Representative Plaintiff

/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv ˈplæntɪf/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A party who sues on behalf of a group sharing common legal issues, typically in class action lawsuits.
    The representative plaintiff filed the class action against the corporation.
  2. (n.) A lead plaintiff chosen to represent the interests of other similarly situated plaintiffs in a collective legal proceeding.
    The court appointed a representative plaintiff to streamline the case process.

Forms

  • representative plaintiff
  • representative plaintiffs

Commentary

The term is essential in class action context, emphasizing the plaintiff's role in representing a class; clarity about the representative’s duty and authority is crucial in pleadings and settlement discussions.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app