Our Sarah Wyburn was featured on the Jamie Owen & Louise Elliott show on BBC Radio Wales this week.

Sarah appeared on the show to talk about the firm's groundbreaking involvement in Stonewall Cymru's Diversity Champions programme.

Jamie and Louise spoke to Stonewall's Dean Lloyd about the programme. We were the first law firm in Wales to partner with Stonewall, and Sarah was invited to talk about why the firm joined the scheme.

Sarah commented as follows: "We've always been a forward-thinking firm, and we've liked to believe that we're a forward thinking firm, and the nature of our work was changing over the years. 10-11 years ago, when I started working at the practice, you found that it was very much more straightforward divorce, if there is such a thing.

"Increasingly over the years, the issues have become more diverse, and I found myself particularly dealing with a lot more civil partnership cases, issues involving gay and lesbian clients, and it seemed to us that we needed to make that sure we were adopting the right ethos to deal with all of those matters.

"We were always hopeful that we were doing the right things anyway, but it’s led us to constantly think as we’re dealing with staff, as we’re dealing with clients, of all the things that we may need to put in place for each individual person, each individual client.

"It does send out that message that we want to be inclusive, and as far as we are concerned, there is no difference in service, there is no prejudice, we are an equal opportunities practice, and I think just by sending that message out there to the gay community, that says that we want to be involved, it says we want to support them, it says we don’t differentiate.

"So I think from our point of view, it’s about sending that message across the board, to all sectors of society - whether that’s the legal profession, society in general, straight clients, gay clients - there’s no difference as far as we’re concerned.”

Click here to listen to Sarah's appearance on the show via the BBC iPlayer (Sarah appears from 1hr46).

A FAMILY law firm has continued to expand with two more appointments to its Cardiff- based practice.

Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice, which celebrated its 15th anniversary earlier this year, has appointed Ciara Walker as a solicitor and Rebecca Frowen as a paralegal.

Ms Walker, from Belfast, becomes the firm’s 12th qualified solicitor. She originally joined the firm in 2009 as a trainee.

She graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast before completing her legal practice course at Chester’s College of Law.

Senior partner Melanie Hamer said: “Ciara has been with us for two years as a trainee, and the quality of her work has been exceptional.

“I’m delighted that we are able to add such a talented young lawyer to our team.”

Ms Frowen, from Newport, joins the firm as its second full-time paralegal. A graduate of Swansea University and Cardiff Law School, Rebecca has worked for firms in Pontypool and Newport.

Ms Hamer said: “Despite the economic situation, we have continued to grow as a firm, and the huge volume of work we’re now dealing with means we have had to expand our team in order to keep providing the quality of service our clients have come to expect.”

Our Elizabeth Williams was featured on the Jamie Owen & Louise Elliott show on BBC Radio Wales this morning.

Elizabeth, an Associate with the firm, discussed grandparents' rights in the light of the recent recommendations made by the Family Justice Review panel under the chairmanship of David Norgrove.

To listen to the show again, click here.

We are very pleased to announce that Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP has once again been ranked as a top tier firm for family and matrimonial work in Wales by Chambers & Partners for their latest edition, Chambers UK 2012.

The firm is one of only three firms in Wales to be top ranked for family law by the independent survey.

Partners Melanie Hamer and Thea Hughes are also top ranked as "key individuals" in the new edition, which praises the firm as "...one of the largest specialist family teams in Wales... particularly adept in large and complex ancillary relief cases, often involving international dimensions."

The top tier ranking follows our similar grading by the Legal 500 last month.

The Legal Services Act is likely to shake up high-street law firms and may have a deep impact on the way commercial firms operate. We asked some of the leading players in Wales how they plan to respond.

We asked Sarah Wyburn, Partner, Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP:

What will be the effect of the Act on the legal industry in Wales?

"I'd expect an increase in external investment and possibly some household brand names setting up shop, but I don't think it will mean the end of the independent law firm. The real impact will be that investors will be looking for profitable work to ensure a return on their capital, and combined with most legal aid funding being withdrawn for family disputes, it will probably make it much harder for consumers to get legal aid representation. I expect most firms will seriously have to consider giving up legal aid work."

What will your firm's response be?

