Section 270.428  Representation

a)         An individual may be self-represented or may instead designate an attorney authorized to practice law in the State of Illinois or other representative of the party's choosing. An individual or entity may only designate one authorized representative at a time.

b)         At any pre-hearing stage of a proceeding, including mediation, a corporation may be represented by an officer designated or authorized to act on behalf of the corporation. However, at a hearing, corporations are to be represented by an attorney authorized to practice law in the State of Illinois.

c)         The representative shall use reasonable efforts to promptly file a notice of appearance and authorization for representation with the Department/other entity authorized to conduct hearings under this Subpart. Notice of appearance and authorization for representation shall include the following:

1)         Full name and relevant contact information of the individual or entity; and

2)         Full name and relevant contact information of the individual's or entity's representative, if applicable.

d)         If a party has an authorized representative, that representative may exercise the rights of the party in any pre-hearing process, such as mediation, as well as during the hearing. The action or inaction of an authorized representative will be deemed to be the action or inaction of the party.

e)         Filing of notice of appearance and authorization for representation will not delay the start of the hearing absent showing of good cause for a continuance (see Section 270.436).

f)         An authorized representative to a proceeding is obligated to keep relevant contact information current.

g)         An authorized representative who has acted in a representative capacity for an individual or entity and who wishes to withdraw from the representation shall file a notice of withdrawal in writing or make a request to withdraw on the record.

(Source:  Added at 42 Ill. Reg. 9226, effective July 1, 2018)