(a) As used in Sections 2-68 through 2-81, inclusive, ‘‘dishonest conduct’’ means wrongful acts committed by an attorney, in an attorney-client relationship or in a fiduciary capacity arising out of an attorney-client relationship, in the nature of theft or embezzlement of money or the wrongful taking or conversion of money, property, or other things of value, including, but not limited to refusal to refund unearned fees received in advance as required by Rule 1.16 (d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Section 2-69.—Definition of Dishonest Conduct
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceDefines dishonest conduct for client security fund purposes as an attorney's theft, embezzlement, or wrongful taking of client money or property, but excludes wrongdoing tied to investment services.
Full Text of Section 2-69
(b) ‘‘Dishonest conduct’’ does not include such wrongful acts committed in connection with the provision of investment services to the claimant by the attorney.
Amendment History
(Adopted June 29, 1998, to take effect Jan. 1, 1999.)
Plain-English Summary
This rule defines a term used throughout the client security fund rules. “Dishonest conduct” means wrongful acts an attorney commits in an attorney-client relationship, or in a fiduciary capacity arising from one, that amount to theft or embezzlement of money, or the wrongful taking or conversion of money, property, or other things of value. This includes, but is not limited to, an attorney’s refusal to refund unearned fees received in advance as required under the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The definition has a limit: dishonest conduct does not include wrongful acts committed in connection with providing investment services to the claimant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as dishonest conduct under the client security fund rules?
Wrongful acts an attorney commits in an attorney-client relationship or a related fiduciary capacity, in the nature of theft, embezzlement, or wrongful taking or conversion of money, property, or other things of value.
Does refusing to return unearned fees count as dishonest conduct?
Yes. The rule specifically includes an attorney’s refusal to refund unearned fees received in advance, as required by the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Are losses from bad investment advice covered as dishonest conduct?
No. The rule excludes wrongful acts committed in connection with providing investment services to the claimant.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 2-69). 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: dishonest conduct attorney definitionattorney theft or embezzlementunearned fees not refundedinvestment services exclusion