Section 2-63.Definition of Respondent

Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026

In one sentenceThis rule defines "respondent" — as used throughout the disciplinary rules in Sections 2-29 through 2-62 — as the attorney facing a grievance complaint or presentment, or a person accused of practicing law without a license.

Full Text of Section 2-63

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When used in Sections 2-29 through 2-62 the word ‘‘respondent’’ shall mean the attorney against whom a grievance complaint or presentment has been filed or a person who is alleged to have been engaged in the unauthorized practice of law pursuant to General Statutes § 51-88.

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 46A.)

Plain-English Summary

This section defines a term used across the discipline rules. Wherever Sections 2-29 through 2-62 use the word “respondent,” it means the attorney against whom a grievance complaint or presentment has been filed. The definition also extends to a person alleged to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law under General Statutes § 51-88.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as a "respondent" under Connecticut’s attorney discipline rules?

The attorney against whom a grievance complaint or presentment has been filed, or a person alleged to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.

Which sections use this definition of respondent?

The definition applies wherever the word “respondent” appears in Sections 2-29 through 2-62.

Does the definition of respondent cover non-attorneys?

Yes. It also covers a person alleged to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law under General Statutes § 51-88, even if that person isn’t an admitted attorney.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 2-63). 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

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