Difference between revisions of "Agency Practice Act"

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5 U.S.C. § 500 (2012), originally enacted November 8, 1965, by Pub. L. No. 89 332, 79 Stat. 1281; incorporated into the U.S. Code by Pub. L. No. 9083, 81 Stat. 195 (September 11, 1967) (with minor stylistic changes); amended by Pub. L. No. 106-113, Div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [Title IV, § 4732(b)(2)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-583.
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5 U.S.C. § [http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section500&num=0&edition=prelim 500] (2012), originally enacted by [http://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/89/332.pdf Pub. L. No. 89-332], 79 Stat. 1281, Nov. 8, 1965; incorporated into the U.S. Code by [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-81/pdf/STATUTE-81-Pg195.pdf Pub. L. No. 90-83], 81 Stat. 195, Sept. 11, 1967 (with minor stylistic changes); amended by [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-106publ113/pdf/PLAW-106publ113.pdf Pub. L. No. 106-113], Div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [Title IV, § 4732(b)(2)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-583.
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
The Agency Practice Act provides that an attorney in good standing in any state may represent persons before federal agencies. An agency may require an attorney to file a written declaration of current qualification and to state that he is authorized to represent the particular person before the agency. Similarly, a duly qualified certified public accountant may represent persons before the Internal Revenue Service. The Act was intended to prohibit agency established admission requirements for licensed attorneys and special enrollment requirements for CPAs. (Note: The Patent and Trademark Office is exempted from the Act. ) The Act expressly neither grants nor denies other persons the right to practice before an agency, nor does it authorize or limit an agency’s right to discipline or disbar persons practicing before it.  
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The Agency Practice Act provides that an attorney in good standing in any state may represent persons before federal agencies. However, an agency may require an attorney to file a written declaration of current qualification and to state that he is authorized to represent the particular person before the agency. Similarly, a duly qualified certified public accountant may represent persons before the Internal Revenue Service. The Agency Practice Act was intended to prohibit agency-established admission requirements for licensed attorneys and special enrollment requirements for CPAs. The Agency Practice Act neither grants nor denies other persons the right to practice before an agency, nor does it authorize or limit an agency’s right to discipline or disbar persons practicing before it. The Patent and Trademark Office is exempted from the Agency Practice Act with respect to patent matters.  
  
In 1982, the Administrative Conference adopted a statement on discipline of attorneys practicing before federal agencies. After studying agency concerns and existing disciplinary procedures,4 the Conference concluded that any current problems concerning attorney discipline before federal agencies were not of such magnitude or so widespread as to require legislative action or the adoption of uniform federal standards.
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In 1982, ACUS adopted a statement on discipline of attorneys practicing before federal agencies. After studying agency concerns and existing disciplinary procedures, ACUS concluded that any current problems concerning attorney discipline before federal agencies were not of such magnitude or so widespread as to require legislative action or the adoption of uniform federal standards.
  
 
==Legislative History==
 
==Legislative History==
In 1957 the Department of Justice recommended discontinuing the practice of many agencies that required attorneys to apply for agency acceptance as practitioners. Several bills were introduced in the early 1960s to abolish agency admission requirements. By 1965, few agencies retained admission requirements, and only the Treasury Department and the Patent Office objected to discontinuing them. (See House Judiciary Committee Report, cited below.) Pub. L. No. 89-32 was enacted in 1965 with the passage of S. 1758.
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In 1957, the Department of Justice recommended discontinuing the practice of many agencies that required attorneys to apply for agency acceptance as practitioners. Several bills were introduced in the early 1960s to abolish agency admission requirements. By 1965, few agencies retained admission requirements, and only the Treasury Department and the Patent Office objected to discontinuing them. H.R. Rep. No. 1141 (1965). [http://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/89/332.pdf Pub. L. No. 89-332] was enacted in 1965 with the passage of S. 1758.
  
In 1999, the Act was amended to substitute “Patent and Trademark Office” for “Patent Office.”
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In 1999, the Agency Practice Act was amended to substitute “Patent and Trademark Office” for “Patent Office.”
  
