Christopher A. Wightman '99

Segment Synopsis: Partner at PJT Camberview in San Francisco. Graduated in 1999. Grew up in Fairport, NY near Rochester. Liked social studies and civics classes, interested in law. Went to UB. [interview restarts] Has worked 20 years. Skied and BMX racing, Family around WNY. No lawyers in family. English major at UB, studied music and classical guitar. Had to find his path into law. Why law? More interested in law and interacting with business and politics. Skills and networking to succeed. Very active at UB Dean's advisory council, stays in touch. UB was first choice. Quality was relevant, faculty, courses. Grandfather had a place about a mile from campus where he stayed.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Choosing UB Law School; Family; Practice; Relationship with UB Law; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Perceptions of lawyers. Did Moot Court and Law Review. Was a newspaper reporter in Medina, NY between undergrad and law school, wrote daily, had English degree, attended municipal and government meetings, wrote quickly, wrote for business page. As a reporter, he was on courtroom beat, watched cases tried in court, learned how court room worked. Considered politics, met DAs who were UB grads and formed a network of lawyers. 1990s UB Bulls just entering D1 again. New stadium built for World University Games. Sense of growth. Felt like commuter campus. Has been on Dean's Advisory Council for a decade talking about facilities. How to improve the 'fortress' and talking about how to make it better. Didn't know what to expect from law school, dedicated to studies. Culture of law school? UB was not competitive but collaborative, made life-long friends. Dean was Barry Boyer, retired, then Nils Olson was dean. Faculty was accessible. Faculty and mentors: Makau Matua, who became dean, was International Economic Relations professor. Still in touch. Tom Disare, clinical law professor, had the experience and tremendous mentor. Bridge course on finance transactions. Built course on an internship Wightman did during law school. Schlegel is legendary, took 12 credits with him. Conversation on current events and how corp law fits in had impact. Schlegel connects him with Tom Bremer at US Surgical for life changing internship. Great experience.

Keywords: Buffalo Law Review; Classes; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Law Faculty; Moot Court; Perceptions; Relationship with UB Law; Value of Education

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Fond memories? Member of Law Review Editorial Board. Russ Maines was friend in his study group. Story of coming to campus to see if he made Law Review list and breaking down in a snowstorm. Moot Court second year. Improved his public speaking. Helping Disare and Schlegel develop course. Wrote stories as reporter and helped him decide direction to take in law school. Had a keen interest in business and corporate law. Took tax concentration and lots of course in the area. Social life was mixed. Had young family. Social life was good. Rob Gutowski hosted parties. Knew law was his direction. Interned between first and second year in Orleans County at David Schubel's practice. Friendships professionally and personally. Used law school experience to make connections and friends with Buffalo's unique positioning. First year went ok. Harder transition after third year, took summer off to pass bar and then worked at Damon Morey. Shift from 3L to 1st year in law firm is meaningful. Hard work.

Keywords: Buffalo Law Review; Fondest Memory; Law Faculty; Moot Court; Practice; Relationship with UB Law; Social Life; UB Law School general

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: Was at Damon Morey at Corporate Department with health care transactions. His UB Law experience prepared him for this work. At Damon Morey for 2 years. Market was booming for lawyers. Recruiter called him and asked him to go to Phillips Lytle. He instead took an interview with Vanguard in Philadelphia and moved. Being an in-house lawyer is different, client is always there. Went from transactional corporate lawyer to SEC regulatory work. Take a breadth of classes in law school. Overlap in the areas. At Vanguard practicing law for 6.5 years. Story of Mutual funds growth. Offered position to lead a team for corporate governance and proxy voting functions and did that for seven years. Skills that translate from law school into business success and practice are critical thinking, ability to persuade, being in a board room, managing people, growing team, and writing. Writing never stops. His work as an index fund manager exposed him to dealing companies and boards, tremendous growth in the area. Had met people in big investment management and saw need to help companies with investor relations in this space. Launched business in 2012 in San Francisco. Corporate life to entrepreneur was another big transition. Called on skills he learned in law school to launch business. Advice for students: take business and tax classes. Keep an open mind and be flexible. Take a variety of courses. Internships. Tries to stay in touch with as many UB law students as possible and attends events with UB alumni in San Francisco. Mentors students. Has office in NY. NYC program in law and finance with law school. Interesting program and he presents to class. "UB is a truly remarkable place..." Great Quote. Stay involved after law school and active as alumnus.

Keywords: Advice; Alumni Association; Continuing Role; Law Firms; Practice; Relationship with UB Law; UB Preparation; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL