From the Merit Systems Protection Board:

The [MSPB] Board’s regulations allow parties wide discretion in choosing their representatives, subject only to disqualification for conflict of interest or position. Apart from those bases for disqualification, the appellant’s choice of representative is personal to her, and she may choose to be represented by an attorney or a non-attorney, at her discretion. Notwithstanding the choice, however, she remains responsible for the actions or inactions of her chosen representative and cannot avoid the consequences of her choice. Thus, any inexperience with legal matters and unfamiliarity with Board procedures on Szeredy’s part similarly do not warrant waiving the filing deadline. In that regard, the appellant has not asserted that she actively monitored her appeal, but that Szeredy thwarted her diligent efforts to pursue her appeal. Thus, she is responsible for any errors by [Debby] Szeredy in failing to file a timely PFR[petition for review].

Debby Szeredy is a candidate for APWU Clerk Division Director.

source: Carla I aGreca vs U.S.Postal Service