When it appears that two or more pending or completed civil actions or
proceedings filed in this district involve the same or substantially identical
transactions, happenings, or events, or the same or substantially identical questions
of law, or for any other reason said actions or proceedings could be more
expeditiously handled if assigned to the same judge, it is the parties’ responsibility
to promptly file a Notice of Related Case in each pending action or proceeding.
Completion of Section VIII of the Civil Cover Sheet (Form JS44) is not sufficient
to meet this requirement.
The Notice of Related Case must briefly describe why the actions or
proceedings are related, including all facts that appear material to that
determination, and must be served on all parties as soon as practicable. Any party
receiving a Notice of Related Case must respond within seven (7) days of service
or that party’s objections, if any, will be considered waived. The court may, in its
discretion, reassign any or all cases identified in a Notice of Related Case to the
same judge. Reassignment may also occur sua sponte.
