An English Perspective on Mediation Advocacy

The UK website The Lawyer recently published an interesting commentary on mediation advocacy. Written by English barrister/mediator Beverly-Ann Rogers, it discusses the differences between litigation advocacy and mediation advocacy. Ms. Rogers writes,

In mediation the barrister often needs to take off his metaphorical wig and bring some softer skills to bear, empathising with the client’s anger, frustration and desire for revenge, encouraging him to release expectations and mentoring him to move on beyond the dispute. In short, the mediation representative wears many hats: counselor, wise sounding board, silent supporter, protector, negotiator and commercial problem solver as well as legal adviser and advocate.

Worth the read.