 
===Source Note===
 
===Source Note===
The House report on S. 1758 is reprinted in U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News. Professor Michael Cox’s 1982 report to the Administrative Conference discusses federal agency attorney discipline and contains an extensive bibliography.  
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The House report on S. 1758 is reprinted in U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News. Professor Michael Cox’s 1982 report to ACUS discusses federal agency attorney discipline and contains an extensive bibliography.  
  
Also relevant is section 9 (“Use of Nonattorneys”) of the [[Administrative Dispute Resolution Act]].
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Also relevant is section 9 (“Use of Nonattorneys”) of the [[Administrative Dispute Resolution Act]] (5 U.S.C. § [http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section571&num=0&edition=prelim 571 note]).
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
===Legislative History===
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===Legislative History and Congressional Documents===
*Report to Accompany S. 1758, Senate Committee on the Judiciary, S. Rep. No. 755, 89th Cong., 1st Sess. (1965).
 
*Report to Accompany S. 1758, House Committee on the Judiciary, H.R. Rep. No. 1141, 89th Cong., 1st Sess. (1965).
 
  
===Other Government Documents===
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*S. Rep. No. 755 (1965).
*Administrative Conference Committee on Governmental Processes, Report Concerning Discipline of Attorneys Practicing Before Federal Agencies, 1982 ACUS (Vol. II) 488.
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*H.R. Rep. No. 1141 (1965).
*Admin. Conf. of the U.S., Recommendation 79-7, Appropriate Restrictions on Participation by a Former Agency Official in Matters Involving the Agency, 45 Fed. Reg. 2,309 (Jan. 11, 1980).
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*Admin. Conf. of the U.S., Recommendation 86-1, Nonlawyer Assistance and Representation, 51 Fed. Reg. 25,641 (July 16, 1986).
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===ACUS Recommendations and Other Documents===
*Admin. Conf. of the U.S., Statement on Discipline of Attorneys Practicing Before Federal Agencies, 47 Fed. Reg. 58,210 (Dec.
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30, 1982).
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*79-7 [https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/79-7.pdf Appropriate Restrictions on Participation by a Former Agency Official in Matters Involving the Agency].
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*86-1 [https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/86-1.pdf Nonlawyer Assistance and Representation].
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*2021-9 [https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Regulation%20of%20Representatives%20-%20Final.pdf Regulation of Representatives in Agency Adjudicative Proceedings].
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*[https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Statement%20%238--Attorney%20Discipline.pdf Statement on Discipline of Attorneys Practicing Before Federal Agencies], 47 Fed. Reg. 58210 (Dec. 30, 1982).
  
 
===Books and Articles===
 
===Books and Articles===
*Craig H. Allen, Attorney Ethics and Agency Practice: Representing Clients in Coast Guard Marine Casualty Investigations, 22 J. Mar. L. & Com. 225 (1991).
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*American Bar Association, Report to the House of Delegates on Federal Agency Attorney Discipline (August 1982).
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*Craig H. Allen, ''Attorney Ethics and Agency Practice: Representing Clients in Coast Guard Marine Casualty Investigations'', 22 J. Mar. L. & Com. 225 (1991).
*Michael P. Cox, Regulation of Attorneys Practicing Before Federal Agencies, Report to the Administrative Conference of the U.S., 1982 ACUS (Vol. II) 491, reprinted in 34 Case W. Res. L. Rev. 173 (1984).
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*ABA, ''Report to the House of Delegates on Federal Agency Attorney Discipline'' (Aug. 1982).
*Roberta S. Karmel, Rule 2(e)—A Reprise, 210 N.Y .L.J. 3 (1993).
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*Comm. on Governmental Processes, ''Report Concerning Discipline of Attorneys Practicing Before Federal Agencies'' (1982) (report to ACUS).
*Melanie B. Leslie, Government Officials as Attorneys and Clients: Why Privilege the Privileged?, 77 Ind. L.J. 469 (2002).
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*George M. Cohen, [http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5188&context=flr The Laws of Agency Lawyering], 84 Fordham L. Rev. 1963 (2016).
*Nicholas M. Wenner, Comment, Determining Secondary Liability under Securities Laws: Attorney Beware!, 11 Hamline L. Rev. 61 (1988).
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*George M. Cohen, [https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Cohen%20Final%20Report%20December%202021%20GY%20formatted.pdf Regulation of Representatives in Agency Adjudicative Proceedings] (Dec. 3, 2021) (report to ACUS).
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*Michael P. Cox, [https://www.acus.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Q3%201982-S08%20COX%20Reg%20of%20Attys%20Practicing%20before%20Fed%20Agencies%201982%20ACUS%20491.pdf Regulation of Attorneys Practicing Before Federal Agencies] (1982) (report to ACUS).
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*Roberta S. Karmel, ''Rule 2(e)—A Reprise'', 210 N.Y. L.J. 3 (1993).
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*Melanie B. Leslie, [https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1903&context=ilj Government Officials as Attorneys and Clients: Why Privilege the Privileged?], 77 Ind. L. J. 469 (2002).
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*Nicholas M. Wenner, Comment, ''Determining Secondary Liability under Securities Laws: Attorney Beware!'', 11 Hamline L. Rev. 61 (1988).
  
