N.J. Admin. Code § 1:1-5.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 1:1-5.5 - Conduct of non-lawyer representatives; limitations on practice

(a) The presiding judge, unless precluded by Federal law, may determine at any time during the proceeding that a specific case is not appropriate for representation by a non-lawyer representative. The judge's determination may be based either on the lack of appropriate experience or expertise of the particular non-lawyer representative, or the complexity of the legal issues or other factors which make the particular case inappropriate for a non-lawyer representative. The judge shall implement a determination to preclude non-lawyer representation by informing the parties of the decision and the reasons therefor. With respect to a county, local or State agency or a close corporation, the judge may require the party to obtain legal representation. With respect to an individual, the judge may require the individual either to obtain a new non-lawyer, to represent himself or herself or to obtain legal representation.

(b) The presiding judge may revoke any non-lawyer's right to appear in a case if and when the judge determines that a material statement is incorrect in any Notice of Appearance/Application or in any oral application by a non-lawyer.

(c) Non-lawyer representatives shall be subject to the Uniform Administrative Procedure Rules, including the sanctions provided in N.J.A.C. 1:1-14.1 4 and 14.15. If the judge determines that an incorrect statement in an oral application or Notice of Appearance/Application was an intentional misstatement, or that the non-lawyer representative has unreasonably failed to comply with any order of a judge or with any requirement of this chapter, the judge may impose the sanctions provided under N.J.A.C. 1:1-14.1 4 and 14.15, which may include:

1. In the case of a State, county or local agency employee, reporting any inappropriate behavior to the agency for possible disciplinary action;

2. A determination by the presiding judge that the non-lawyer representative shall be excluded from a particular hearing; and,

3. A recommendation by the presiding judge to the agency head that a particular non-lawyer representative be permanently excluded from administrative hearings before that agency.

(d) A non-lawyer may not be precluded from providing representational services solely because the non-lawyer is also appearing as a witness in the matter.

(e) In general, a non-lawyer representative shall be permitted at the hearing to submit evidence, speak for the party, make oral arguments, and conduct direct examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses.

1. In the interest of a full, fair, orderly and speedy hearing, the judge may at any time condition, limit or delineate the type or extent of representation which may be rendered by a non-lawyer. Conditions or limits may include:

i. Requiring any examination and cross-examination by the non-lawyer to be conducted through the judge;

ii. Requiring questions from the non-lawyer to be presented to the judge prior to asking;

iii. Requiring the party to speak for him or herself; or

iv. Revoking the right of the non-lawyer to appear if the judge finds that the proceedings are being unreasonably disrupted or unduly delayed because of the non-lawyer's participation.

(f) In settlements, a non-lawyer may not sign a consent order or stipulation for a party, except that non-lawyer representatives of State agencies, county or municipal welfare agencies or close corporations who have been authorized to agree to the terms of a particular settlement by the represented entity may sign consent orders or stipulations.

(g) Non-lawyer representatives are expected to be guided in their behavior by appropriate standards of conduct, such as contained in the following Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys: RPC 1.2 (Scope of Representation); RPC 1.3 (Diligence); RPC 1.4 (Communication); RPC 3.2 (Expediting Litigation); RPC 3.3 (Candor Towards the Tribunal); RPC 3.4 (Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel); RPC 3.5 (Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal); and RPC 4.1 (Truthfulness in Statements to Others). Non-lawyer representatives who are state officers or employees must also comply with the requirements of the New Jersey Conflicts of Interest Law, in particular N.J.S.A. 52:13D-16. For failure to comply with these standards, the judge may revoke a non-lawyer representative's right to appear in a case or may order sanctions as provided in (c) above.

N.J. Admin. Code § 1:1-5.5

Amended by R.1989 d.158, effective 3/20/1989.
See: 20 N.J.R. 2845(a), 21 N.J.R. 749(a).
Exceptions allowing non-lawyer representatives to sign consent orders or stipulations, added at (f).
Correction in (c): changed 1:11-4.4 to 1:1-14.4.
Amended by R.1991 d.279, effective 6/3/1991 (operative July 1, 1991).
See: 23 N.J.R. 639(a), 23 N.J.R. 1786(a).
In (c): revised N.J.A.C. citation.
Amended by R.1992 d.213, effective 5/18/1992.
See: 24 N.J.R. 321(a), 24 N.J.R. 1873(b).
Added (g).
Amended by R.1997 d.158, effective 4/7/1997.
See: 29 N.J.R. 282(a), 29 N.J.R. 1295(a).
Amended by R.2007 d.393, effective 12/17/2007.
See: 39 N.J.R. 2393(a), 39 N.J.R. 5201(a).
In (c), inserted "and 14.15" twice.