"Most of our work is private, so the legal aid cuts will not affect us as much as some other firms. Family law is an area where I believe people want a personal, bespoke service from a dedicated specialist. The fact that we specialise in this one particular area of law is a real asset when we're approached by new clients."

We are delighted to announce that Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP has once again been ranked as a top tier firm for family and matrimonial work in Cardiff in the new edition of the Legal 500.

The firm is one of only two firms in Cardiff to achieve the highest ranking from the Legal 500’s independent researchers.

Partners Melanie Hamer and Thea Hughes are included in the elite "Leading lawyers" list, the Legal 500’s guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide, while Rhian Howells, David James, Sarah Wyburn and Dianne Evans are all recommended for the quality of their work.

The top ranking comes as we celebrate our 15th year in business, and further confirms us as Wales’ top specialist family law firm.

ALL these woman are different shapes and sizes, but there is one thing they have in common - they are all or have been cancer patients.

And the incredible ladies, who are about to become models by taking to the catwalk in Breast Cancer Care's fashion show, have each shared their story with Jessica Flynn. Despite their different backgrounds, they all support one cause.

They have all battled breast cancer and are raring to get up on the catwalk at the show in Cardiff's City Hall on March 24 2012 and prove to the world how far they have come.

Samantha Roberts, 36, from Pontypridd, Legal PA with Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice

Despite having painful cramps in her breast, it was two years before Samantha was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Although doctors had told her that the pains were hormonal, Samantha didn't feel right in herself and became lethargic. After undergoing a biopsy and mammogram she was finally diagnosed a month before Christmas in 2008.

After an operation to remove the lump Samantha had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

"I'm always looking on Breast Cancer Care's website and I saw the fashion show on there and thought I would see if I could get through," said Samantha.

"This has been nice to meet other people of a similar age. I'm a really girly girl and like accessories, so I'm looking forward to the fashion show."

CARDIFF-BASED Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice has become the first law firm in Wales to join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme which promotes good practice for employers.

The programme, run by the gay equality charity, promotes a good working environment for all employees and helps ensure equal treatment for those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

The firm joins businesses as diverse as Google UK, Sport Wales and Lloyds Banking Group on the programme, which has over 600 members.

Firm partner Sarah Wyburn said: “We are delighted to be the first law firm in Wales to join the Diversity Champions programme. By joining, we’re sending out a powerful message to potential lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and clients.

“We were one of the first firms in Wales to provide a specialist service for clients in civil partnerships and same-sex relationships, and are delighted to be working with Stonewall on this exciting project.”

Andrew White, Stonewall Cymru director said: “In joining the Diversity Champions programme Wendy Hopkins Family Law has recognised that people perform better when they can be themselves.

“Our members are forward thinking 21st century employers who want to recruit, recognise, and support the very best. Good employers understand that providing support for all their staff improves their operational effectiveness."

AROUND two thirds of divorces in Wales are being put on hold due to the tough financial climate, according to a survey.

A leading accountancy firm said that couples were delaying their split because it was difficult to selling assets in the current economic climate.

Family lawyers said their experience bore this out with many separating couples being forced to live together in the matrimonial home.

The statistics from accountancy and business advice firm Grant Thornton showed that couples in Wales were also more likely to reach a financial settlement with their partner instead of going through the courts, 73% to 63% in the rest of the UK.

Geoff Mesher, head of forensic and investigation services at Grant Thornton chartered accountants in Wales, said: “Whilst the economy has officially been out of recession for over a year, there are still clear indicators that financial concerns are one of the driving factors in both the timing of divorces and the settlements that have been awarded. With cuts in public spending and the economy continuing to falter, it would be unsurprising to see a continuation of this trend as asset values and income levels remain unpredictable.”

A Cardiff-based family law practice said while a sluggish housing market may be forcing separating couples to stay together in the matrimonial home, their client numbers suggested the number of divorce proceedings had actually increased.

David James, a partner with Cardiff-based Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice, said: “If anything it seems like our new client numbers seem to reflect an increase.

“Then again we are a city centre practice in the capital city of Wales, it may be outside a different scenario.”

The number of new clients at the practice had increased by 20% until the end of the financial year in April 2011, he said.

