Multi-Jurisdiction Lawsuits

What is a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit?

A multi-jurisdiction lawsuit is a legal case that involves parties from multiple jurisdictions or geographical areas, most of whom have claims cognizable in different courts or jurisdictions. In other words, it is a lawsuit that spans multiple in-state judicial districts or, for massive lawsuits, states or countries. Florida contains 20 judicial circuits, each comprising several counties. A multi-jurisdiction lawsuit within Florida may arise when a case involves parties in different judicial circuits, which may require filing in multiple circuits.

For example, a plaintiff from a different county may sue a business operating in multiple counties within Florida. In such a case, the plaintiff may need to file the lawsuit in the defendant’s county and also in their county. Additionally, multiple similar lawsuits from plaintiffs in various counties may consolidate into a single lawsuit heard in one court.

A multi-jurisdiction lawsuit can also arise when a case involves state and federal law or involves parties in different states or countries. In such cases, the parties may need to file in both state and federal court, potentially in multiple states or countries. Such suits can often be complex and challenging, involving various legal systems, laws, and regulations. Crucially, there is no guarantee that courts adjudicate the same claim the same way in every jurisdiction. Therefore, any party in a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit should consult an attorney to prepare arguments for each jurisdiction comprehensively.

Need help with a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit? Schedule your consultation today with a top bet-the-company litigation attorney.

What legal issues typically arise related to multi-jurisdiction lawsuits?

The following disputes are among the most common in multi-jurisdiction lawsuits:

Choice of law: Multi-jurisdiction lawsuits often raise issues about which law applies to the case. When parties are from different jurisdictions, they may follow different laws and regulations. The choice of law can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
Jurisdictional issues: Multi-jurisdiction lawsuits may also raise issues related to jurisdiction. For example, a court may need to determine whether it has the authority to hear the case. If not, that court may transfer the case to a court in a different jurisdiction.
Coordination of proceedings: In cases where parties are litigating the same dispute in multiple jurisdictions, the coordination of the proceedings is crucial to ensure that the cases proceed efficiently and consistently.
Enforcement of judgments: When a court renders a judgment in a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit, the issue of enforcement may arise. For example, if the court renders a decision in one state, but the defendant’s assets are in a different state, the plaintiff may need to take additional legal action to enforce the judgment.
Discovery issues: Multi-jurisdiction lawsuits can also raise discovery issues, such as the extent to which discovery from one jurisdiction may transfer to another.

What is bet-the-company litigation, and how does it apply to multi-jurisdiction lawsuits?

When a company faces legal action that seriously threatens its future, its survival often depends on winning a single, cost-effective verdict. By necessity, such a company needs counsel experienced in bet-the-company litigation. Bet-the-company cases are often highly confidential, involve multiple parties, and entail complex discovery. High-stakes circumstances like these require risk-reward analysis and comprehensive day-to-day strategizing well above the requirements of traditional business litigation because the company’s existence depends on victory.

While the legal requirements to prove or defend against a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit remain the same, the issues are complex and implicate much more money. For example, mergers and acquisitions, accounting irregularities, changing regulatory interpretations, and antitrust matters may all implicate issues related to multi-jurisdiction lawsuits

What are relevant laws related to multi-jurisdiction lawsuits in Florida?

In Florida, relevant laws related to multi-jurisdiction lawsuits include:

The Florida Long-Arm Statute: This statute allows Florida courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over non-residents with certain minimum contact with the state, such as conducting business in Florida or committing a tort in the state.
The Florida Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act: This act allows parties in a Florida lawsuit to obtain discovery from individuals or entities located in other states and also provides for the enforcement of out-of-state discovery orders.
The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure: These rules govern the procedure for filing and litigating civil lawsuits in Florida courts, including multi-jurisdiction lawsuits.
Restatement (Second) of Conflicts of Laws: Florida courts primarily base their decision on which jurisdiction’s law applies by reference to the Restatement (Second) of Conflicts of Laws. Litigants should carefully review which conflicts of laws principles apply to their particular claims.
The Florida Statutes of Limitations: Statutes of limitation set the time limit within which a party must file and varies depending on the type of case and the jurisdiction.

What is required to file a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit in Florida?

Litigants must typically meet the following requirements to file a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit in Florida:

Personal jurisdiction: The court must have jurisdiction over all parties involved in the lawsuit, meaning the sued parties must have sufficient contacts with the state of Florida to establish personal jurisdiction or that the court has jurisdiction over them under a specific statute or rule.
Venue: Litigants must file in the appropriate venue; determining the proper venue requires reference to the location of the parties, the location of the events giving rise to the lawsuit, or the location of the property at issue.
Pleadings: The initial pleadings, such as the complaint and answer, must be filed per the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Service of process: The plaintiff must serve the defendant with a copy of the initial pleadings and a summons per the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Ensuring proper service might entail serving the defendant in another state or country, which can be complex and time-consuming.
Compliance with other applicable laws: The lawsuit must comply with all other applicable laws and regulations, such as the Florida Long-Arm Statute, the Florida Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, and the Florida Conflict of Laws.

When a set of facts is appropriate to meet the requirements of multi-jurisdiction litigation, there are many paths a claimant may take. We are value-based attorneys at Jimerson Birr, which means we look at each action with our clients from the point of view of costs and benefits while reducing liability. Then, based on our client’s objectives, we chart a path forward to seek appropriate remedies, such as:

Damages
Injunctions
Specific performance
Declaratory judgments
Punitive damages
Restitution
Equitable relief

To see what actions may be available for your unique situation, please contact our office to set up your initial consultation.

Have more questions about a multi-jurisdiction lawsuit-related situation?

Crucially, this overview of multi-jurisdiction lawsuits does not begin to cover all the laws implicated by this issue or the factors that may compel the application of such laws. Every case is unique, and the laws can produce different outcomes depending on the individual circumstances.

Jimerson Birr attorneys guide our clients to help make informed decisions while ensuring their rights are respected and protected. Our lawyers are highly trained and experienced in the nuances of the law, so they can accurately interpret statutes and case law and holistically prepare individuals or companies for their legal endeavors. Through this intense personal investment and advocacy, our lawyers will help resolve the issue’s complicated legal problems efficiently and effectively.

Having a Jimerson Birr attorney on your side means securing a team of seasoned, multi-dimensional, cross-functional legal professionals. Whether it is a transaction, an operational issue, a regulatory challenge, or a contested legal predicament that may require court intervention, we remain a tireless advocate every step of the way. Being a value-added law firm means putting the client at the forefront of everything we do. We use our experience to help our clients navigate even the most complex problems and come out the other side triumphant.

If you want to understand your case, the merits of your claim or defense, potential monetary awards, or the amount of exposure you face, you should speak with a qualified Jimerson Birr lawyer. Our experienced team of attorneys is here to help. Call Jimerson Birr at (904) 389-0050 or use the contact form to set up a consultation.