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At The Hearing, Can I Be Represented By An Attorney?
Representation by an attorney or agent is not a requirement at administrative hearings conducted by the department. Many parties represent themselves at hearings.
If you choose to have a representative, however, you should know the following:
- The department will not provide or arrange for legal representation of the parties at a hearing.
- No attorney or agent may charge a claimant more than ten percent (10%) of the benefits at issue in the administrative proceeding without prior approval by the department.
- No attorney whose license is suspended or who has been otherwise disbarred and prohibited from practicing law by the courts or bar association of any state may be allowed to act as a representative at a hearing.
If you choose to be represented by an attorney, please ask him or her to notify the hearing office as soon as possible. Note that the hearing office will not allow your representative to examine your case file prior to the hearing unless it receives a written letter of representation ("retainer letter").