Opinion
No. 99-4311
February 5, 2003
ORDER
The Court having Ordered on January 13, 2003, that counsel for the independent dealers would inform the Court on February 3, 2003, which of them would negotiate with plaintiffs' counsel; and Liaison Counsel for the Lead Counsel Committee of the independent dealer defendants having informed the Court that the parties have been unable to reach agreement or to cooperate between themselves in undertaking those negotiations; and it being apparent in conference and in informal communications between counsel and the Court that the organization of the independent dealers counsel set forth in the Court's prior Orders can no longer function as an effective instrument of case management; and other good cause appearing
IT IS this day
ORDERED that the Lead Counsel Committee of independent dealers is hereby disbanded and the members of the Lead Counsel Committee and Liaison Counsel shall no longer serve the Court in those capacities, and it is further
ORDERED that the Order of the Court dated March 7, 2001, is hereby vacated, and it is further
ORDERED that the members of Lead Counsel Committee and Liaison Counsel shall submit all outstanding bills for fees and expenses to the Special Master for approval and order of payment at their earliest convenience, and it is further
ORDERED that each counsel for the independent dealers shall file a replacement Notice of Appearance disclosing the party or parties represented within seven days of the date of this Order, and it is further
ORDERED that no person shall act as lead counsel for the independent dealers nor represent that she or he is lead counsel for the independent dealers for any purpose except on express Order of the Court, and it is further
ORDERED that the Court shall issue its Opinion and Order on plaintiffs' motion for class certification during the week of February 17, 2003.