What is multidistrict litigation?

Multidistrict litigation is litigation pending in more than one federal district court involving common questions of fact.  When such cases involve civil actions, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation may transfer them to any federal district court for coordinated and consolidated pretrial proceedings.

What is the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation?

The Panel is a group of seven federal judges designated by the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  The Panel has the responsibility for determining which cases qualify for multidistrict litigation treatment, as well as which district court to transfer and consolidate the cases.  The transfers are made pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1407, based on the Panel’s determination that transfer will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses, and will promote the just and efficient conduct of the litigation.

If my case is subject to a transfer order, but the case has not yet been transferred to the Northern District of Florida, where should I file documents?

Transfers under 28 U.S.C. § 1407 become effective with the filing of the Panel’s transfer order in the Clerk’s Office of the designated transferee court.  Therefore, if the transfer order to which your case is subject has been filed in the Northern District of Florida, you must make all future filings in the Northern District of Florida.

Do I need to file a motion in the Northern District of Florida to appear pro hac vice and do I need to associate with local counsel?

See Pretrial Order No. 3.

What procedural rules govern this litigation?

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules for the Northern District of Florida.