An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end movable about a pivot from a first position disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another. One (or both) of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting electrical energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot and at least one retention element is configured to operably couple to both a proximal end of the jaw members and a distal end of the flexible insulating boot.