Any party may appear on his or her own behalf; if a minor, by his or her next friend, or by a representative of the party's choice. Corporations must be represented by a duly authorized attorney licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Party representatives are held to the same procedural and substantive standards as attorneys. Attorneys and party representatives who wish to take a vacation and prevent the scheduling of hearings during a specific time period must notify the administrative law judge in writing at least two weeks before the vacation begins.