Lawyers' participation in mediation and professional ethical disposition

The ways that lawyers approach mediation vary considerably and there is value in contemplating potential explanations for the adoption of particular participatory roles. This article considers how ethical orientation to legal practice might correlate with the nature of lawyers' participation in mediation, using three of Rundle's models of lawyer participation in mediation. Role choices by lawyers who approach legal practice through the professional ethical lenses described by Parker and Evans are hypothesised, uncovering a range of potential explanations for and motivations behind lawyers' behaviour in mediation. The discussion provides an opportunity for critical self-reflection by legal practitioners and better interprofessional understanding between lawyers and mediators.