An action brought by or against the members of an unincorporated association as a class by naming certain members as representative parties may be maintained only if it appears that the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interest of the association and its members. In the conduct of the action the court may make appropriate orders corresponding with those described in Rule 23 (d), and the procedure for dismissal or compromise of the action shall correspond with that provided in Rule 23(e).
Rule 23.2.Actions Relating to Unincorporated Associations.
Last amended November 15, 1976 · Last verified July 6, 2026
In one sentenceRule 23.2 lets a lawsuit by or against an unincorporated association proceed through representative members, as long as those representatives will fairly protect the association's and its members' interests, using the same court oversight that governs class actions.
Full Text of Rule 23.2
Amendment History
(Added by SCO 258 effective November 15, 1976)
Plain-English Summary
A lawsuit brought by or against the members of an unincorporated association, naming certain members as representative parties, may proceed only if the representatives will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the association and its members. The court manages such a case with the same kind of orders available under Rule 23(d), and any dismissal or compromise follows the same court-approval procedure required for class actions under Rule 23(e).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sue an unincorporated club or association directly?
Rule 23.2 lets a suit proceed by or against representative members of the association, as long as they will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the association and its members.
What procedures apply to a lawsuit against an unincorporated association’s members?
Source & verification. The rule text, Amendment History, and Notes are reproduced verbatim from the
official Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure (Alaska R. Civ. P. 23.2). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Alaska (Alaska Const. art. IV, § 15). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 6, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: unincorporated association lawsuit Alaskasuing an association Alaska civil ruleAlaska R. Civ. P. 23.2