Marla Messing, Founding Partner of MLS, Gives Keynote Address at Santa Clara University School of Law Conference.

The article focuses on Marla Messing’s influential career in sports law and management, highlighting her keynote address at Santa Clara University School of Law’s Sports Law Conference. Messing, founding partner of Major League Soccer (MLS), played key roles in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the establishment of MLS, and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup as President and CEO. After a hiatus to raise her family, she returned to sports leadership roles including Vice President of the Los Angeles Olympic Bid Committee, CEO of the Southern California Section of the U.S. Tennis Association, and Interim CEO of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) during a league-wide scandal. Messing shared career advice emphasizing the value of legal education, hard work, risk-taking, creativity, integrity, and pursuing work one enjoys.