In nonadjudicative proceedings, a lawyer must clarify their role as what type of representative?

In nonadjudicative proceedings, a lawyer must clarify their role as a client representative to ensure that all parties involved understand the lawyer's responsibilities and the nature of the representation. This clarity is crucial because nonadjudicative settings, such as mediations or negotiations, often involve collaborative discussions where the lawyer serves to advocate for their client’s interests while also facilitating communication. By identifying as a client representative, the lawyer maintains the fidelity to their client's goals, ensuring that the client’s voice is effectively communicated during the proceedings.

In these scenarios, the lawyer must balance advocacy with the need for transparency about their role so that opposing parties and neutral facilitators know that the lawyer's primary duty is to their client. Clarification helps to manage expectations about the lawyer's involvement and reduces potential misunderstandings about the lawyer's purpose in these settings.