Moving a household cross country from California to Florida is no small feat in the middle of the summer.
But for Cassie McBride, it was well worth it.
Last month, McBride was named the Chief Legal Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which was a return home for McBride, who previously served as Associate Counsel for the Bucs in 2013 and 2014. That certainly made her decision to leave her Senior Vice President/General Counsel role at the San Jose Sharks a little bit easier.
The decision also represented a return to the NFL, with McBride having served as General Counsel for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014-2021.
We wanted to learn a little more about her journey and her decision to take the position vacated by Dan Malasky, who left the Bucs for the same post at IMG Academy. Here’s an exclusive interview with the Case Western School of Law graduate.
Question: What was your big break in becoming a sports lawyer?
Answer: My first introduction to sports law was an internship with the Los Angeles Angels. As a lifelong baseball fan, it was truly an eye-opening experience to join the front office of a professional MLB team and get a sneak-peek into what it takes to run a franchise. I learned about the in-house legal practice and enjoyed the collaborative nature of the organization. A few months later, the Angels General Counsel (David Cohen) pivoted to take on the General Counsel opportunity at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and invited me to join him as Associate Counsel. The next thing I knew, I was on a one-way flight to Tampa Bay, and the rest was history.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of being a team general counsel?
A: Balancing competing priorities tends to be one of the biggest challenges. The sports industry is dynamic and fast-paced, and there are ever-increasing demands from various stakeholders — both internally and externally. Remaining agile and able to manage and mitigate risk, while prioritizing the objectives of the business isn’t always an easy task. But with every challenge, there is opportunity to flex different skills, which ultimately makes you a more effective lawyer in the long run.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect?
A: It’s rewarding to witness the fruits of your labor come together in practice. The legal function largely operates behind the scenes, so the ability to see how your work impacts the product on the field or within the community — those are the moments that make professional sports a fun and rewarding career. And at its core, the teamwork and camaraderie among the team, fans, sponsors and employees drive memorable experiences for everyone.
Q: What attracted you to the opportunity with the Bucs?
A: The Chief Legal Officer opportunity at the Bucs is a full circle moment for me. Eleven years ago, I kicked off my sports law career with the Bucs, so it’s amazing and humbling to reunite with the organization after spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Jose Sharks. I view this chapter as a way to give back to a team that took a chance on me and was instrumental in developing my professional success. I’m excited to bring my talents back to Tampa and play a role in the franchise’s continued success.
Q: Has there been a guiding principle or two that have helped you build a successful sports law career?
A: Early on in my career, I learned the importance of relationship building and finding a path to “yes.” Too often, lawyers are seen as overly risk-adverse and roadblocks, instead of trusted collaborators. I strive to be open-minded, creative, and efficient when problem-solving, and ensure that all stakeholders have what they need to make informed decisions. Building and maintaining trust is key.
Q: What areas of law are you less inclined to rely on an outside law firm and why?
A: Generally, the use of outside counsel depends on the nature of the matter. Transactions and disputes in the ordinary course [of business] are typically handled in-house, while more complex areas of the law may require certain subject matter experts.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to be a team GC?
A: Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to take initiative. Professional sports is competitive and constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for sports lawyers to keep current on industry trends and relevant areas of the law. Anticipating the needs of those you serve and proactively solving problems before they arise will set you up for success.
