Local Rule Rule 14.1: Time of Motion to Join Third Party
E.D. Pa. — Civil rule
Rule 14.1 Time of Motion to Join Third Party
(a) Applications pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 14 for leave to join additional parties after the expiration of the time limits as specified in that rule will ordinarily be denied as untimely unless filed not more than ninety (90) days after the service of the moving party's answer. If it appears to the court's satisfaction that the identity of the party sought to be joined, or the basis for joinder, could not with reasonable diligence have been ascertained within that time period, a brief further extension of time may be granted by the court in the interests of justice.
(b) In cases subject to compulsory arbitration pursuant to Local Civil Rule 53.2, unless otherwise ordered by the court for cause shown, all applications for leave to join additional parties shall be deemed untimely unless filed before the entry appointing arbitrators.