§201.102. Appearance and practice before the Commission. — Inbound Citations

(b) Whenever service is required to be made upon a person represented by counsel who has filed a notice of appearance pursuant to § 201.102, service shall be made pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section upon counsel, unless service upon the person represented is ordered by the Commission or the hearing officer.

(2) If the firm, PCAOB, or associated person will be represented by a representative, the initial submission of that person shall be accompanied by the notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d). The other provisions of § 201.102 with respect to representation before the Commission shall apply.

(2) Counsel means any attorney representing a party or any other person representing a party pursuant to § 201.102(b);

(1) When an individual first makes any filing or otherwise appears on his or her own behalf before the Commission or a hearing officer in a proceeding as defined in § 201.101(a), he or she shall file with the Commission, or otherwise state on the record, and keep current, a mailing address and email address at which any notice or other written communication required to be served upon him or her or furnished to him or her may be sent and a telephone number where he or she may be reached during business hours. Within ten days of April 12, 2021, any individual appearing on his or her own behalf before the Commission or hearing officer in a proceeding as defined in § 201.101(a) that is ongoing on that date shall electronically file a notice that complies with this paragraph. Notices required by this section shall be served in accordance with § 201.150(a). Individuals shall electronically file a § 201.102(d) compliant notice in their ongoing proceedings even if a prior § 201.102(d) paper filing included the participant's email address.

(c) The application shall be filed with the Commission pursuant to § 201.151. The applicant shall serve the application on the self-regulatory organization. The application shall identify the determination complained of and set forth in summary form a brief statement of the alleged errors in the determination and supporting reasons therefor. The application shall state an address where the applicant can be served. The application should not exceed two pages in length. If the applicant will be represented by a representative, the application shall be accompanied by the notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d). Any exception to a determination not supported in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission, be deemed to have been waived by the applicant.

(b) An aggrieved person may file an application for review with the Commission pursuant to § 201.151 within 30 days after the notice filed by the Board of its determination with the Commission pursuant to 17 CFR 240.19d-4 is received by the aggrieved person applying for review. The applicant shall serve the application on the Board at the same time. The application shall identify the determination complained of, set forth in summary form a brief statement of alleged errors in the determination and supporting reasons therefor, and state an address where the applicant can be served. The application should not exceed two pages in length. The notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d) shall accompany the application. Any exception to a determination not supported in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission, be deemed to have been waived by the applicant.

(b) An aggrieved person may file an application for review with the Commission pursuant to § 201.151 within 30 days after the notice filed with the Commission pursuant to § 242.835 of this chapter by the security-based swap execution facility of the determination is received by the aggrieved person. The Commission will not extend this 30-day period, absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances. This section is the exclusive remedy for seeking an extension of the 30-day period. The aggrieved person shall serve the application on the security-based swap execution facility at the same time. The application shall identify the determination complained of, set forth in summary form a statement of alleged errors in the action and supporting reasons therefor, and state an address where the applicant can be served. The application should not exceed two pages in length. If the applicant will be represented by a representative, the application shall be accompanied by the notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d). Any exception to an action not supported in an opening brief that complies with § 201.450(b) may, at the discretion of the Commission, be deemed to have been waived by the applicant.

(2) If the firm, PCAOB, or associated person will be represented by a representative, the initial submission of that person shall be accompanied by the notice of appearance required by § 201.102(d). The other provisions of § 201.102 with respect to representation before the Commission shall apply.

