Marilyn Gilchrist has practised as a general practice lawyer in Ashburton for the last 5 years, prior to that she practised law in Palmerston North for over 7 years. In addition to a Bachelor Of Laws, Marilyn's background tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Eduation and a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood.

In 2008, Marilyn qualified as a Mediator, she now mediates Family Law disputes for the Christchurch, Ashburton, Greymouth and Timaru Family Courts.

Mediation essentially is facilitated discussion between parties, in such a way that resolution of the problem is possible.

"Mediation provides a quick, relatively cost effective solution to resolving legal problems. Virtually any Civil Court or Family Court dispute can be settled out of Court using Mediation."

Marilyn attributes her success as a Mediator to her mediation training through the LEADR organisation, an Australasian Mediation training organisation, that provides ongoing regulation of its training of its Mediators, and continuing education; and her background life skills gained from her tertiary training, which in addition to a Law includes a Bachelor of Education.

Marilyn is also available for private mediations for any sort of dispute.

Marilyn has also in her past worked as a printer and a feature writer for a News Paper.

Such experience in professions outside of law have also stood Marilyn in good stead as her role as Lawyer for Children, and Youth Advocate.

Marilyn makes regular appearances in the Ashburton District Court on Criminal List days, as duty solicitor, instructed Counsel for Defendants, or as Youth Advocate in the Youth Court.