RONALD M. CANTER

        One of the lawyer’s primary roles is reconciling divergent opinions and interests. When the parties to a proposed transaction disagree, the lawyer, acting as a facilitator, should be able to help them negotiate to a common ground. Although the client’s interests are a lawyer’s first priority, often those interests are served best after conciliation and compromise have paved the way to an equitable settlement. Because lawyers are trained to see the implications of alternative courses of action, they are often able to break an impasse.