Multidistrict Litigation

Trial attorneys of Seeger Weiss provide representation to individuals, corporations and small businesses in complex and multidistrict litigation across the East Coast and around the country. Like class action lawsuits, multidistrict litigation allows for the processing of cases that involve multiple plaintiffs in different courts that share common issues.

Seeking legal help for issues arising out of multi-district litigation is essential for our clients because of the complexities involved in cases relating to adverse effects of harmful/dangerous drugs, medical devices, and defective products. Seeger Weiss has a “leg up” on other firms for these types of cases because of our dual experience in both personal injury litigation and multi-district litigation ensuring litigants get a fair outcome. Read more:

-Pros and cons of multidistrict litigation
-Seeger to serve in Depuy hip implant multidistrict litigation
 -Partner Jonathan Shub appointed co-lead in privacy litigation case

How this form of litigation works


A Judicial panel decides when multiple lawsuits can be consolidated into multidistrict litigation. The panel, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States consists of seven members. If the panel determines in favor of multidistrict litigation, it transfers the cases from the courts where they were first filed to a single federal district court. Cases that are filed after the formation of multidistrict litigation proceedings can later be transferred also.

The selected judge presides over pretrial motions, discovery proceedings, and settlement conferences. If a trial is necessary, the cases are sent back to the original court where they were first filed, where the trial will take place.

Multidistrict litigation conserves judicial time and resources. Rather than having 100 judges across the country hear similar pretrial motions and preside over similar discovery disputes, one judge handles it all. Multidistrict litigation also promotes consistency in legal rulings. Instead of having several judges rule differently on the same pretrial issue, the judge (who becomes an expert in the factual and legal issues) makes one decision that applies to all of the lawsuits.

Common Types of Cases


Multidistrict litigation works well when plaintiffs nationwide file lawsuits against the same defendants, alleging the same issues. Types of litigation that lend themselves include cases against pharmaceutical drug companies, lawsuits based on an airplane crash, securities fraud cases, and some employment cases.

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