OS ANGELES, March 22 — With the potential for hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits statewide against Roman Catholic priests, a judge has recommended the cases be coordinated and given to a single judge in Los Angeles.

The judge who made the recommendation, Elihu M. Berle of Superior Court, said on Friday that grouping the cases would help avoid duplicate and inconsistent rulings.

Raymond P. Boucher, a lawyer who represents about 180 people who say they were sexually abused by Roman Catholic priests, said he was against consolidation. The state's 11 dioceses are legally distinct, each with its own bishop, finances and policies, Mr. Boucher said.

The idea of coordinating the lawsuits began in January, when a Costa Mesa lawyer filed a petition with the State Supreme Court asking that a single judge hear what could be hundreds of cases.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George of the Supreme Court is expected to make a decision soon on Judge Berle's recommendation.