Download after purchase. In most mediations, having a lawyer directly participate with you is unnecessary. This is because you are trying to work out a solution to your problem with the other party, not trying to convince a judge or arbitrator of your point of view in a setting that puts a premium on knowing how to take advantage of lots of tricky procedural rules. Usually you will understand the problem and your own needs better than anyone else, including a lawyer. And since mediation rules are few and straightforward, and the entire proceeding is conducted in English, you don't ordinarily need someone with special training to figure out how to do it.
Lawyers can be helpful, however, to consult with before and after the mediation.
If your case involves substantial property or legal rights, you may want to meet with a lawyer before the mediation to discuss the legal consequences of possible settlement terms. You may also want to condition your agreement to a settlement proposal on a lawyer's review afterwards, to be sure it does not impair your legal rights in any way you did not intend. For more on effectively using a lawyer or self-help law coach in mediation, see Chapter 6, Preparing for Your Mediation. Send us feedback . Inc. 30 years of providing quality legal information.