by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) Practice-and-Procedure Regulations, who may appear in a representative capacity before the commission or an administrative law judge for a human rights hearing? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).
THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY (RCW)
RCW 49.60.120(3) is the statutory authority enabling the WSHRC to adopt rules concerning who may appear and practice. See WAC 162-08-021, WA State Legislature Website (bottom of page body). The statute declares that the WSHRC has “the function[ ], power[ ], and dut[y] … [t]o adopt, amend, and rescind suitable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the policies and practices of the commission in connection therewith.” RCW 49.60.120(3) (hyperlinks added).
FOUR CATEGORIES
Accordingly, the WSHRC has adopted a rule mandating that the following persons may appear in a representative capacity before the commission or an administrative law judge for a human rights hearing:
(1) WASHINGTON LAWYER
An attorney at law entitled to practice before the supreme court of the state of Washington;
(2) OTHER LAWYER
An attorney at law entitled to practice before the highest court of record of any other state, if attorneys at law of the state of Washington are permitted to appear in a representative capacity before administrative agencies of such other state, and if not otherwise prohibited by Washington law;
(3) LEGAL INTERN
A legal intern licensed to engage in the practice of law in the state of Washington under admission to practice Rule 9;
(4) OFFICER, ETC.
A bona fide officer, partner, or full time employee of an association, partnership, or corporation appearing for the association, or one of its members for the partnership, or corporation.
WAC 162-08-021.
LEARN MORE
If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with Law Office of Gregory A. Williams, P.S., Inc.; Williams Law Group, PS; or the author of this article. Please see our DISCLAIMER.
–gw
