In Re Tx. Windstorm Ins. Hurricanes Rita

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association seeks appointment of a pretrial judge for forty-two cases involving hurricane insurance claims in Jefferson, Galveston, and Travis Counties.1 Thirty-eight cases arise from Hurricane Rita and four from Hurricane Humberto. For the reasons stated below we grant the motion. A pretrial judge has been appointed by separate order.

Rule 13 authorizes us to transfer "related" cases from different trial courts to a single pretrial judge "if transfer will (1) serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and (2) promote the just and efficient conduct of the…