(a) If a response to a demand is required before the appropriate Department official designated in §172.4 renders a decision, the Department will request that either a Department of Justice attorney or a Department attorney designated for the purpose:

(1) Appear with the employee upon whom the demand has been made;

(2) Furnish the court or other authority with a copy of the regulations contained in this part;

(3) Inform the court or other authority that the demand has been, or is being, as the case may be, referred for the prompt consideration of the appropriate Department official; and

(4) Respectfully request the court or authority to stay the demand pending receipt of the requested instructions.

(b) In the event that an immediate demand for production or disclosure is made in circumstances which would preclude the proper designation or appearance of a Department of Justice or Department attorney on the employee's behalf, the employee shall respectfully request the demanding court or authority for a reasonable stay of proceedings for the purpose of obtaining instructions from the Department.

[57 FR 32896, July 24, 1992, as amended at 83 FR 17489, Apr. 20, 2018]