However current economic constraints including strict mortgage lending criteria could persuade separated couples to postpone a divorce, he said.

“Some couples looking to separate may be forced to stay together in the matrimonial home owing to the lack of movement in the housing market.”

Mr James added: “There is a general view that there is a strong link between the property market and divorce rates.

“The typical assets that need to be divided during divorce will, in a difficult economic climate, be less valuable such as a lower level of equity within the matrimonial home.

“It is also apparent that prior to any economic downturn, certain spouses of wealthy individuals may look to separate and pursue divorce proceedings so that they can maximise the amount that they receive whilst assets are at their highest.”

The Grant Thornton report found less evidence of concealing assets in Wales, as opposed to a growing trend elsewhere.

The latest national figures from the Office for National Statistics show the divorce rate in 2009 at its lowest level since 1977, with 10.5 people getting divorced per 1,000 of those married.

The divorce rate has been falling year on year since it reached a high in 2003.

The survey also uncovered a shift in the reasons for divorce.

For the past seven years of the survey, extra-marital affairs have been the top reason cited for couples divorcing, although this year it has fallen to its lowest level of 25%, and has been overtaken by people who cited that they had simply grown apart or fallen out of love, at 27%.

Mr Mesher said: “One potential influence could be the rise in the number of celebrities putting up with alleged affairs in their marriage or relationship, with Abbey Clancy staying with Peter Crouch, and Cheryl Cole looking all set to go back to Ashley.

“Whatever the cause, it is interesting to note that more relationships than ever, affected by infidelity, could be surviving.”

A FAMILY law firm has marked the completion of 15 years in business by posting a record annual turnover of almost £2m.

Since being launched in the summer of 1996, Cardiff-based Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice has looked after more than 7,000 clients and seen staff numbers increase to more than 30.

Now one of the most successful family law practices in the UK, it covers all aspects of family law, including divorce and separation, children matters, finances, pre-marital agreements, civil partnerships, domestic violence and services for the elderly – all from its offices in Windsor Place.

Since formation joint senior partners Melanie Hamer and Thea Hughes, who previously worked at Eversheds, have been joined by fellow partners Rhian Howells, David James and Sarah Wyburn. More than a dozen other solicitors are also part of the firm.

Ms Hamer said that while the increase in turnover from £220,000 in the first year to almost £2m last year was a recognised way of demonstrating growth, the real test of the firm’s success had been the number of individuals, couples and families who had turned to the firm for support in what were often difficult times.

She said: “Turnover is a measure but was never going to be the most important for us. We wanted to offer a skilled and able service, the resulting increase in the business has been based solely on our original values.

“I never believed when we started all those years ago that the business would grow to such an extent.

“Indeed, we never really had any grand plans – we just wanted to do our job well. By staying true to that guiding principle and recruiting the right people, the firm has grown very naturally over these 15 years.”

Highlights have included the success of individuals within the practice, including Sarah Wyburn who joined the firm as a trainee in 2000 and is the most recent partner.

The firm acts for clients based across the UK and all over the world, and has developed a particular reputation acting for a number of celebrity and sporting clients.

Ms Hamer said: “Above all, we firmly believe the growth of Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice is based solely on the service it provides. We are committed to Resolution’s code of Practice and this includes dealing with matters in a non-adversarial way wherever possible.

“We take real pride in that commitment, and we hope that will stand us in good stead as we look to the next 15 years.”

It’s just been announced that the next series will be the Desperate Housewives’ last hurrah. So, asks WM, will you be tuning in for the final farewell? NO, saysa Sophie Jardine, 28, solicitor at Wendy Hopkins Family Law, from Cardiff

“Where do I start with pinpointing how ridiculous this once watchable show has become?

There have been so many laughable, turn off the TV moments, that I no longer recognise my once favourite thing on the box.

I think the real jump the shark moment was the plane crash – into a barbecue!

I’d been following the affair storyline that led up to it patiently and looking forward to what would happen when the couple were found out, only for one of them to die instead. End of the intrigue.

Every single person on this show has had numerous traumas so that plotlines we all once managed to identify with disappeared as quickly as talk of Gabrielle’s baby.

Eva Longoria’s character had her baby switched at birth, and she was so distraught she took solace in a china doll.

