In Re Community Bank of Northern Virginia

OPINION OF THE COURT

SLOVITER, Circuit Judge.

Table of Contents

I. Facts and Procedural History

A. The Alleged Illegal Lending Scheme

B. The Separate Class Actions

C. Consolidation of the Class Actions

D. The Opt-Out Solicitations

E. The Joint Motion to Invalidate OpL-Outs

F. The October 31, 2003 Conference Call

G. Appellants’ Motion to Intervene

H. Appellants’ Request for Discovery

I. The Fairness Hearing

J. The FDIC as Receiver for GNBT

II. Jurisdiction

III. Analysis

A. Class Certification

1. Certification Process Followed by the District Court

2. The Appropriateness of Class Certification

i. The Rule 23(a)…