What role does a lawyer serve when assisting two or more persons who are not clients to resolve a dispute?

When a lawyer assists two or more persons who are not clients to resolve a dispute, the role they assume is that of a neutral third party. In this capacity, the lawyer helps facilitate discussions and mediate the situation without taking side or advocating for any one person. This approach aligns with the principles of mediation and conflict resolution, where the goal is to help the parties arrive at a mutually acceptable solution while maintaining objectivity and impartiality.

In this scenario, the lawyer’s duty is to ensure that the process is fair and that all parties have an equal opportunity to express their views. The neutral third-party role is essential in keeping the dialogue constructive and focused on reaching a resolution. It's important for lawyers in this role to clarify to the parties that they are not representing any of them but rather guiding them through the process.

The other options do not fit this context. Holding the role of an advocate implies that the lawyer is actively supporting one party's position over another, which undermines the neutrality required in mediation. Being a prosecutor relates to representing the state in criminal cases and is not applicable here, as no criminal prosecution is taking place. Lastly, representing a client suggests a direct attorney-client relationship, which is not relevant when assisting non-clients in resolving their