper Macleod’s success and growth has been consistently impressive. What makes the firm stand out is not only its presence throughout Scotland and reputation for excellence, but also its progressive approach and energy for doing things differently. I am delighted to be joining such an innovative and vibrant firm.

“The family law team has a reputation for providing the highest levels of client service. I look forward to working with my colleagues to expand the firm’s family law presence in Edinburgh.”

The firm has also this week added two new solicitors to its Inverness office. Newly qualified solicitor Angela Gray will work with Partner Calum MacLeod who specialises in rural, energy and crofting work while Elizabeth Wilson will join the residential conveyancing team.