Then weeks later and no-one’s even talking about it anymore, as the cast has moved on to some either meaningless plot.

What I began to hate was the way genuinely good storylines were roughshod over by some aimless distraction in a bid for ratings.

The pleasure of watching a story unfold went in favour of these silly little dramas, and murders so frequent we stopped noticing.

It also bugged me how they kept up with the voice of Mary Alice.

Viewers will know she was the never-seen housewife who had killed herself and kept a secret – she served as a narrator from the very first episode, tying up moral lessons of the friends she watched over at the end of every episode.

Yet when her secret came out, and nobody was talking about her anymore, her voice remained! Absurd.

The first three series were great, then there was a break and when it came back it was like a totally different show.

Everything was exaggerated, and then came that plane crash.

As if there wasn’t enough drama on screen, it was going on behind the scenes too.

Nicolette Sheridan’s high-profile lawsuit against the show’s creator told me enough was enough – the whole thing was past its sell-by-date.

So it’s no surprise to me that the next series will be the last.

Everything bugs me about the show now, from the pointless inclusion of Ugly Betty’s Vanessa Williams, to the fact it’s lost its mystery.

What kept me interested was that one secret which would be revealed so tantalisingly at the end of a series – now that’s gone it’s lost its focus. It really has become desperate and it’s lost a fan in me.”

The relationship has ended, you’re both angry and hurt. How can you split up in the best possible way? Abbie Wightwick asks the experts

This year alone 10 in every thousand marriages in England and Wales will end in divorce and many more cohabiting couples will separate.

When the worst happens in a relationship some people decide there’s no alternative to splitting up.

But, if the worst comes to the worse, breaking up can still be managed in a civilised fashion.

Experts say couples should seek help and advice before making any final, life changing decisions.

Lawyers, Relate, counsellors and others offer guidance on dividing assets and child care.

Ending a relationship doesn’t mean you have to have an acrimonious divorce involving lengthy, costly court cases.

New moves by courts and lawyers to encourage couples to seek mediation rather than battle it out, have made things better for couples and their children.

Splitting couples must always seek legal help to know their rights, says Thea Hughes, partner at Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice in Cardiff.

This doesn’t mean they have to battle in court, says Hughes, who is chair of Collaborative Lawyers in Wales, an organisation which helps divorcing couples avoid court through a new non-confrontational legal process.

“People have in their mind the traditional court route which can be extremely acrimonious and costly and just push people further apart,” she warns.

“It’s always a good idea to look at other options.

“There is a push for couples to consider other options. The Collaborative Process, where you don’t go to court to sort things out but where couples work out themselves what is best for them, is one route.

In the Collaborative Process you’re linking with your former partner and solicitors but you won’t go to court, you sit around the table to sort out difficulties.

“It means the individuals have more control and things don’t spiral out of control.”

Hughes suggests couples contact Resolution, a national organisation of lawyers who deal with family issues without taking them to court.

“I would love to see less divorce through the courts and more through the collaborative route,” Hughes says.

“In the collaborative route we put the paperwork into court but you’re not using the court in an adversarial way.

“The courts now expect people who are issuing proceedings to have thought about mediation and if not why not?”

Couples should seek advice early on, she advises. Once one partner has moved out it may be hard to pick up the pieces, Hughes, who has dealt with hundreds of divorces and separations, warns.

“People still need advice from a lawyer about their rights. It’s always important to get legal advice because there’s an awful lot to the law that people won’t know.

“For instance, people are convinced there are Common Law rights. There are not. You are looking at the law of trust when looking at these cases.”

WENDY HOPKINS Family Law Practice has continued its expansion with the appointment of Elizabeth Williams as associate.

Cardiff-born Ms Williams joined the firm in 2005 as a trainee solicitor, having graduated from the University of Exeter. She qualified as a solicitor two years later.

She specialises in all areas of family law. Ms Williams is also a member of Resolution, the organisation for family lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of disputes, while away from the law she acts as an ambassador for Cardiff & Co, the body charged with promoting the Welsh capital around the globe.

She said: “Since graduating and starting work as a family solicitor, my priority has been to learn as much as possible and to specialise in an area which I find extremely challenging, but also hugely rewarding.”

