How do I request a release of jurisdiction?
The executive director has given the principal attorney the authority to grant a release of jurisdiction under Connecticut General Statutes § 46a‑101(c).
To request a release of jurisdiction, the complainant or their attorney must send a letter to the Legal Division. Also email the request to the person assigned to the case.
Send your letter to:
Legal Division
Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 2
Hartford, CT 06103
How do I file an appearance?
All attorneys in a case must file an appearance form or a letter of appearance. You must file it with the Office of Public Hearings (OPH). You must also send copies to the other parties at the same time.
File the original and one copy.
The appearance form or letter must include:
- The attorney’s name and address
- Telephone and fax numbers
- Connecticut Juris number
- Case name and docket number
- The party the attorney represents
Attorneys who appear before the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities in a contested case must be licensed to practice in Connecticut.
Attorneys not licensed in Connecticut can only appear with permission pro hac vice. This is allowed under the Connecticut Practice Book and § 46a‑54‑15a of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
How do I file a motion to be admitted pro hac vice?
An attorney who is not licensed in Connecticut may ask for permission to appear in a case. A law student intern may also ask for permission.
To do this, file a written motion with OPH. You must also send copies to the other parties.
The motion must have the same details as an appearance form or letter. It needs to include:
- Attorney name and address
- Telephone and fax numbers
- Connecticut Juris number, if applicable
- Case name and judicial docket number
- Party the attorney represents
Attorneys who are not licensed in Connecticut must also get approval from the Connecticut Judicial Branch. This approval is required under the Connecticut Practice Book.
If permission is granted, a Connecticut‑licensed attorney must be present at all proceedings. That attorney must sign all pleadings and filings. The Connecticut‑licensed attorney is fully responsible for the case and for the conduct of the attorney or law student intern. This requirement is set out in § 46a‑54‑15a(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
How do I withdraw my appearance?
An attorney who wants to withdraw an appearance must file a withdrawal form or a letter.
File the original and one copy with OPH. You must also send copies to the other parties and to your client.
Is it necessary to file a withdrawal of complaint when the case is settled?
A case is not removed from the contested case docket until a document is filed with OPH.
To close the case, you must file one of the following:
- A withdrawal of complaint
- A stipulated agreement
- The case remains open until OPH receives one of these documents.
How do I file a document or contact OPH?
File the original and one copy of all documents with OPH.
Send documents to:
Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
Office of Public Hearings
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 2
Hartford, CT 06103
You must also certify that you mailed a copy to all other parties.
Documents are filed when OPH date stamps them as received. OPH accepts filings Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Documents that do not meet these requirements may be returned.
To contact OPH:
- Email: officeofpublichearings@ct.gov
- Phone: 860‑418‑8770
- Fax: 860‑418‑8780
How do I request a continuance?
A human rights referee may grant a continuance if there is good cause. Before you file a motion for a continuance, you must talk with the other parties. In your motion, you must explain their position on the request.
Your motion must also include three dates and times that all parties agree will work if the referee grants the continuance.
File motions for a continuance at least 10 days before the scheduled event, unless there is good cause.
No matter is continued unless the human rights referee approves the motion. The hearing conference must take place within 45 days after the complaint is certified.
Is evidence taken at the hearing conference?
No. A contested case starts with a hearing conference. The purpose of the hearing conference is to set dates and discuss next steps.
At the hearing conference, the human rights referee may:
- Schedule a settlement conference
- Set deadlines for document requests and responses
- Schedule a pre‑hearing conference
- Schedule the public hearing
No evidence or testimony is taken at the hearing conference.
Are decisions and rulings by the human rights referees available for inspection?
Yes. You can review rulings and decisions by human rights referees at OPH.
You may request hard copies for $0.25 per page. When available, OPH can also send copies by email at no cost. Request access to orders, decisions or case files in advance so OPH can make arrangements.
You can also find referee decisions and indexes, summaries of hearing officer decisions and CHRO regulations online:
On the CHRO website at https://www.ct.gov/chro
Through Westlaw at www.westlaw.com, database CT‑CIVDEC