 
===Agency Regulations===
 
===Agency Regulations===
 
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
*Agriculture (7 C.F.R. § 1.26)
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*'''Agriculture''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=939ff58dc39c179f8b44708086db2eee&mc=true&node=se7.1.1_126&rgn=div8 7 C.F.R. § 1.26])
*Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (12 C.F.R. § 1081.107)
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*'''Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=cc7528a75a628746634101ed8b4ce3f1&mc=true&node=se12.9.1081_1107&rgn=div8 12 C.F.R. § 1081.107])
*Commodity Futures Trading Commission
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*'''Commodity Futures Trading Commission''':
**(17 C.F.R. § 10.11)
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**Appearance in adjudicatory proceedings ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ee7357c045a882bfaa0883c590988dc6&mc=true&node=se17.1.10_111&rgn=div8 17 C.F.R. § 10.11])
**(17 C.F.R. Part 14)
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**Rules Relating to Suspension or Disbarment from Appearance and Practice ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ee7357c045a882bfaa0883c590988dc6&mc=true&node=pt17.1.14&rgn=div5 17 C.F.R. Part 14])
*Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. Part 1025, Subpt. G)
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*'''Consumer Product Safety Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=24b1d6b48433f1b81ac1d8c70d14d6ad&mc=true&node=sp16.2.1025.g&rgn=div6 16 C.F.R. Part 1025, Subpt. G])
*Drug Enforcement Administration (Justice)
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*'''Drug Enforcement Administration (Justice)'''
**Appearance; representation; authorization (21 C.F.R. § 1316.50)
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**Appearance; representation; authorization ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2de6c17042f9190456feed473b25bdc9&mc=true&node=se21.9.1316_150&rgn=div8 21 C.F.R. § 1316.50])
**Conduct of hearing and parties; ex parte communications (21 C.F.R. § 1316.51)
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**Conduct of hearing and parties; ex parte communications ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2de6c17042f9190456feed473b25bdc9&mc=true&node=se21.9.1316_151&rgn=div8 21 C.F.R. § 1316.51])
*Energy (10 C.F.R. § 1003.3)
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*'''Energy''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6adb2880700750a2b35715bd7148775f&mc=true&node=se10.4.1003_13&rgn=div8 10 C.F.R. § 1003.3])
*Environmental Protection Agency
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*'''Environmental Protection Agency''':
**(40 C.F.R. §§ 22.10)  
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**Appearances ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3ced7faa039976091deef420c1a963e5&mc=true&node=se40.1.22_110&rgn=div8 40 C.F.R. § 22.10])
**(4o C.F.R. § 305.10)
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**Appearances ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3ced7faa039976091deef420c1a963e5&mc=true&node=se40.30.305_110&rgn=div8 40 C.F.R. § 305.10])
*Farm Credit Administration
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*'''Farm Credit Administration''':
**(12 C.F.R. § 622.3)
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**Appearance and practice ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4419338e99e90d2cd720dcecfc87736b&mc=true&node=se12.7.622_13&rgn=div8 12 C.F.R. § 622.3])
**(12 C.F.R. Part 623)
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**Practice before the Farm Credit Administration ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4419338e99e90d2cd720dcecfc87736b&mc=true&node=pt12.7.623&rgn=div5 12 C.F.R. Part 623])
*Federal Aviation Administration (Transportation) (14 C.F.R. § 13.33)
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*'''Federal Aviation Administration (Transportation)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4984ffcd1d6293c47ce0d0cdfc0dd072&mc=true&node=se14.1.13_133&rgn=div8 14 C.F.R. § 13.33])
*Federal Communications Commission
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*'''Federal Communications Commission''':
