S.C. Code Regs. 103-805. Representation

A. Parties and Their Representatives. Parties in a case have the right to participate or to be represented in all hearings or pre-hearing conferences related to their case. Except as otherwise provided herein, a party must be represented by an attorney admitted to practice law in South Carolina, or an attorney possessing a Limited Certificate of Admission pursuant to Rule 405, SCACR. No one shall be permitted to represent a party where such representation would constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

B. Representation of Entities. Except as otherwise provided in S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 103-805(E), any entity including, but not limited to, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or professional association, must be represented by an attorney admitted to practice law in South Carolina, or an attorney possessing a Limited Certificate of Admission pursuant to Rule 405, SCACR.

C. Representation of Individuals. An individual person not admitted to practice law in South Carolina may represent himself or herself but may not represent another person. A party proceeding without legal representation shall remain fully responsible for compliance with the commission’s regulations and the Administrative Procedures Act and must agree to E-Filing and E-Service as provided in S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 103-817.1 unless excused from doing so for good cause shown.

D. Notice of Appearance. An attorney or other person authorized to represent a party before the commission pursuant to this regulation shall file with the commission a notice of appearance when retained or authorized to represent a party after commencement of a case.

E. Unopposed Matters in Which an Entity May Proceed without Counsel. Subject to the conditions specified in this regulation, an entity may proceed through an authorized agent in any unopposed case, including but not limited to the following:

(1) application for approval of a tariff,

(2) application for approval of a contract,

o represent a party after commencement of a case.

E. Unopposed Matters in Which an Entity May Proceed without Counsel. Subject to the conditions specified in this regulation, an entity may proceed through an authorized agent in any unopposed case, including but not limited to the following:

(1) application for approval of a tariff,

(2) application for approval of a contract,

(3) application for approval of an interconnection agreement between telephone carriers,

(4) application for approval of a name change,

(5) application to operate as a Class C motor carrier, including a charter passenger carrier, a charter bus, and a taxi, and

(6) application of a mover of household goods for a certificate.

If the entity chooses not to use an attorney, it shall include in its submission a written statement from the entity’s president, chairperson, general partner, owner, chief executive officer, or authorized agent which states substantially the following:

“I am owner, officer, director, or other person authorized to act on behalf of [Name of Company], and on behalf of [Name of Company], I have elected to submit [Title of Document] to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina without the benefit of legal counsel admitted to practice in South Carolina. In electing to file [Title of Document] without legal counsel, I acknowledge and agree to assume the risk, if any, of resulting adverse legal consequences.”

However, if the case becomes opposed, the unrepresented entity must obtain legal representation by an attorney authorized to practice law in South Carolina in order for the commission to allow the matter to proceed.

F. Motion to Withdraw from Representation. An attorney or other person authorized to represent a party before the commission pursuant to this regulation must file a written motion to withdraw from representation of a party or from participation in proceedings.