In hearings, who exclusively handles the submission of evidence when a party is represented by counsel?

In hearings where a party is represented by counsel, the submission of evidence is exclusively handled by that counsel. This arrangement signifies that the attorney is responsible for presenting the case on behalf of their client, which includes introducing and managing all evidence necessary for the hearing.

Counsel's role is central to ensuring that the procedural standards and legal standards are adhered to, as an attorney is trained to navigate the complexities of the law and can effectively advocate for their client's interests. This also helps streamline the process, as it avoids confusion that might arise if parties themselves were to present evidence, potentially resulting in mismanagement or misinterpretation of the proceedings.

While the presiding officer and Board members play significant roles in overseeing the hearing and ensuring due process, they do not actively handle the evidence submission when parties are represented. This delineation helps maintain a clear structure in legal proceedings and reinforces the importance of professional legal representation in hearings.