A. The Mineral Leasing Division of MMEIA shall first present its analysis and recommendation through testimony, exhibits and other admissible evidence. A representative of MMEIA shall be allowed to attend the hearing as a representative of the agency. The petitioner shall then present its position as to the grounds on which the petition is based by testimony, exhibits and other admissible evidence. All witnesses are subject to cross-examination by the opposing party and by the Hearing Officer.B. The petitioner may retain legal counsel at its own expense.C. Failure of the petitioner or its counsel to appear at a scheduled hearing shall constitute waiver of the hearing.D. All hearings shall be conducted in such a manner that all parties have a fair and reasonable opportunity to present witnesses and other evidence pertinent to the issues. In conducting the hearing, the Executive Director or Hearing Officer shall not be bound by common law or by statutory rules of evidence or by technical or formal rules of procedures, but may conduct the hearing in such a manner as best to ascertain the rights of the parties.E. The Executive Director or designated Hearing Officer may issue subpoenas on the written request of any party. It shall be the responsibility of each party to secure the service of subpoenas and the expense connected therewith shall be borne by the party requesting issuance of same.Miss. Code Ann. §§ 29-7-19; 29-7-21 (Rev. 2010).