Is it OK for only one side to have a lawyer in Mediation?

Mediation is a process where a mediator supports you to make your own decisions. It isn’t a case where you need a lawyer to represent you or present evidence.

The role of a Mediator is not to make decisions for the people participating in mediation the way that a Judge or Arbitrator does. That is why mediators must make sure the process is fair and no one feels pressured.

Having one side with a legal representative present and the other without one would not be fair.

What you should do if you feel the process is unfair.

Talk to the Mediator! If you have concerns about the mediation process being fair, talk to your mediator. An Interact Support mediator would never automatically agree to one side in a mediation having a lawyer assisting them in a mediation and the other side being without assistance. Book in for a free consultation. Dispute Diagnostic
Bring your own lawyer. In most cases there is very little value in paying a lawyer to be present in a most mediation sessions unless it is a very technical commercial mediation. If you both feel that you would like lawyers present then that can be accommodated in most cases. Before you commit to the expense of a lawyer in mediation it is best to have your pre-mediation session with your mediators to help you to prepare. More about Mediation