Collaborative practice asks professionals and clients to work together in ways that are fundamentally different from traditional advocacy. While this creates opportunities for more durable, creative solutions, it also requires intentional attention to the collaborative process itself.

A neutral facilitator helps steward that process, creating the conditions for productive conversations, stronger collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making. Rather than representing one party's interests, the facilitator helps everyone work together more effectively so the collaborative team can do its best work.

Why Include a Neutral Facilitator?

The collaborative process is more than a way to resolve today's dispute. It is an opportunity for clients and professionals to practice new ways of working together that continue long after the case has concluded. The neutral facilitator serves as the steward of that process. Because they do not represent any one party, they bring a broader perspective that helps the team stay focused on productive conversations, effective collaboration, and solutions that can endure over time.

Benefits for Clients

Collaborative practice is built on the principle of client self-determination. The facilitator helps create the conditions for clients to fully participate in the conversations and decisions that shape their future. Attorneys provide legal advice and advocacy, while the facilitator supports the collaborative process, helping clients communicate effectively, explore options with curiosity, and make informed decisions that reflect their interests and values.

Benefits for the Collaborative Team

Advocacy and facilitation are complementary professional roles. Advocacy provides substantive leadership focused on protecting and advancing a client's legal interests. Facilitation provides process leadership, helping the collaborative team communicate effectively, navigate differences productively, and maintain the integrity of the collaborative process. When each professional is free to contribute their unique expertise, the entire team—and ultimately the clients—is better served.