A bipolar forceps, comprising: an end effector assembly (601,700) having opposing first and second jaw members (610,620,710,720) having proximal and distal ends and selectively moveable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, wherein the jaw members are connected at their respective proximal ends (611a,621a,711a,721a) by a pivot (630,730) so that the jaw members pivot between the first and second positions, each of the jaw members including an electrode (612,622,712,722) having an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface (614,624,714,724) adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting energy to tissue disposed therebetween, wherein the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces oppose one another for grasping tissue therebetween and cooperate to seal tissue held therebetween upon application of electrosurgical energy, characterized in that the distal end (613b,623b,713b,723b) of at least one of the electrodes is hingedly connected via a resilient member (672,692,772,792) to the distal end of a respective jaw member whereby the electrode is tiltable relative to the jaw member from an initial position to a tilted position to promote parallel closure of the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces against tissue disposed between the jaw members, and wherein said parallel closure results in a tissue thickness between the electrodes that is uniform along the length of the sealing surfaces. an end effector assembly (601,700) having opposing first and second jaw members (610,620,710,720) having proximal and distal ends and selectively moveable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, wherein the jaw members are connected at their respective proximal ends (611a,621a,711a,721a) by a pivot (630,730) so that the jaw members pivot between the first and second positions, each of the jaw members including an electrode (612,622,712,722) having an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface (614,624,714,724) adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces are capable of conducting energy to tissue disposed therebetween, wherein the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces oppose one another for grasping tissue therebetween and cooperate to seal tissue held therebetween upon application of electrosurgical energy, characterized in that the distal end (613b,623b,713b,723b) of at least one of the electrodes is hingedly connected via a resilient member (672,692,772,792) to the distal end of a respective jaw member whereby the electrode is tiltable relative to the jaw member from an initial position to a tilted position to promote parallel closure of the electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces against tissue disposed between the jaw members, and wherein said parallel closure results in a tissue thickness between the electrodes that is uniform along the length of the sealing surfaces.