| (a) Because contested case procedures are closely modeled upon those used in a court of law, the agency strongly urges but does not require parties to employ attorneys for representation. Only licensed attorneys may file pleadings, make written or oral arguments or objections to evidence, or examine witnesses in agency hearings, except that: (1) a natural person may appear "pro se" (without an attorney) in his or her own behalf; (2) a company or an employee of the company may appear through a bona fide officer or employee of the company even if the representative is not a lawyer; and (3) a party may appear through an out-of-state attorney, qualified law student, or an unlicensed law school graduate under the same conditions as would govern an appearance by the representative in state court. (b) In making an appearance at an agency hearing, each party and each representative shall obey the same rules of ethics and professional conduct that govern a licensed attorney in this state. |
