(a) Appointment. An Administrative Law Judge, appointed as provided by 5 U.S.C. 3105, shall conduct proceedings upon complaints for the disbarment or suspension of attorneys, certified public accountants, or enrolled practitioners.
(b) Responsibilities. The Administrative Law Judge in connection with any disbarment or suspension proceeding shall have authority to:
(1) Administer oaths and affirmation;
(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests; these rulings may not be appealed prior to the close of the hearing except at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge in extraordinary circumstances;
(3) Rule upon offers of proof, receive relevant evidence, and examine witnesses;
(4) Take or authorize to the taking of depositions;
(5) Determine the time and place of hearing and regulate its course and conduct;
(6) Hold or provide for the holding of conferences to settle or simplify the issues by consent of the parties;
(7) Receive and consider oral or written arguments on facts or law;
(8) Make initial decisions;
(9) Adopt rules of procedure and modify them from time to time as occasion requires for the orderly disposition of proceedings; and
(10) Perform acts and take measures as necessary to promote the efficient conduct of any proceeding.