NFL Deputy General Counsel, Litigation & Legal Affairs ANASTASIA DANIAS SCHMIDT is leaving the league to join MLS as the soccer league’s new general counsel. Her first day there is scheduled to be May 13. Schmidt has been with the NFL since '00. She has handled commercial and antitrust litigation, as well as the concussion lawsuits filed against the league, having had a central role in the settlement of those cases. At MLS, Schmidt -- who just recently began using her husband’s last name for business -- will have a key role in the strategic, legal and operational functions of the league. She will report to MLS President and Deputy Commissioner MARK ABBOTT. Current MLS General Counsel BILL ORDOWER is joining the commercial side of the organization in the newly-created position of Exec VP/MLS Business Ventures. He will help oversee commercial opportunities for MLS and Soccer United Marketing. He will report to MLS Deputy Commissioner and President of MLS Business Ventures GARY STEVENSON. The NFL declined to comment, referring questions to MLS. Abbott in a statement said, “Anastasia is one of the most talented and admired legal executives in professional sports today. ... Her collaborative efforts with our leadership team and clubs will be critical during this continued period of growth for MLS and the game in the U.S. and Canada.”
