Rule 4:53-5.Attorney for the plaintiff

Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026

In one sentenceRule 4:53-5 lets the plaintiff's attorney keep handling the case until the receiver hires its own counsel, but bars compensation for work done after the receiver's appointment unless that attorney is later appointed the receiver's own attorney.

Full Text of Rule 4:53-5

Text size

Unless a receiver applies for, and until the receiver obtains leave to employ, an attorney, the plaintiff’s attorney may proceed with the conduct of the cause, but shall not be allowed by the court any compensation for services rendered after the appointment of the receiver unless thereafter appointed the receiver’s attorney by the court.

Amendment History

New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.

Source-R.R. 4:68-6; amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.

Plain-English Summary

Appointing a receiver does not instantly sideline the plaintiff's own lawyer. Until the receiver applies for and gets leave to employ an attorney, the plaintiff's attorney may keep handling the case.

That lawyer just cannot get paid for work done after the receiver's appointment, unless the court later appoints that same attorney to represent the receiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the plaintiff's attorney get paid for work done after a receiver is appointed?

Only if the court later appoints that attorney as the receiver's own attorney; otherwise, no compensation is allowed for services after the appointment.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:53-5). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: plaintiff's counsel after receivership