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, they may be transferred by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (The Panel) to any federal 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. The Panel has the responsibility for determining which cases qualify for multidistrict litigation treatment, as well as which district court to transfer and consolidate these cases. The transfers are made pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1407, upon the Panel's determination that the transfers will result in the convenience of the parties and witnesses and will promote the just and efficient conduct of the cases.

How are the cases to be transferred brought before the Panel?

Proceedings for transfer may be initiated by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation upon its own initiative or a motion filed with the Panel by a party in any action in which transfer for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings may be appropriate. Before cases are designated multidistrict litigation and transferred to one federal court, the Panel convenes a hearing and notifies all parties of the place and time of the hearing. The Panel's order of transfer is based on a record of such hearing at which material evidence may be offered by any party to an action in any federal court that would be affected by the transfer.

If my case is subject to a transfer order, but the case has not yet been transferred to the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where should I file my 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. Thus, if the transfer order to which your case is subject has been filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, you must make all future filings in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

How do I register for electronic filing for the Middle District of Pennsylvania?

Information on electric case filing with the Middle District of Pennsylvania can be found on the court’s website. 

If I am not admitted to practice before the Middle District of Pennsylvania, do I need local counsel and pro hac vice admittance to this district?

Counsel who entered an appearance in a transferor court prior to the transfer of a case to this court need not enter a separate appearance before this court. Attorneys admitted to practice and in good standing in any United States District Court are admitted pro hac vice in this litigation. The requirements of Local Rule 83.9, which relates to association with local counsel, are waived with regard to all attorneys appearing in these actions.

What procedural rules govern this litigation?

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.