NEWSReport No. GN 95-7        GENERAL ACTION             September 13, 1995


         FCC AMENDS SECTION 1.24 OF ITS RULES TO INCORPORATE THE 
                PROCEDURES CONCERNING ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT 

     The Commission amended Section 1.24 of its Rules, 47 C.F.R.  1.24(d),  to
incorporate the procedures concerning attorney misconduct announced by the Commission in
Opal Chadwell, 2 FCC Rcd 3458 (1987).

     In Opal Chadwell, the Commission adopted procedures to be followed when it
appeared in the course of a hearing proceeding that an attorney may have committed
misconduct.  As amended, Section 1.24 will now provide that allegations of attorney
misconduct in Commission proceedings are  to be referred under seal to the Office of
General Counsel (OGC).  The decision maker may proceed with the merits of the matter,
and may make incidental findings (but not draw ethical conclusions) concerning the
attorney's conduct only if necessary to evaluate the conduct of the applicant.  OGC should
determine if the allegations are substantial, and, if so, immediately send a letter to the
affected attorney directing the attorney to respond.  OGC will then determine if further
measures are necessary, including (a) recommending institution of a Section 1.24 proceeding
(to censure, suspend, or disbar attorneys in FCC proceedings); (b) reference to the
appropriate State bar; (c) consultation with the Department of Justice; or (d) another course
of action which "will most effectively protect the integrity of the Commission's
administrative processes."

     Action by the Commission September 11, 1995 by Order (FCC 95-390). Chairman
Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness and Chong.

                                  - FCC -

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Office of General Counsel contact: Laurence H. Schecker at (202) 418-1717.