Melanie Hamer, who co-founded the five-partner firm in 1996, said: “Elizabeth has become an important part of our team at Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice.

“Her promotion to associate is suitable reward for her hard work and development as a leading solicitor in what is an increasingly complex area of law.”

The promotion comes on the back of the firm’s most successful year to date, with solicitors at the practice seeing record numbers of new clients.

Ms Hamer said: “For us to continue to expand at this rate despite the difficult economic climate is testament to the high quality of service that Elizabeth, and all the other members of our team, are able to provide to our clients.”

Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice was founded with just three solicitors in 1996 as the first law firm in Wales devoted entirely to family law.

It now has 15 female lawyers and one male lawyer, enabling it to give both a female and male perspective to its divorce clients.

Introducing…

Rhian Howells, Partner, Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP. The company joined Arts & Business Cymru in 2008

What arts event did you last attend?

The CultureStep Reception at the National Museum in Cardiff. An amazing venue for this sort of event, set amongst some national treasures. I stood next to Renoir’s “La Parisienne” – the famous “Blue Lady” painting.

Why does your company work with the arts?

The staff here are very interested in the arts – out of all the networking events our lawyers and support staff attend, the best ones are always the events where we get to meet representatives from all the different strands of the arts. It’s an opportunity to make connections you wouldn’t otherwise be able to make, and it helps broaden our horizons.

How does Arts & Business help you do this?

By staging well-organised networking events that help us make these new connections. Through Arts & Business Cymru, we’ve been put in touch with so many really interesting people, and it’s been fascinating getting a flavour of what they do (and giving them a better understanding of what we do). The events at the Senedd are always very popular with our solicitors.

What unexpected benefits has working with the arts brought you?

I try to get as involved as I can with supporting the arts. As part of the Arts & Business Cymru Board Bank scheme, I have been appointed to the board of Welsh Sinfonia, a Cardiff-based professional chamber orchestra conducted by Mark Eager and led by Robin Stowell. The commitment, drive and enthusiasm of both the performers and the board never ceases to inspire me. My involvement with the arts has given me the opportunity to see things from a very different perspective to that of the corporate world.

It’s a must-watch show but how well does it portray the business world? And why aren’t there any Welsh contestants again? Sue Balsom, Melanie Hamer and Alexandra Marr start the debate on what we really think of The Apprentice.

Melanie Hamer, of Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP, said: "I am thrilled to hear that the Apprentice is starting again.

"I hardly watch any TV these days (due to the time constraints of running my own business and raising my family).

"The Apprentice is one programme which I avidly watch every year and thanks to the Sky planner I can ensure that I never miss an episode.

"I find the programme very gripping – although some of the candidates are extremely annoying.

"I always have great fun as an employer watching it to try and work out which candidate I would employ. In the past series, I have had quite a good success rate at spotting the winner/runner up.

"I always tend to concentrate on the candidates who I like and who I think would fit into my office and of course who have common sense.

"I am always amazed at how irritating some of the candidates are and how some of them are so lacking in basic common sense.

"It is very easy however when you sit in your armchair at home to criticise their business decisions. I imagine with the cameras rolling and the pressure of the competition, things are not quite as easy as they seem. Although I would like to think that I have common sense and make good business decisions, I would never in a million years go on a programme such as The Apprentice as I would be concerned that the pressure of tv/careful editing may not show me in the best light!

"I think some of the tasks the candidates are given are not your typical business tasks although I believe a lot of these tasks are designed to show which candidates have flair, initiative and common sense and which do not.

"As a patriotic Welsh businesswoman I would like to see more Welsh candidates on the programme flying the flag for Wales."

CARDIFF Business Club has appointed four new directors, as the organisation nears its centenary year.

The club, which has just completed its latest season, in which speakers included the Archbishop of Canterbury and Sir Stuart Rose, former chairman of M&S, has appointed new members from the fields of accountancy, law and executive search.

The four new directors are law firm partner Melanie Hamer, accountancy practice director Peter Umbleja, executive search firm regional managing partner Jemma Terry and David Lermon, Wales director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Chairman of the club Mr Gerald Davies said:“The club continues to thrive and play a very important role in the South Wales business community; I am certain our four new directors will make a significant contribution to our ongoing success.

