Notwithstanding Title 4, section 807, the appearance of an authorized officer, employee or representative of a party in any hearing, action or proceeding before the commission in which the party is participating or desires to participate is not an unauthorized practice of law and is not subject to any criminal sanction. In order to facilitate the efficient processing of any proceeding, the commission may, in its discretion, require the appearance of counsel on behalf of the party. [PL 1987, c. 141, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]