**Authority for representation (47 C.F.R. § 1.22)
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**Authority for representation ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=eb8b01f2e3b421d70702d02cca543d50&mc=true&node=se47.1.1_122&rgn=div8 47 C.F.R. § 1.22])
**Persons who may be admitted to practice (47 C.F.R. § 1.23)  
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**Persons who may be admitted to practice ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=eb8b01f2e3b421d70702d02cca543d50&mc=true&node=se47.1.1_123&rgn=div8 47 C.F.R. § 1.23])
**Censure, suspension, or disbarment of attorneys (47 C.F.R. §§ 1.24)
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**Censure, suspension, or disbarment of attorneys ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=eb8b01f2e3b421d70702d02cca543d50&mc=true&node=se47.1.1_124&rgn=div8 47 C.F.R. § 1.24])
*Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (12 C.F.R. § 308.6)
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*'''Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6dd8b43337c0e23af2ef6b5b18d57b64&mc=true&node=se12.5.308_16&rgn=div8 12 C.F.R. § 308.6])
*Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (18 C.F.R. Part 385 Subpt. U)  
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*'''Federal Energy Regulatory Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b96abf500d60feec215f2965917603f4&mc=true&node=sp18.1.385.u&rgn=div6 18 C.F.R. Part 385 Subpt. U])
*Federal Housing Finance Agency (12 C.F.R. Part 1209)
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*'''Federal Housing Finance Agency''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0e7b0a62b1ed7cb8c99e9095026a6e7e&mc=true&node=pt12.10.1209&rgn=div5 12 C.F.R. Part 1209])
*Federal Maritime Commission (46 C.F.R. Part 502, Subpt. B)
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*'''Federal Maritime Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f5aeb186e76b2cdbb0e7d9b9bbc20aef&mc=true&node=sp46.9.502.b&rgn=div6 46 C.F.R. Part 502, Subpt. B])
*Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission  
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*'''Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission''':
**(29 C.F.R. § 2700.3)  
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**Who may practice ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=991e46f553910f0c7a5234aa6d347f7c&mc=true&node=se29.9.2700_13&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 2700.3])
**(29 C.F.R. § 2700.80)
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**Standards of conduct; disciplinary proceedings ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=991e46f553910f0c7a5234aa6d347f7c&mc=true&node=se29.9.2700_180&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 2700.80])
*Federal Reserve Board (12 C.F.R. § 263.6)
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*'''Federal Reserve Board''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1471fc889f2565e1f1c852c507911573&mc=true&node=se12.4.263_16&rgn=div8 12 C.F.R. § 263.6])
*Federal Trade Commission (16 C.F.R. § 4.1)
+
*'''Federal Trade Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=37ddc1c1327481ec50f8f0da3829e473&mc=true&node=se16.1.4_11&rgn=div8 16 C.F.R. § 4.1])
*Food and Drug Administration (21 C.F.R. § 12.40)
+
*'''Food and Drug Administration''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bd49d45ed8f428d24c719fc2342c58fd&mc=true&node=se21.1.12_140&rgn=div8 21 C.F.R. § 12.40])
*General Services Administration (Board of Contract Appeals) (48 C.F.R. § 6101.5)
+
*'''General Services Administration (Board of Contract Appeals)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=83d5ed3bd6c8f82d389b87352b593b69&mc=true&node=se48.7.6101_15&rgn=div8 48 C.F.R. § 6101.5])
*Homeland Security (Immigration cases) (8 C.F.R. Part 292)  
+
*'''Homeland Security (Immigration cases)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c2f0973ecc2b25f3b68f5fad097d2a41&mc=true&node=pt8.1.292&rgn=div5 8 C.F.R. Part 292])
*Housing and Urban Development  
+
*'''Housing and Urban Development''':
**Respondent's representative (24 C.F.R. § 26.7)
+
**Respondent’s representative ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=5381542bdddae6b3fdf48dc3e15a6fc6&mc=true&node=se24.1.26_17&rgn=div8 24 C.F.R. § 26.7])
**Standards of practice (24 C.F.R. § 26.8)
+
