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Several days ago, PWInsider.com reported that WWE had asked for an extension to respond to the latest MLW amended lawsuit, citing that they would be seeking new legal counsel to represent them going forward.
As of today, WWE's longtime legal firm K&L Gates will no longer represent them in the case. WWE will instead be defended by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Warton & Garrison LLP.
Jerry McDevitt told Wrestlenomics.com that he was transitioning into retirement, thus he could not represent WWE, stating:
"As you may know, since early 2022 I have been working towards retirement. I had hoped that the Court would again dismiss MLW’s lawsuit as it did the first time. When it did not, and it became obvious that the case would run into at least 2025 in all probability, I advised my client that I would be wrapping things up by year-end and that it would make sense for them to secure counsel who can go the distance on the case now that discovery will be starting. There is also the chance that I might be a witness given the allegations. I will be 74 this January and it just seems like the right time to make necessary transitions.
We have worked with Paul[,] Weiss on other matters and they are an excellent firm who I will be helping get up to speed.
It has been a great 36-year run with a great Company and Vince [McMahon], and I am very proud of all that we accomplished during that time, and I will continue to help them any way I can."
McDevitt's legal work for WWE is legendary, with him having won countless cases for the company and helping Vince McMahon be found not guilty when indicted on federal charges in the 1990s.
MLW responded to McDevitt's retirement announcement, tweeting:
MLW just won its first retirement match. ??????
— MLW (@MLW) July 6, 2023
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