Anastasia Danias Schmidt, executive vice president and general counsel of Major League Soccer.Women, Influence & Power in Law 2019: Anastasia Danias Schmidt
Our 2019 special report honors women who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law.
December 02, 2019 at 01:00 AM
2 minute read
Name: Anastasia Danias Schmidt
Category: In-House: Women's Legal Awards
Firm/Company: Major League Soccer & Soccer United Marketing
Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Time in Position: Since April 2019
What was your route to the top?
I have always believed in broadening my experience, [even] since before I went to law school and worked jobs ranging from bartender to gymnastics coach to valet car attendant. During law school, I fell in love with litigation and went to a larger New York firm for a few years before answering a job posting that resulted in an entry-level legal job at the [National Football League] in 2000. I worked my way up within the League's legal department, starting with intellectual property work and eventually becoming Deputy General Counsel and Chief Litigation Officer, exposing me to all aspects of the League's litigation. Five months ago, I joined [Major League Soccer] as general counsel.
What keeps you up at night?
The risks we haven't thought about yet.
What is the best leadership advice you've given or received, and why do you think it was effective?
Don't just identify risks, come prepared with a solution.
Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession?
Blue-booking is not a necessary life skill.
What is the most valuable career advice anyone has ever given you?
Find an area of the law you love and then figure out how to work that into a career path.
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