16 CFR 5.30: General prohibitions for former employees.

(a) Former employees of the Commission must comply with the requirements of 18 U.S.C. 207 and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 2641 (post-government employment conflict of interest restrictions), 18 U.S.C. 203 (compensation for representational services), 41 U.S.C. 2104 (compensation from contractors), and any other applicable laws, regulations, or rules.

(b) Former employees should be aware that, among other restrictions, 18 U.S.C. 207 generally:

(1) Prohibits former employees from knowingly, with the intent to influence, communicating to, or appearing before, an employee of the United States on behalf of anyone (other than themselves or the United States) in connection with a particular matter involving a specific party or parties, in which they participated personally and substantially as employees of the Commission, and in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest; 1

(2) Restricts former employees from representing anyone (other than themselves or the United States) before a Federal agency regarding a particular matter involving a specific party or parties pending under their official responsibility during their last year of Government service for two years after they leave the Commission; and

(3) Imposes upon former “senior” Commission employees who are subject to 18 U.S.C. 207(c) a one-year “cooling off” period (this period may vary depending on any applicable Ethics Pledge requirements) in which such former employees must not make any communication to, or appearance before, any FTC employee to seek official action on behalf of anyone (other than themselves or the United States).

(c) Former employees who are attorneys, and their firms, should consult their respective State bar rules regarding conflicts that are imputed to them and their firms.