Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical forceps comprises an elongated tubular barrel having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between these two ends. A handle is provided at the proximal end of the barrel and includes an actuating member for opening and closing a pair of forceps jaws that are mounted at the distal end of the barrel. The forceps jaws include cam slots in a proximal head portion thereof. A coupling member extends between the actuating member on the handle and the pair of forceps jaws. The coupling member includes drive pins that cooperate with the cam slots whereby squeezing of the actuating mechanism first effects pivotal rotation of the pair of forceps jaws over a first range of motion of the actuating member and translation without rotation of the forceps jaws over a second range of motion of the actuating member.