“With Melanie and Jemma on the board it’s good that we’re increasing the numbers of our female directors and we believe that our new directors will help us appeal to a wider group of new members as well as our existing members.”

Ms Hamer is a senior partner and co-founder of niche family law firm Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice which was established in 1996.

Jemma Terry is managing partner, Wales Practice for Odgers Berndtson Executive Search covering all functions within the private and public sectors and is based in Cardiff. She was born and raised in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Umbleja is a director of BPU Chartered Accountants, with more than 20 years experience at partner level in the provision of accounting services to a significant variety of SME clients.

Mr Lermon qualified as chartered accountant with the predecessor firm to KPMG in Cardiff. From 1976 to 1993 he worked as finance director and managing director of businesses in construction and financial services sectors. From 1993 to 2001 he was a consultant in the financial services industry.

Separating parents should be required to ensure grandparents continue to have a role in the lives of their children after they split up, a report said yesterday.

The proposal is part of a raft of measures designed to ensure youngsters suffer as little as possible during bitter divorce battles.

It forms part of a government-commissioned review on family justice by former civil servant David Norgrove, who recommends courts draw up new contract agreements for the benefit of parents and children.

The report, which consulted a selection of bodies, states: "The panel recognises the importance that grandparents play in children's lives, and that this is a relationship that is often highly valued by both children and other family members.

"The importance of this continuing after parents have separated came through strongly in the call for evidence."

It has suggested building access rights for grandparents into Parenting Agreements, a key area of the proposals.

Under current legislation, grandparents have no rights of contact with grandchildren when their own children divorce.

A government spokesman said: "The panel's interim findings provide a valuable initial assessment of the challenges which the family justice system faces and makes recommendations including ensuring that the interests of children remain paramount, better services for families who are separating, and recognition for the important role grandparents can play in supporting children."

Significant numbers of grandparents in Wales report difficulties trying to maintain contact with their grandchildren following family breakdown, a new report from Children in Wales revealed yesterday.

David James, a partner at Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice, said he often sees paternal grandparents applying through the courts for contact with their grandchildren, which can be used as a means to try and support and enhance any existing contact between the father and the child when the mother has residence and the child is living with her.

Additionally maternal grandparents may apply for contact, following a dispute with their daughter which prevented them from seeing their grandchildren.

Mr James said: "This is clearly a difficult step to take and you anticipate it must be highly emotive for the parties themselves to be in the same courtroom. We do deal with issues of this nature on a frequent basis, and the difficulties may arise for any number of reasons where there has been a fallout between family members.

"Objectively it is perceived as being a very harsh step to take to exclude the grandparents."

Currently, grandparents must apply for leave, or permission, from the court before they can make an application for contact as there is no automatic entitlement.

The Children in Wales report, "If It Wasn't For You Gran: A Survey of Grandparents in Wales", also highlighted the barriers for grandparents who had become full-time or kinship carers, such as the struggle to access essential information regarding legal matters or benefits, and the lack of sufficient or consistent support.

Lynne Hill, policy director at Children in Wales, said: "Children in Wales spoke to grandparents who are kinship carers and caring for their grandchildren full-time. They told us how lonely and exhausting it can be. All the grandparents had found having their grandchildren to stay with them resulted in financial hardship as most were retired or had been forced to give up their job."

Ruth Marks, Older People's Commissioner for Wales, said: "Grandparents have a huge role in families, either involved for holidays, treats or taking full responsibility for bringing up the grandchildren. When contact and access is denied, this causes real disruption and upset - no-one wins.

"I urge everyone to recognise and acknowledge the contribution grandparents make, and want to continue making, to families and communities across Wales."

Partner Melanie Hamer has been named as one of the 30 most stylish businesswomen in Wales.

The feature by Business in Wales magazine saw editor Ceri Gould selecting her thirty best-dressed Welsh businesswomen, based on "what works for them - what suits their personality, their sector, and delivers a professional look whatever the occasion."

Ceri praised Melanie for her choices of "sharp striped suits and discreet jewellery".

"First impressions count more in business than almost every other arena, and yet what to wear to work is a permanent headache for most women," said Ceri.

