The Bls Civil Action Cover Sheet form serves as a pivotal document within the Massachusetts Superior Court system, particularly for those cases bound for the Business Litigation Session (BLS). Embedded with the critical responsibility of accurately categorizing the nature of a legal matter, this form ensures that cases are appropriately tracked and managed through the complexities of the judicial process. It stands as the first step in a litigation journey, requiring plaintiffs to meticulously detail the facts underpinning their claim, thereby enabling a smooth transition into the BLS's specialized ambit. The form not only demands the identification of the involved parties—plaintiffs, defendants, and their legal representatives, including the attorneys’ Bar numbers—but also compels the attorney of record to affirm their compliance with the Supreme Judicial Court Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution. Additionally, by instructing litigants to specify the type of action and whether a jury trial is sought, it categorically delineates the procedural trajectory and potential resolution mechanisms available to the case. Should any party contest the classification of the suit as relevant to the Business Litigation Session, they are tasked with justifying their position, thereby adding a layer of procedural safeguard. This procedural document underscores the meticulous attention to detail required for legal disputes within the realm of business, from governance issues to intellectual property disputes, and its comprehensive completion is crucial to avoid misdirection of the case within the Superior Court’s diverse departments.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Bls Civil Action Cover Sheet Form |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | BD3, specifying, civil, action |
CIVIL ACTION COVER |
DOCKET NO(S) B.L.S. |
Trial Court Of Massachusetts Superior Court Department County: |
SHEET |
|
SUFFOLK |
|
|
|
PLAINTIFF(S) |
|
DEFENDANT(S) |
|
|
|
ATTORNEY, FIRM NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE Board of Bar Overseers number |
ATTORNEY (if known) |
|
|
|
|
Origin Code Original Complaint |
|
|
TYPE OF ACTION AND TRACK DESIGNATION (See reverse side) CODE NO. TYPE OF ACTION (specify) TRACK IS THIS A JURY CASE? * _________
________________________ (B) ( ) Yes ( ) No
The following is a full and detailed statement of the facts on which plaintiff relies to determine eligibility in to The Business Litigation Session.
* A Special Tracking Order shall be created by the Presiding Justice of the Business Litigation Session at the Rule 16 Conference.
PLEASE IDENTIFY, BY CASE NUMBER, NAME AND COUNTY, ANY RELATED ACTION PENDING IN THE SUPERIOR COURT DEPARTMENT.
“I hereby certify that I have complied with the requirements of Rule 5 of the Supreme Judicial Court Uniform Rules on Dispute Resolution (SJC Rule 1:18) requiring that I provide my clients with information about
DATE:__________________
CIVIL ACTION COVER SHEET
INSTRUCTIONS
SELECT CATEGORY THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR CASE
BA.1 claims relating to the governance and conduct of internal of entities
BA2. claims relating to employment agreements
BA3. claims relating to liability of shareholders, directors, officers, partners etc.
BB.1 shareholder derivative claims
BB.2 claims relating to or arising out of securities transactions
BC.1 claims involving mergers, consolidation, sales of assets, issuance of debt, equity and like interests
BD.1 claims to determine the use or status of, or claims involving, intellectual property
BD.2 claims to determine the use or status of, or claims involving, confidential, property or trade secret information
BD.3 claims to determine the use or status, or claims involving restrictive covenants
BE.1 claims involving breaches of contract or fiduciary, fraud, mis- representation business torts or other violations involving business relationships
BF.1 claims under the U.C.C. involving complex issues
BG.1 claims arising from transactions with banks, investment bankers
BH.1 claims for violation of antitrust or other trade regulation laws BH.2 claims of unfair trade practices involving complex issues
BL.1 malpractice claims by business enterprises against professionals
BJ.1 claims by or against a business enterprise to which a government entity is a party
BK.1 other commercial claims, including insurance, construction, real estate and consumer matters involving complex issues
TRANSFER YOUR SELECTION TO THE FACE SHEET
EXAMPLE:
CODE NO. |
TYPE OF ACTION (SPECIFY) |
TRACK |
IS THIS A JURY CASE? |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
BD3 |
Restrictive covenants |
(B) |
Yes |
No |
DUTY OF THE PLAINTIFF. The plaintiff, or plaintiff’s counsel, shall set forth, in the face sheet a statement specifying in full detail the facts upon which the plaintiff then relies for “presumptive” entry into the Business Litigation Session. A copy of the civil action cover sheet shall be served on all defendants, together with the complaint.
DUTY OF THE DEFENDANT. Should the defendant contest the entry into the Business Litigation Session, the defendant shall file with the answer (or dispositive motion) a statement specifying why the action does not belong in the Business Litigation Session. Such Statement shall be served with the answer (or dispositive motion).
A CIVIL ACTION COVER SHEET MUST BE FILED WITH EACH COMPLAINT.
FAILURE TO COMPLETE THIS COVER SHEET THOROUGHLY AND
*A special tracking order shall be created by the presiding justice of the Business Litigation Session at the Initial Rule 16 Conference.