(a) The General Counsel is responsible for the representation of the Commission in judicial proceedings in which it is involved as a party or as amicus curiae, for directing and supervising all civil litigation involving the Commission in the United States District Courts, except for law enforcement actions filed on behalf of the Commission, for directing and supervising the Commission's responsibilities under the Bankruptcy Code and all related litigation, and for representing the Commission in all cases in appellate courts. The General Counsel is responsible for the review of cases which the Division of Enforcement recommends be referred to the Department of Justice with a recommendation for criminal prosecution. In addition, the General Counsel is responsible for advising the Commission at its request or at the request of any division director or office head, or on the General Counsel's own motion, with respect to interpretations involving questions of law; for the conduct of administrative proceedings relating to the disqualification of lawyers from practice before the Commission; for conducting preliminary investigations, as described in 17 CFR 202.5(a), into potential violations of 17 CFR 201.102(e) by attorneys; for the preparation of the Commission comments to the Congress on pending legislation; and for the drafting, in conjunction with appropriate divisions and offices, of legislative proposals to be sponsored by the Commission. The General Counsel is responsible for providing advice to Commission attorneys on professional responsibility issues relating to their official duties. The General Counsel is further responsible for investigating allegations of professional misconduct by Commission staff and, where appropriate, making referrals to state professional boards or societies. The General Counsel is also responsible for the review and clearance of the form and content of articles, treatises, and prepared speeches and addresses by members of the staff relating to the Commission or to the statutes and rules administered by the Commission. The General Counsel also is responsible for coordinating and reviewing the interpretive positions of the various divisions and offices. In addition, the General Counsel is responsible for appropriate disposition of all Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act appeals pursuant to the authority delegated in § 200.30-14, and is the Commission's advisor with respect to legal problems arising under the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Federal Reports Act, the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Civil Service laws and regulations, the statutes and rules applicable to the Commission's procurement, contracting, fiscal and related administrative activities, and other statutes and regulations of a similar nature applicable to a number of Government agencies.

(a) With respect to proceedings conducted before an administrative law judge, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77a et seq., the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq., the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, 15 U.S.C. 77aaa et seq., the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq., the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80b-1 et seq., the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, 15 U.S.C. 78aaa et seq., and the provisions of Rule 102(e) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.102(e) of this chapter:

(1) After a proceeding has been authorized, to fix the time and place for hearing pursuant to Rule 200 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.200 of this chapter;

(2) To designate administrative law judges pursuant to Rule 110 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.110 of this chapter;

(3) To postpone or adjourn hearings or otherwise adjust the date for commencement of hearings pursuant to Rule 161 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.161 of this chapter, or to advance or cancel such hearings, if necessary;

(4) To grant extensions of time within which to file papers pursuant to Rule 161 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.161 of this chapter;

(5) To permit the filing of briefs exceeding 14,000 words in length, pursuant to Rule 450(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.450(c) of this chapter;

(6) In the event the designated presiding administrative law judge is unavailable to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and subpoenas requiring the production of documentary or other tangible evidence at any designated place of hearing upon request therefor by any party, pursuant to § 201.232 of this chapter (Rule 232 of the Commission's Rules of Practice);

(7) Pursuant to sections 15(b)(1)(B), 15B(a)(2)(B), and 19(a)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and section 203(c)(2)(B) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to grant extensions of time for conclusion of proceedings instituted to determine whether applications for registration as a broker or dealer, municipal securities dealer, national securities exchange, registered securities association, or registered clearing agency, or as an investment adviser should be denied;

(8) To grant motions of staff counsel to discontinue administrative proceedings as to a particular respondent who has died or cannot be found, or because of a mistake in the identity of a respondent named in the order for proceedings.

(a) With respect to proceedings conducted pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77a et seq., the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq., the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, 15 U.S.C. 77aaa et seq., the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq., the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80b-1 et seq., the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, 15 U.S.C. 78aaa et seq., the provisions of Rule 102(e) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, Section 201.102(e) of this chapter, and Title I of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 15 U.S.C. 7211-7219;

(1) To fix the time and place for hearings and oral arguments before the Commission pursuant to Rule 451 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.451 of this chapter;

(2) In appropriate cases to extend and reallocate the time prescribed in Rule 451(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.451(c) of this chapter;

(3) To postpone or adjourn hearings or otherwise adjust the date for commencement of hearings before the Commission pursuant to Rule 161 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.161 of this chapter, and to advance such hearings;

(4) To grant or deny extensions of time within which to file papers with the Commission under Rule 161 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.161 of this chapter, or under part 201, subpart F of the Commission's Rules pertaining to Fair Fund and Disgorgement Plans, §§ 201.1100-201.1106;

(5) To permit the filing of briefs with the Commission exceeding 14,000 words in length, pursuant to Rule 450(c) of the Commission's Rule of Practice, § 201.450(c) of this chapter, and to permit the filing of motions with the Commission in excess of 7,000 words pursuant to Rule 154(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.154(c) of this chapter;