"It’s always worth looking at those who get it right – which is what our list here is all about."

Today is International Women's Day, now its 100th year, so WM asked three Welsh women to pay tribute to the remarkable females who have had a huge impact on them. Here Melanie Hamer, divorce lawyer at Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice in Cardiff, chooses Baroness Brenda Hale:

She has always been a leading light for women, she holds the highest judicial position in the land and I've always looked up to her throughout my career.

The woman who inspires me is Brenda Hale, better known as Baroness Hale of Richmond, the only female judge in the Supreme Court.

As the first woman ever to be appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court, Lady Hale has climbed to the very top of the tree in the legal profession and has more than proved herself in what was always traditionally a male-dominated environment.

Baroness Hale is living proof that a woman can succeed, rising to the very top based purely on merit.

When I qualified as a solicitor in 1989, there had never been a female judge at the highest level, and I've watched as she rose through the ranks of the judiciary to become one of the first nine judges appointed to the Supreme Court, breaking every glass ceiling on the way up.

She has more than justified her appointment, and she's never afraid to disagree with her male colleagues - her recent dissenting opinion in the landmark case of Radmacher (a case which dealt with pre-marital agreements) is an excellent example of this. I find her a true inspiration, and I'm sure a lot of other women in the legal profession feel the same way.

She made me realise that gender is no bar to achieving what you want.

She's eloquent and humorous, and always comes across as someone for all professional women to aspire to.

I'm so used to presenting my own cases in court quoting her words, from her published judgements.

I was lucky enough to meet her in person a few years ago, when she was delivering a lecture in Bristol and hearing about her work was amazing.

The stories she told about some of the cases she'd worked on in the House of Lords were absolutely gripping.

Hearing her talk about cases where, for example, the families of British servicemen killed in action were suing the Government, everyone in the room was hanging on her every word.

But however good her lecture was, having the opportunity to meet with her before and afterwards was the true highlight, and it was so interesting to finally be able to talk face-to-face to a woman who had been an inspiration to me for so many years.

What struck me the most was how "normal" and down to earth she was. I had expected her to be 10 feet tall - but of course she wasn't.

I also noticed that, despite her seniority, she had her handbag on her arm and talked about her children - just like the rest of us.

While I was studying law at Aberystwyth University, Lady Hale was the first woman, and youngest person ever, to be appointed to the Law Commission, meaning she was at the cutting edge of many important developments in family law, which ended up becoming my chosen field.

She was also a key judge in the case of Miller and McFarlane in 2006, a very important case in family law, and knowing a woman played such an important role was very inspiring.

I wish there were more women like her.

Her role with the Supreme Court, and the impact she's had, is proof that women can bring a different approach.

It's great to see a woman at the very top of their profession, and I believe that the more women there are at the top, the more women will be encouraged to follow in their footsteps, and to realise that they can achieve anything they want.

The wrong kind can halt trains, while the standard variety decimates the sporting calendar and leaves us trapped at home unable to negotiate treacherous roads littered with abandoned cars and jack-knifed HGVs.

But now it seems cars and lorries are not the only things that break down in heavy snow.

Marriages do too - apparently.

Welsh lawyers are claiming the icy blast that kept couples indoors for days at a time in December proved too much for many.

Divorce lawyers say they saw a threefold increase in the number of clients in January that was, at least in part, brought on by the coldest December on record with an average temperature of -1°C.

Solicitor Melanie Hamer said January is traditionally a busy month for divorce lawyers as couples split and look to make a fresh start in the new year.

But she said January was the busiest month since her Cardiff-based firm Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice was set up in 1996.

She said: "It was incredibly high [the number of clients coming through the doors in January].

"Partly it was the snow in December which meant people couldn't get out of the house to go and see the solicitor.

"But also when people are cooped up over the holiday period of a week or so they get fed up of being stuck around one another and January is often a busy time anyway.

"But I think that period of being cooped up together and getting cabin fever for a week has been stretched to more like two weeks in December. The numbers we had in January were nearly three times the numbers we had in December."

The firm saw about 50 new clients in December, compared with 160 in January for "predominantly divorce" cases, says Ms Hamer.

