Opinion
98 CV 3287 (JBW)
June 13, 2001
For Plaintiffs Blue Cross, et al.: Dewey Ballantine LLP, New York, NY, By: Paul J. Bschorr, Esq., Vincent R. FitzPatrick, Jr., Esq., Michael Hefter, Esq., Heather K. McDevitt, Esq.
Dewey Ballantine LLP, Washington, DC, By: Martha J. Talley, Esq.
For Defendant Philip Morris, Incorporated: Arnold Porter, Washington, DC, By: Murray R. Garnick, Esq.
Sedgwick, Detert, Moran Arnold, San Francisco, CA, By: Kevin J. Dunne, Esq.
Sedgwick, Detert, Moran Arnold, New York, NY, By: James T. Conlon, Esq.
For Defendant Brown Williamson Tobacco Corporation: Sedgwick, Detert, Moran Arnold, New York, NY, By: David M. Covey, Esq.
Kirkland Ellis, Washington, DC, By: Kenneth N. Bass, Esq.
For Defendants Lorillard Tobacco Company, Lorillard, Inc.: Greenberg Traurig, LLP, New York, NY, By: Alan Mansfield, Esq.
Shook, Hardy Bacon, LLP, Kansas City, MO, By: Gary R. Long, Esq.
For Defendant Council for Tobacco Research, U.S.A., Inc.: Debevoise Plimpton, New York, NY, By: Steven Klugman, Esq.
For Defendant Smokeless Tobacco Council, Inc., Jacob, Medinger Finnegan, LLP, New York, NY, By: Barry S. Schaevitz, Esq.
For Defendants R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., and RJR Nabisco, Inc.: Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge, Rice, PLLC, Atlanta, GA, By: R. Dal Burton, Esq.
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge, Rice, PLLC, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, By: Thomas D. Schroeder, Esq., Ursula M. Henninger, Esq.
Collier, Shannon, Rill, Scott, PLLC., Washington D.C., By: John B. Williams, Esq.
For Defendant British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited (formerly known as British-American Tobacco Company Limited): Chadbourne Parke LLP New York, NY, By: Thomas J. McCormack, Esq.
For Defendant BAT Industries P.L.C.: Simpson Thacher Bartlett, New York, NY, By: Joseph McLaughlin, Esq.
For Defendant Hill Knowlton, Inc.: Davis Gilbert, LLP, New York, N.Y. By: Bruce M. Ginsberg, Esq.
For Defendants Liggest Group Inc., Liggest Myers, Inc., and Brooke Group Ltd.: Kasowitz, Benson, Torres Friedman LLP, New York, NY, By: Leonard Feiwus, Esq.
For Defendant The Tobacco Institute, Inc.: Seward Kissel, New York, N.Y. By: Anthony R. Mansfield, Esq.
MEMORANDUM ORDER
In light of the remaining claims pending in Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. et al. v. Philip Morris. et al., the court suggests that the parties might consider:
1. Whether the cases should be consolidated for trial in this court, and if so under what law, and under what theory or theories;
2. Whether the cases should be transferred to jurisdictions where individual providers are located;
3. Whether the cases should be treated as part of a general class action, and how; and
4. Any other possibilities which may occur to the parties.
The parties may also wish to discuss any collateral estoppel issues. A hearing on these issues and any other matters the parties wish to discuss is set for July 27, 2001 at 10:30am. Parties will arrange for exchange of briefs.
SO ORDERED