**Standards of practice ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=5381542bdddae6b3fdf48dc3e15a6fc6&mc=true&node=se24.1.26_18&rgn=div8 24 C.F.R. § 26.8])
*Interior (43 C.F.R. Part 1)
+
*'''Interior''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=040013f12ae2762af63cc0ec53275436&mc=true&node=pt43.1.1&rgn=div5 43 C.F.R. Part 1])
*Internal Revenue Service  
+
*I'''nternal Revenue Service''':
**(26 C.F.R. 601.502)  
+
**Recognized representative ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0770dbd2a43b43da774783adbff18820&mc=true&node=se26.22.601_1502&rgn=div8 26 C.F.R. 601.502])
**(31 C.F.R. Part 10)
+
**Practice before the Internal Revenue Service ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e68ef2eaed78fc35ffe60c6362270999&mc=true&node=pt31.1.10&rgn=div5 31 C.F.R. Part 10])
*Justice (Immigration cases) (28 C.F.R. § 68.33(c))  
+
*'''Justice (Immigration cases)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=887c19433a2dc8a2ea655c9dff179874&mc=true&node=se28.2.68_133&rgn=div8 28 C.F.R. § 68.33(c)])
*Labor
+
*'''Labor''':
**(29 C.F.R. § 18.22)  
+
**Representatives ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c576b6bbc98c54b33c6aeb1c929956e0&mc=true&node=se29.1.18_122&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 18.22])
**(29 C.F.R. § 417.8)
+
**Appearances ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c576b6bbc98c54b33c6aeb1c929956e0&mc=true&node=se29.2.417_18&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 417.8])
**Benefits Review Board (20 C.F.R. § 802.202)
+
**Benefits Review Board ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c42b01554983a311900fd306180b6a09&mc=true&node=se20.4.802_1202&rgn=div8 20 C.F.R. § 802.202])
**Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (20 C.F.R. § 501.9)  
+
**Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2b2327323032290893364253bb2ddf0f&mc=true&node=se20.3.501_19&rgn=div8 20 C.F.R. § 501.9])
**Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (29 C.F.R. § 921.10)
+
**Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3fc6dd581a35f1ec65b7a711781c30f4&mc=true&node=se20.4.702_1131&rgn=div8 20 C.F.R. § 702.131])
*Maritime Administration (Transportation)  
+
*'''Maritime Administration (Transportation)''':
**Attorneys or agents (46 C.F.R. § 201.15)
+
**Attorneys or agents ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=92f303ab9cc120f2e94444660c0e50aa&mc=true&node=se46.8.201_115&rgn=div8 46 C.F.R. § 201.15])
**Service of process and other documents (46 C.F.R. § 201.16)
+
**Service of process and other documents ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=92f303ab9cc120f2e94444660c0e50aa&mc=true&node=se46.8.201_116&rgn=div8 46 C.F.R. § 201.16])
*Merit Systems Protection Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 C.F.R. § 1201.31
+
*'''Merit Systems Protection Board''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a3325bb7e6d4185b9efdbd5a821385ad&mc=true&node=se5.3.1201_131&rgn=div8 5 C.F.R. § 1201.31])
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Transportation) (49 C.F.R. Part 511, Subpt. H)
+
*'''National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Transportation)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=62b656ae82fbdedcefd5b9d5c02bc0e8&mc=true&node=sp49.6.511.h&rgn=div6 49 C.F.R. Part 511, Subpt. H])
*National Labor Relations Board (29 C.F.R. § 102.177)
+
*'''National Labor Relations Board''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=eb32e45958e5c16020399ac01f825df7&mc=true&node=se29.2.102_1177&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 102.177])
*National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Commerce) (15 C.F.R. § 904.5)
+
*'''National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Commerce)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=5f2370a6952f51bd02f78dde8fc16b14&mc=true&node=se15.3.904_15&rgn=div8 15 C.F.R. § 904.5])
*National Science Foundation(45 C.F.R. § 672.6)
+
*'''National Science Foundation''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=623c22129e21663d003748e0deb040db&mc=true&node=se45.3.672_16&rgn=div8 45 C.F.R. § 672.6])
*National Transportation Safety Board (49 C.F.R. § 821.6)
+
*'''National Transportation Safety Board''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=46209e63fd2b5a930416692bf032ba0e&mc=true&node=se49.7.821_16&rgn=div8 49 C.F.R. § 821.6])
*Navy (JAG cases) (32 C.F.R. Part 776)
+