Its website had 1,200 hits in January compared with 700 in December.

Reports dubbed January 10 "divorce day" as lawyers saw their traditional post-Christmas rush in new clients.

Among the theories is that when couples spend extended periods in each other's company they realise how little they have in common.

Relate Cymru manager Christine Jones said it's possible that, for many couples, being kept indoors together because of the snow was the final straw.

She said: "There's an increase over Christmas because people are at home more and I suppose the weather could impact on that as well.

"It could be [due to the weather] because sometimes when people spend increasing time together alone it can affect the relationship.

"We always send tips out on how to survive Christmas because a lot of the family dynamics come to the fore."

Although snow may have pushed up the divorce rate, the Government is hoping that simply saving money may soon drive it down again.

Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly announced last week that couples will be forced to consider mediation to resolve any disputes before resorting to the courts under a shake-up of the divorce system.

He said people are often too willing to hand over their personal problems for the state to solve and said mediation was "a quicker, cheaper and more amicable alternative."

All separating couples will have to consider mediation first before turning to the courts to settle disputes from April 6 under a new agreement between judges and the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Djanogly said: "Mediation is a quicker, cheaper and more amicable alternative, particularly where children are concerned.

"Nearly every time I ask someone if their stressful divorce battle through the courts was worth it, their answer is no.

"Mediation already helps thousands of legally-aided people across England and Wales every year, but I am concerned those funding their own court actions are missing out on the benefits it can bring.

"Now everyone will have the opportunity to see if it could be a better solution than going straight to court."

Partner David James was featured on BBC Radio Wales' Good Morning Wales show this morning (23rd February).

Whilst on the show, David and hosts Bethan Rhys Roberts and Oliver Hides discussed the coalition government's new proposals to reduce strain on the family courts by introducing compulsory mediation awareness for divorcing couples.

To listen to the show (UK listeners only), please click here (David is featured at 1:35).

Business in Wales have launched their new guide to the best networkers in Wales, and we are delighted to note that our Melanie Hamer is named as one of the country's top networkers.

The list, which includes just over 50 people, is described as "the people we've rated as the most efficient networkers patrolling the business functions across Wales. They've earned their place here as a result of the way they mix face time at corporate events with online links with a not inconsiderable dash of charisma - oh, and bulging contacts books, of course!"

To browse the A-Z list, click here to access the Business in Wales website.

Together with the two other co-founders of the South Wales Ladies Business Club, Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP Partner Melanie Hamer organised the Club's 4th annual Charity Ball on 28th January 2011.

This year's event, which was hosted at the Mercure Holland House Hotel and had a Hollywood theme, raised over five and a half thousand pounds for Velindre Cancer Centre.

This story was also featured in the Western Mail on 25th January 2011

WENDY Hopkins Family Law Practice has appointed solicitor Sarah Wyburn as its fifth partner.

Her Cardiff-based partnership is part of further expansion which has also seen the firm appoint a new associate, recruit a new assistant solicitor and take on its first full-time paralegal.

Ms Wyburn, who worked for the firm between 2000 and 2006, returned in 2009 after time with a practice in Cowbridge.

Experienced across all areas of family law, including civil partnerships, she has also established a particular reputation for successfully handling high net worth cases, often involving complex financial issues.

Lorraine Watts, who joined in 2005, has been appointed associate. In particular, she has gained a reputation as one of Wales’ leading practitioners in the field of pre-marital agreements.

Newly qualified solicitor Sophie Jardine has been hired after completing her training with the firm over the past two years, while Katie Costin has been recruited as the firm’s first full-time paralegal.

Partner Melanie Hamer, who co-founded the firm in 1996, said: “Sarah and Lorraine have been an important part of our team for several years. These promotions are reward for their hard work, but particularly for their development as leading solicitors in what is an increasingly complex area of law.”

Our Lorraine Watts was featured on BBC Radio Wales' Good Morning Wales show on 13th January.

Whilst on the show, Lorraine and hosts Bethan Rhys Roberts, Oliver Hides and Felicity Evans discussed the Government's proposals for reform of the child maintenance system and the possibility of compulsory mediation for divorcing couples.

To listen to the show (UK listeners only), please click here (Lorraine is featured at 1:32).