§ 8.63 Hearings.

(a) Conduct. The Administrative Law Judge shall preside at the hearing on a complaint for the disbarment or suspension of an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner. Hearings will be stenographically recorded and transcribed and the testimony of witnesses will be received under oath or affirmation. The Administrative Law Judge shall conduct hearings pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 556.

(b) Failure to appear. If either party to the proceedings fails to appear at the hearing, after due notice has been sent, the Administrative Law Judge may deem them to have waived the right to a hearing and may make a decision against the absent party by default.