*'''Navy (JAG cases)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=adee4211ece1c277c893a7fc6f4acace&mc=true&node=pt32.5.776&rgn=div5 32 C.F.R. Part 776])
*Nuclear Regulatory Commission (10 C.F.R. § 2.314)  
+
*'''Nuclear Regulatory Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=aea5cda3308606eecb9979012d24a66d&mc=true&node=se10.1.2_1314&rgn=div8 10 C.F.R. § 2.314])
*Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission
+
*'''Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission''':
**Representation of parties and intervenors (29 C.F.R. § 2200.22)
+
**Representation of parties and intervenors ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f2f929295505f2552686bc28d5f51cb7&mc=true&node=se29.9.2200_122&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 2200.22])
**Appearances and withdrawals (29 C.F.R. §§ 2200.23)  
+
**Appearances and withdrawals ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f2f929295505f2552686bc28d5f51cb7&mc=true&node=se29.9.2200_123&rgn=div8 29 C.F.R. § 2200.23])
*Postal Rate Commission (39 C.F.R. § 3001.6)
+
*'''Postal Rate Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-39/chapter-III/subchapter-C/part-3010/subpart-C/section-3010.143 39 C.F.R. § 3010.43])
*Postal Service (39 C.F.R. Part 951)
+
*'''Postal Service''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=e0198e198aa3255d2cca3b6d901c0b01&mc=true&node=pt39.1.951&rgn=div5 39 C.F.R. Part 951])
*Securities and Exchange Commission  
+
*'''Securities and Exchange Commission''':
**(17 C.F.R. § 201.102)
+
**Appearance and practice before the Commission ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=7d8fdfcd06f0d6ad7554fe99b6bbba23&mc=true&node=se17.3.201_1102&rgn=div8 17 C.F.R. § 201.102])
**(17 C.F.R. Part 205)  
+
**Standards of professional conduct for attorneys appearing and practicing before the Commission in the representation of an issuer ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=7d8fdfcd06f0d6ad7554fe99b6bbba23&mc=true&node=pt17.3.205&rgn=div5 17 C.F.R. Part 205])
*Small Business Administration (13 C.F.R. § 134.208)  
+
*'''Small Business Administration''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=28f7d50ee548e9a0e3a39016b8e280f3&mc=true&node=se13.1.134_1208&rgn=div8 13 C.F.R. § 134.208])
*Social Security Administration (20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpt. R)  
+
*'''Social Security Administration''':
*Surface Transportation Board (Transportation) (49 C.F.R. Part 1103)  
+
**Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=05fb75bc1fe715e79467210d8b6cf257&mc=true&node=sp20.2.404.r&rgn=div6 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpt. R])
*Transportation, Office of the Secretary (Aviation proceedings) (14 C.F.R. § 302.416)
+
**Supplemental Security Income ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=83d1b20bad9d7ed11c16113dc15305b9&mc=true&node=sp20.2.416.o&rgn=div6 20 C.F.R. Part 416, Subpt. O])
*Treasury (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) (31 C.F.R. Part 8)
+
*'''Surface Transportation Board (Transportation)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d215d68e430af1602ec553af465c3414&mc=true&node=pt49.8.1103&rgn=div5 49 C.F.R. Part 1103])
*United States International Trade Commission (19 C.F.R. § 201.15)  
+
*'''Transportation, Office of the Secretary (Aviation proceedings)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b0ee6bf476ca3038416453664d7887f6&mc=true&node=se14.4.302_1416&rgn=div8 14 C.F.R. § 302.416])
*Veterans Affairs (Board of Veterans’ Appeals) (38 C.F.R. Part 14)
+
*'''Treasury (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3ca903ef2d424c95a7c75100b3de052b&mc=true&node=pt31.1.8&rgn=div5 31 C.F.R. Part 8])
 +
*'''United States International Trade Commission''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=aa58a14f4dd639eea8d1048cf232aca2&mc=true&node=se19.3.201_115&rgn=div8 19 C.F.R. § 201.15])
 +
*'''United States Patent and Trademark Office (Trademark and other non-patent matters)''': ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bad63274fe09acd24bee5960383724cf&mc=true&node=se37.1.11_114&rgn=div8 37 C.F.R. § 11.14])
 +
*'''Veterans Affairs (Board of Veterans’ Appeals)''' ([https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b1839321dd2c2023f65d5f2e138a304b&mc=true&node=pt38.1.14&rgn=div5 38 C.F.R. Part 14])
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
==Statutory Provisions==
 
