615.1 In any proceeding before the Office, the employee may appear on their own behalf, through an attorney, through a union representative, or through any other competent individual.

615.2 For appeals filed pursuant to § 604.1, the agency may appear before the Office only through counsel or an individual acting in a representative capacity. If the agency fails to designate a representative, the Office shall regard the agency director as the representative.

615.3 For appeals filed pursuant to § 604.3, the personnel authority may appear before the Office only through counsel or an individual acting in a representative capacity.

615.4 Except where the agency director is the agency representative, no person may participate in a representative capacity before the Office until:

(a) The party submits a signed written statement authorizing such representation; and

(b) The representative submits a signed written statement which contains their name, address, email address, and telephone number, and which certifies that he or she is available and willing to represent the party's interest.

SOURCE: As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 9297 (November 19, 1999); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 2129, 2137 (March 16, 2012); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 69 DCR 000298 (January 14, 2022).