The listed entity has recently acquired former Brisbane-based federal magistrate Keith Wilson QC, who served on the bench from 2006-10 and is a nationally accredited mediator who received his mediation course at Harvard University.

The firm has also hired accredited mediators Catherine Joseph, Mikadie Joyce-Bates, and barrister Darren Mort, who has been practising family law at the bar for more than three decades.

The appointees will work with AFL’s new arbitration and mediation service, which launched in August.

“With the merger of the Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFCOA) in September, more than 7,000 cases were taken off court waiting lists and pushed back into mediation and arbitration. This prompted the establishment of the Faculty of Arbitration and Mediation, or FAM, to provide an option for family law cases to be heard independently by experienced arbitrators and mediators,” the firm said in a statement.

FAM head Justin Dowd added: “The merger of the two courts has put into sharp focus the delay, cost and worry that litigants who have been waiting, sometimes for years, have experienced. These cases need a much quicker, cost-effective and certain outcome.

“This is where we see FAM will come to the fore. We have a growing team of certified, accredited mediators and arbitrators who will specifically focus on alternative dispute resolutions.” 

Mr Dowd went on: “The calibre of the team joining the FAM network means families using the service can access some of the most experienced legal minds in the country. Our arbitrators and mediators, who include a former federal magistrate, have recent, relevant expertise that provides a deep understanding of the current legal frameworks and an innovative approach to unlock family law problems.

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“We would encourage family lawyers to consider using independent arbitration and mediation options as a quick and cost-effective alternative to court time. This will be a game-changer for Australians wanting fast resolution to their relationship disputes.”