Opinion ID: 65811
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Length of Time Since Learning of Interest in the Action.

Text: The first timeliness factor is [t]he length of time during which the would-be intervenor actually knew or reasonably should have known of his interest in the case before he petitioned for leave to intervene. Stallworth, 558 F.2d at 264. The timeliness clock does not start running until the putative intervenor also knows that class counsel will not represent his interest. Sierra Club, 18 F.3d at 1206. The district court found that Texas had actual knowledge of its interest in the case by March 2006 at the latest. Texas argues that it was not aware of its interest until it received notice of the December 12, 2007, order, which declared the existence of unclaimed checks and created the cy pres distribution. Texas received formal notice of the order on January 2, 2008, and filed its motion to intervene just nine days later. There is ample evidence, however, that Texas was aware of its interest quite some time earlier. Class counsel reported to the district court that it had kept Texas informed of the possibility of a cy pres distribution. In several hearings, the court noted Texas's opposition to the idea and its possible intent to intervene. The hearing transcripts show that Texas knew the case was pending. Class counsel represented to the district court on at least three occasions that it had been in touch with the Texas Attorney General's office regarding the progress of the case. The transcripts also indicate that Texas knew its interests were not being represented by class counsel. At the March 2006 hearing, class counsel reported contacting the Texas Attorney General's office about the unclaimed settlement funds. Texas's opinion was that the money should go to the state, not a cy pres distribution. From the posture of class counsel, working toward the cy pres settlement, Texas should have been aware that its interests were not being represented by any of the parties. The timeliness of the motion to intervene should thus be measured from March 2006, almost two years before it was filed.