(6) To certify records of proceedings upon which are entered orders the subject of review in courts of appeals pursuant to section 9 of the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77i, section 25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78y, section 322(a) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, 15 U.S.C. 77vvv(a), section 43 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-42, section 213 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80b-13, and Title I of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 15 U.S.C. 7211-7219;

(7) Except where the Commission otherwise directs, to issue findings and orders pursuant to offers of settlement which the Commission has determined should be accepted;

(8) To issue findings and orders taking the remedial action described in the order for proceedings where a respondent expressly consents to such action, fails to appear, or defaults in the filing of an answer required to be filed and to grant a request, based upon a showing of good cause, to vacate an order or default, so as to permit presentation of a defense;

(9) To designate officers of the Commission to serve notices of and orders for proceedings and decisions and orders in such proceedings, the service of which is required by Rules 141 and 150 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, §§ 201.141 and 201.150 of this chapter;

(10) To set the date for sanctions to take effect if an initial decision is not appealed and becomes final pursuant to Rule 360(d) or if an initial decision is affirmed pursuant to Rule 411;

(11) To publish pursuant to Rule 1103 of the Commission's Rules of Practice (§ 201.1103 of this chapter) notice for fair fund and disgorgement plans, and if no negative comments are received, to issue orders approving proposed fair fund plans and disgorgement plans pursuant to Rule 1104 of the Commission's Rules of Practice (§ 201.1104 of this chapter). As part of this plan approval, the requirement set forth in Rule 1105(c) (§ 201.1105(c) of this chapter) may be waived if the fair or disgorgement funds are held at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and will be disbursed by Treasury. Upon the motion of the staff for good cause shown, to approve the publication of proposed fair fund plans and disgorgement plans that omit plan elements required by Rule 1101 of the Commission's Rules of Practice (§ 201.1101 of this chapter).

(12) To issue orders instituting previously authorized administrative proceedings pursuant to sections 15(b)(4) or (6), 15B, 15C, or 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78o(b)(4) or (6), 78o-4, 78o-5, or 78q-1), and section 203(e) or (f) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3(e) or (f)), based on the entry of an injunction or a criminal conviction, and to issue findings and orders in such cases where a respondent consents to a bar from association.

(c) Former members or employees who violate the post-employment restriction provisions of 18 U.S.C. 207(a), (b) or (c), which parallel the provisions of Rule 8(a), supra, will be subject to an administrative enforcement proceeding as set forth in Rule 102(e) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, § 201.102(e) of this chapter, except that, when proceedings are brought to determine if violations of post-employment restrictions have occurred, denial of the privilege of appearing and practicing before the Commission will be based on a finding of violation of the provisions of Rule 8(a) and 18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) and (c). Procedures applicable to such administrative proceedings are to be found in the Commission's Rules of Practice, 17 CFR 201.100 et seq.

(3) Disciplinary proceeding means an action pursuant to § 201.102(e);

The provisions of § 201.102(e) of this chapter (Rule 102(e) of the Commission's rules of practice) are hereby made specifically applicable to all investigations.

(e) The officer conducting the investigation may report to the Commission any instances where any witness or counsel has been guilty of dilatory, obstructionist or contumacious conduct during the course of an investigation or any other instance of violation of these rules. The Commission will thereupon take such further action as the circumstances may warrant, including suspension or disbarment of counsel from further appearance or practice before it, in accordance with § 201.102(e) of this chapter (Rule 102(e) of the Commission's rules of practice), or exclusion from further participation in the particular investigation.

(iv) With respect to persons licensed to practice as accountants, “improper professional conduct” under § 201.102(e)(1)(ii) means:

(A) Intentional or knowing conduct, including reckless conduct, that results in a violation of applicable professional standards; or

(B) (1) A single instance of highly unreasonable conduct that results in a violation of applicable professional standards in circumstances in which an accountant knows, or should know, that heightened scrutiny is warranted.

(2) Repeated instances of unreasonable conduct, each resulting in a violation of applicable professional standards, that indicate a lack of competence to practice before the Commission.

(c) A motion to or petition to review an order suspending temporarily the privilege of appearing before the Commission under § 201.102(e)(3), or a sanction under § 201.180(a)(1).