Federal MDL Judge Passes Away

PHILADELPHIA -- Judge Charles Weiner of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania died on Nov. 9, leaving vacant the position of overseeing the Federal Asbestos MDL, a position he has retained since the MDL's inception in 1991. In re: Asbestos Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 875 (E.D. Pa.).

In order to begin the process of appointing a new judge, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation must be notified of Weiner's passing by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania chief judge, sources said.

Sources at the JPML said they had yet to be notified of Weiner's death.

Judge …