An action prosecuted by an association shall be prosecuted in the name of a member or members thereof as trustees ad litem for such association. An action so prosecuted shall be entitled ‘‘X Association by A and B, Trustees ad Litem’’ against the party defendant.
Rule 2152.Actions by associations.
Adopted May 1, 1939 · Last amended April 18, 1975 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2152 has an action by an unincorporated association prosecuted in the name of one or more members as trustees ad litem for the association.
Full Text of Rule 2152
Plain-English Summary
An unincorporated association is not a person, so it sues through representatives. This rule has an action prosecuted by an association brought in the name of one or more of its members as trustees ad litem — representatives who litigate on behalf of the whole association — so the group's claim can be pursued in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an unincorporated association sue?
In the name of one or more members as trustees ad litem for the association.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted May 1, 1939, effective November 6, 1939; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820. For the rule applicable to the prosecution of setoffs, counterclaims and cross-actions by an unincorporated association sued in the association name, see Rule 2153(b).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: association suestrustees ad litemunincorporated association lawsuit