Appeal of Guel Attorney Conflict Ruling Dismissed
The FCC’s Office of General Counsel dismissed an appeal of FCC Administrative Law Judge Jane Halprin’s ruling that the same attorney can't represent multiple parties in the hearing proceeding on the TV and radio licenses of Antonio Guel and the…
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Hispanic Christian Community Network (see 2409130064). Petitioners Maria Guel and Jennifer Juarez -- Antonio Guel’s daughter and niece, respectively -- wanted broadcast attorney Dan Alpert to represent them in the case, though he also represents Antonio Guel. The hearing proceeding is based in part on allegations that Antonio Guel pretended that he sold his stations to Juarez while actually retaining control of them, and filings in the case show Maria Guel and Antonio Guel as heading multiple companies involved in the matter. That makes Alpert’s representation of all three a conflict, Halprin ruled in September. Juarez and Maria Guel appealed that ruling to the OGC but did so without seeking authorization from Halprin, FCC Associate General Counsel Chin Yoo said in an order posted Nov. 27. “Since the Petitioners did not seek such leave, we dismiss the appeal on procedural grounds as unauthorized, without reaching the merits,” the order said.