1. (a) The respondent may represent themselves in a case or may appear through a representative. A representative is not required to be an attorney. Following notification that the respondent is represented by a person other than themselves, all further communications regarding the proceedings shall be directed to that representative.

   1. (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the respondent shall not be represented by an attorney who has been disbarred or suspended by the California Supreme Court for reasons other than nonpayment of California State Bar fees; who has been placed on involuntary inactive enrollment status by the California State Bar; or who has resigned from the California State Bar while disciplinary action was pending.
   2. (2) The right to representation is at the respondent's own expense.
2. (b) If the respondent elects to appear through a representative, the respondent or representative must provide the CHO and all other parties with a statement from the respondent, authorizing the representation. The representative shall also provide written notice to the CHO and all other parties of their name, address, bar number (if applicable), telephone number, and email address within seven days after assuming representation.

3. (c) A representative may withdraw representation by filing a written notice with the CHO and serving a copy on all parties. The written notice shall include the last known contact information of the formerly represented respondent.

   1. (1) After the withdrawal, the formerly represented respondent is responsible for preparation and representation throughout the remainder of the case, unless and until the respondent retains new counsel or another representative.
   2. (2) Withdrawal or change of counsel or other representative does not alone constitute good cause for continuance of a previously scheduled hearing.

Note: Authority cited: Section 11400.20, Government Code; and Sections 14536 and 40502, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 11400.20, Government Code.

History

1. New section filed 5-12-2026; operative 7-1-2026 (Register 2026, No. 20).