Should one really desire to have a lawyer beside him to help in mediation, select one who truly supports the process. Many attorneys, unfortunately, particularly like their roles as advocates and might impede the discovery and attainment of a compromise solution.
A lawyer's direct participation is not necessary in most mediation proceedings. The people involved are trying to work together to resolve their issues and come up with an agreement; therefore, they are less likely to need an advocate to convince the judge or arbitrator of their viewpoint. These people can usually handle the process by themselves with less trouble because mediate on rules are few and uncomplicated.
Participants, however, may want to consult with an attorney before the mediation to talk about the legal consequences of probable settlement terms especially in cases involving sizeable property or legal rights. Likewise, at the end of the mediation when concurrence is reached, the parties involved may want to stipulate getting a lawyer's approval in the written agreement.
Stress the purpose in the very beginning of one's consultation that you would like an attorney who can handle and is aware of mediation. He (or she) may help you in legal advice and plan it but you do not really assume his occurrence in the actual sessions. Also, he or she must be accessible to examine any noted settlement papers prior to signing it.