Update: New Jersey to Confront Sports Leagues’ Lawsuit?

Top legal company hired by Gov. Christie to defend the state's legalization decision It appears New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is really willing to defend the state's decision to legalize sports betting, as he hired top Washington DC law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher to fight a law suit initiated by major US sports leagues. The state will be represented by two partners in the firm, Theodore B. Olson and Matthew D. McGill, who will negotiate with the sports leagues' legal representatives. However, in related developments, judging by a statement from the state Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa, the issuance of licenses in the wake of the new measure may take a while - at least another few months. In his note to a federal judge, related to the issue with lawsuits filed against the state by major sporting leagues, Chiesa said it is not likely sports betting licenses are to be issued to state racetracks and casinos before December this year. He also assured District Judge Michael Shipp that the state does not plan to issue licenses before December 1st 2012, adding that the delay could be as long as 120 days.