An electrosurgical instrument (1) includes a first shaft member (110) pivotably coupled to a second shaft member (120), and a trigger (184) disposed on the second shaft member (120). The first and second shaft members (110,120) respectively include first and second handle members (130,140), and first and second jaw members (150,160). The first and second shaft members (110,120) define a longitudinal axis extending through a pivot, and first and second pivot axes that are substantially orthogonal to each other and the longitudinal axis. At least one of the first or second handle members (130,140) is pivotable about the first pivot axis to move the first and second jaw members (150,160) to an open position, a grasping position, or a sealing position. The trigger (184) is movable to pivot at least one of the first or second shaft members (110,120) about the second pivot axis to laterally displace the first and second jaw members (150,160) relative to each other to a cutting position.