7 CFR § 1.610 - Who may represent a party, and what requirements apply to a representative?

(a) Individuals. A party who is an individual may either represent himself or herself in the hearing process under this subpart or authorize an attorney to represent him or her.

(b) Organizations. A party that is an organization or other entity may authorize one of the following to represent it:

(1) An attorney;

(2) A partner, if the entity is a partnership;

(3) An officer or agent, if the entity is a corporation, association, or unincorporated organization;

(4) A receiver, administrator, executor, or similar fiduciary, if the entity is a receivership, trust, or estate; or

(5) An elected or appointed official or an employee, if the entity is a Federal, State, Tribal, county, district, territorial, or local government or component.

(c) Appearance. An individual representing himself or herself and any other representative must file a notice of appearance. The notice must:

(1) Meet the form and content requirements for documents under § 1.611;

(2) Include the name and address of the party on whose behalf the appearance is made;

(3) If the representative is an attorney, include a statement that he or she is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, or any territory or commonwealth of the United States (identifying which one); and

(4) If the representative is not an attorney, include a statement explaining his or her authority to represent the entity.

(d) Lead representative. If a party has more than one representative, the ALJ may require the party to designate a lead representative for service of documents under § 1.613.

(e) Disqualification. The ALJ may disqualify any representative for misconduct or other good cause.