Jerry McDevitt is no longer representing WWE.
Speaking to Wrestlenomics, long-time WWE lawyer Jerry McDevitt confirmed that he would no longer be representing WWE in its antitrust lawsuit filed by MLW. McDevitt cited plans of retirement as the reason why he won't be with WWE moving forward in the case.
McDevitt said in January 2022 that he was working towards retirement. McDevitt noted that the case would run into at least 2025.
Lawyers from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Warton & Garrison LLP, will instead defend WWE in the lawsuit. Attorneys from that firm who filed on Wednesday to represent WWE include Walter Brown, Karen Dunn, William Michael, and Brette Tannenbaum.
From McDevitt:
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 has represented Vince McMahon and WWE in various legal matters dating back to 1987.
MLW issued the following response:
MLW just won its first retirement match. --
— MLW (@MLW) July 6, 2023
On June 15, it was announced WWE's motion to dismiss MLW's lawsuit was denied.
