Is it possible to select multiple layers by selecting first and last layers?

Question

I frequently get Illustrator files in that have individual objects such as paths on individual layers that could be grouped to make the layers more concise. I find that I have to shift click each individual layer to select it to eventually group it. At times, I have 25 or so layers that I need to select. Is there a way to select the first and last layer in the layers palette, and have Illustrator select all layers in between?

Answer 1

Katrina,
And I guess it's the way I work. 1) I routinely select objects by selecting them from the layers palette, and not the canvas, so that I can't accidentally move an object that is the clients artwork. I prefer to work this way, as I consider it "safer". (I lock layers I'm not using) I routinely run into artists work that for instance, converted fonts to outline, and now each compound layer that is an individual letter is an object on it's own layer. 2) I need things grouped together and titled so that if I need to come back to this file and quickly fix something on press, I can tell what layer holds what object. 
3) Therefore, I frequently need to select objects in a two mile long (slight exaggeration ) list of layers/sublayers and group them, retaining them in their same layers in the event an effect has been applied at the top hiearchy of that layer.
It would be great if a key, or combination of keys, would allow me to select the top object, scroll down and select the last object, and have Illustrator select all between those two.
If you create and use selections as suggested in post #12, you do have to select individual objects when they share layers with other objects (but you can select whole layers as well) in exactly the way you are used to (1), but you only have to do it once instead of having to repeat it (3), and you have them collected with a title so you can find them again (2).
At least it is part of the way.