==Statutory Provisions==
Agency Practice Act, 5 U.S.C. § 500 (2012).
+
Agency Practice Act
 +
 
 +
Title 5 U.S. Code
 +
 
 +
[http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section500&num=0&edition=prelim § 500. Administrative practice; general provisions]

Latest revision as of 00:38, 8 August 2023

5 U.S.C. § 500 (2012), originally enacted by Pub. L. No. 89-332, 79 Stat. 1281, Nov. 8, 1965; incorporated into the U.S. Code by Pub. L. No. 90-83, 81 Stat. 195, Sept. 11, 1967 (with minor stylistic changes); amended by Pub. L. No. 106-113, Div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [Title IV, § 4732(b)(2)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-583.

Overview

The Agency Practice Act provides that an attorney in good standing in any state may represent persons before federal agencies. However, an agency may require an attorney to file a written declaration of current qualification and to state that he is authorized to represent the particular person before the agency. Similarly, a duly qualified certified public accountant may represent persons before the Internal Revenue Service. The Agency Practice Act was intended to prohibit agency-established admission requirements for licensed attorneys and special enrollment requirements for CPAs. The Agency Practice Act neither grants nor denies other persons the right to practice before an agency, nor does it authorize or limit an agency’s right to discipline or disbar persons practicing before it. The Patent and Trademark Office is exempted from the Agency Practice Act with respect to patent matters.

In 1982, ACUS adopted a statement on discipline of attorneys practicing before federal agencies. After studying agency concerns and existing disciplinary procedures, ACUS concluded that any current problems concerning attorney discipline before federal agencies were not of such magnitude or so widespread as to require legislative action or the adoption of uniform federal standards.

Legislative History

In 1957, the Department of Justice recommended discontinuing the practice of many agencies that required attorneys to apply for agency acceptance as practitioners. Several bills were introduced in the early 1960s to abolish agency admission requirements. By 1965, few agencies retained admission requirements, and only the Treasury Department and the Patent Office objected to discontinuing them. H.R. Rep. No. 1141 (1965). Pub. L. No. 89-332 was enacted in 1965 with the passage of S. 1758.

In 1999, the Agency Practice Act was amended to substitute “Patent and Trademark Office” for “Patent Office.”

Source Note

The House report on S. 1758 is reprinted in U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News. Professor Michael Cox’s 1982 report to ACUS discusses federal agency attorney discipline and contains an extensive bibliography.

Also relevant is section 9 (“Use of Nonattorneys”) of the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (5 U.S.C. § 571 note).

Bibliography

Legislative History and Congressional Documents

  • S. Rep. No. 755 (1965).
  • H.R. Rep. No. 1141 (1965).

ACUS Recommendations and Other Documents

Books and Articles

Agency Regulations

Statutory Provisions

Agency Practice Act

Title 5 U.S. Code

§ 500. Administrative practice; general provisions