Palmer et al v. BHP Billiton Petroleum (Arkansas) Inc et al

Filing 21

ORDER granting 14 MOTION to Consolidate Cases 4:11CV00475, 4:11CV00476, 4:11CV00477, with LEAD CASE 4:11CV00474 and for Appointment of Interim Class Counsel; all pleadings are to be filed in the LEAD CASE; the Clerk is directed to administratively terminate this action. Signed by Chief Judge J. Leon Holmes on 8/31/11. (vjt)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION
STEPHEN HEARN, on behalf of himself
and all others similarly situated;
JESSE and SUSAN FREY, on behalf of themselves
and all others similarly situated;
RANDY and JOYCE PALMER, on behalf of themselves
and all others similarly situated; and
SAM and APRIL LANE, on behalf of themselves
and all others similarly situated
v.

PLAINTIFFS

NO. 4:11CV00474 JLH (LEAD)
NO. 4:11CV00475 JLH
NO. 4:11CV00476 JLH
NO. 4:11CV00477 JLH

BHP BILLITON PETROLEUM (ARKANSAS),
INC.; BHP BILLITON PETROLEUM
(FAYETTEVILLE) LLC; CHESAPEAKE
OPERATING, INC.; and CLARITA OPERATING, LLC

DEFENDANTS

ORDER
The plaintiffs have filed motions for consolidation and appointment of interim class counsel
in each of the above-numbered cases. Each of the motions is granted. Pursuant to Federal Rule of
Civil Procedure 42(a), the above-numbered cases are hereby consolidated. All pleadings, motions,
and other documents will be filed in No. 4:11CV00474-JLH, using the style shown above. Emerson
Poynter LLP and Wyly-Rommel PLLC are hereby appointed as interim class counsel pursuant to
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(g)(3). The Clerk is directed to terminate administratively case
Nos. 4:11CV00475, 4:11CV00476, and 4:11CV00477.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 31st day of August, 2011.

J. LEON HOLMES
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE