(a) Any attorney placed upon inactive status under the provisions of these rules shall be entitled to apply for reinstatement, without the payment of an entry fee, at such intervals as the court may direct in the order placing the attorney on inactive status or any modification thereof. Such application shall be granted by the court upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence that the attorney’s disability has been removed and the attorney is fit to resume the practice of law. Upon such application, the court may take or direct such action as it deems necessary or proper, including the determination whether the attorney’s disability has been removed, and including direction of an examination of the attorney by such qualified medical expert or experts as the court shall designate. The court shall direct that the expense of such an examination be paid either by the attorney or by the Judicial Branch.
Section 2-60.—Reinstatement upon Termination of Disability
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceAn attorney on inactive status can apply for reinstatement by showing clear and convincing evidence that the disability is gone and they're fit to practice again, though a prior judicial competency finding can simplify that showing.
Full Text of Section 2-60
(b) Where an attorney has been placed on inactive status by an order in accordance with the provisions of Section 2-57 and thereafter, in proceedings duly taken, has been judicially declared to be competent, the court may dispense with further evidence that his or her disability has been removed and may direct his or her return to active status upon such terms as are deemed proper and advisable.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 44.)
Plain-English Summary
Section 2-60 gives an attorney placed on inactive status under these rules the right to apply for reinstatement, without paying an entry fee, at whatever intervals the court sets in the inactive-status order or any later modification. The court grants the application when the attorney shows, by clear and convincing evidence, that the disability has been removed and the attorney is fit to resume practicing law. To reach that determination, the court can take whatever action it deems necessary, including directing an examination by a qualified medical expert, with the expense paid either by the attorney or by the Judicial Branch, as the court directs.
There’s a shortcut for attorneys placed on inactive status under Section 2-57. If that attorney is later judicially declared competent in a separate proceeding, the court may skip further evidence that the disability has been removed and direct the attorney’s return to active status on whatever terms it deems proper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must an attorney prove to be reinstated from inactive status?
The attorney must show by clear and convincing evidence that the disability has been removed and that the attorney is fit to resume the practice of law.
Is there a fee to apply for reinstatement under Section 2-60?
No. An attorney may apply for reinstatement without paying an entry fee.
Who pays for a medical examination ordered in a reinstatement proceeding?
The court directs whether the attorney or the Judicial Branch pays for any examination by a qualified medical expert the court designates.
Does a Section 2-57 attorney need medical evidence to be reinstated?
Not necessarily. If an attorney placed on inactive status under Section 2-57 is later judicially declared competent, the court may dispense with further evidence of removed disability and direct a return to active status.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 2-60). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: reinstatement after inactive status CTattorney fit to resume practiceclear and convincing evidence disability removedreturn to active status attorney