(a) Collateral Proceedings and Refiled Cases. Whenever a civil matter, commenced in or
removed to the Court, involves subject matter that comprises all or a material part of the subject
matter or operative facts of another action, whether civil or criminal, then or previously pending
in any court or administrative agency, counsel must file a list and description of all such
actions then known to counsel and a brief summary of the relationship between the cases.
Counsel shall file the list and description as a separate document at the time of filing the
complaint. If information concerning any such action or proceeding is obtained after the filing of
the original pleading in the latter case, counsel must notify the Court and opposing counsel in
writing of the relationship between the cases.
(b) Assignment of Collateral Proceedings and Refiled Cases. To promote judicial economy,
conserve judicial resources, and avoid potential forum-shopping and conflicting court rulings,
all actions described in LR 3(a) shall be transferred to the section with the lowest docket number,
unless the two Judges involved determine that some other procedure is in the interest of justice.
If the Judges cannot agree upon whether a case should be transferred, the opinion of the
transferee Judge shall prevail.
