After deciding to outsource his legal representation, Beshear tasked his general counsel, Ellen Hesen, with spearheading the bidding process that included "several" firms.

He dismissed a notion that hiring his former employer could give a perception that he played favorites.

"If there is, there is," he said. "I wanted to get who I considered to be the best lawyers to represent me on such an important issue."

Williams, a Republican from Burkesville, filed the suit last month because he said Beshear improperly vetoed a bill outlining how road funds could be spent.

Steve Robertson, chairman of the Kentucky Republican Party, said Beshear's hiring his former firm looks as if he's helping out his friends and former bosses.

"Beshear's mantra during the campaign was 'taking care of our own,' and it's clear that he's at least making good on that promise," Robertson said.

Beshear told reporters that Stites & Harbison emerged as the top choice "because of their experience and their expertise."