This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
Virginia has not adopted this rule. Other states may have a rule that covers lawyers who act as mediators, arbitrators, or other neutral parties instead of representing a client. But Virginia decided not to include this specific rule in its own set of conduct rules for lawyers.
This means Virginia lawyers who serve as mediators or arbitrators are not governed by this particular rule. Instead, their conduct in these roles may be covered by other rules or guidelines, such as general ethics rules that apply to all lawyers or separate rules that apply specifically to mediators and arbitrators in Virginia.
If you are working with a lawyer who is acting as a neutral third party in your case, such as a mediator, it helps to ask what specific rules or standards apply to that role in Virginia. Since this particular rule was not adopted, you may need to look at other sources to understand what conduct is expected.
