; or (B) file a claim with the Office under section 402, make an election under subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 401(a)(2), and continue with the corresponding procedures of this subtitle. (4) Application This subsection shall take effect and shall apply as described in section 153(c) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018 ( Public Law 115–141 ) (except to the extent such section applies to any violation of section 210 or a provision of an Act specified in section 210). (e) Rights of individuals To retain private counsel Nothing in this Act may be construed to limit the authority of any particular individual, including a covered employee, the head of an employing office, or an individual who has a right to intervene under section 415(d)(6), to retain private counsel to protect the interests of the particular individual at any point during any of the procedures provided under this Act for the consideration of an alleged violation of part A of title II, including procedures described in section 415(d)(6). (f) Standards for designated representatives or unrepresented parties (1) Standards Each designated representative of a party, and unrepresented party, participating in any of the procedures (including proceedings) provided under this Act shall have an obligation to ensure that, to the best of that designated representative or unrepresented party's knowledge, information, and belief, as formed after an inquiry which is reasonable under the circumstances, each of the following is correct: (A) No pleading, written motion, or other paper is presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of resolution of the matter. (B) The claims, defenses, and other legal contentions the designated representative or unrepresented party advocates are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for extending, modifying, or reversing existing law or for establishing new law. (C) The factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically