Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0800-02-21-.04 - REPRESENTATION BY COUNSEL

(1) At any hearing or alternative dispute resolution:

(a) Any party may be represented by a Tennessee-licensed attorney in good standing.

(b) Any party who is a natural person may represent himself or herself.

(c) Any corporation or other artificial person may participate in alternative dispute resolution through a duly-authorized representative such as an officer, director, or appropriate employee but must be represented by a licensed attorney in the court of workers' compensation claims and the workers' compensation appeals board.

(2) Immediately after engaging in representation of a party, an attorney must notify the bureau of his or her appearance by filing a notice of appearance or by signing any document filed with the clerk or bureau. After a licensed attorney has appeared on behalf of a party, all documents will be served on the attorney. Other attorneys from the same law firm may appear on behalf of the party without a notice of appearance.

(3) Representation continues until the case concludes, including all appeals, or the judge grants a motion to withdraw. An attorney seeking to withdraw must file a motion with reasonable notice provided to the represented party. An affidavit from the attorney must accompany the motion and contain the client's last-known mailing address, email address, telephone number, and a declaration that the attorney notified the client of both the effects of the attorney's withdrawal from the case and of any deadlines and scheduled proceedings. The motion must be heard by convening a hearing, unless the judge determines that a hearing is unnecessary.

(4) If a party is represented by an attorney, all documents filed with the bureau or clerk must be signed by the attorney and include the attorney's mailing address, email address, and Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility number. If a party is unrepresented, the party must include his or her signature, mailing address, telephone number, and email address on the filing.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0800-02-21-.04

Original rule filed April 1, 2014; effective June 30, 2014. Amendment filed December 22, 2014; effective March 22, 2015. Amendments filed September 1, 2016; effective November 30, 2016. Repeal and new rules filed May 3, 2019; effective August 1, 2019. Amendments filed November 10, 2021; effective 2/8/2022.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1409, 50-6-101, 50-6-216, 50-6-217, 50-6-233, 50-6-236, 50-6-238, and 50-6239; and Public Chapter 289 (2013), Sections 73 and 77.