Community and Culture
Since 1887, our law school has been built on the vision of our community.
Now it’s your turn to shape what comes next.
Through Blueprints, our new initiative inspired by UB’s signature color, we celebrate the deep roots and strong foundation laid by generations of students, alumni, faculty, and friends. From our founding by members of Buffalo’s bench and bar to today’s thriving community, UB Law has been shaped by the contributions of many.
Blueprints honors where we’ve been and challenges each of us to imagine the mark we’ll make on our law school and the broader legal community. Everyone has a role in shaping the future, and you’re invited to get involved, stay engaged and share your vision for the blueprint you'll create.
So, what do you want your blueprint to be?
"Over the decades, we’ve grown in both size and stature, evolving into a diverse and dynamic network of students, alumni, faculty and friends who continue to build on the ideals of our founders. Their vision has become the blueprint for our law school."
- Dean S. Todd Brown
Congratulations, Class of 2026! As you get ready to cross the finish line, our community is coming together to share words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration for what comes next. Explore this collection of advice to help guide you into your next chapter.
"Congratulations on your graduation! Treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn. Always remember that the law library remains a partner in your lifelong learning, offering broad support for your research questions at every stage. Keep asking questions and know that you have a resource behind you for the long run."
- Beth Adelman, Vice Dean for Legal Information Services
"Lead, follow, listen, and act with empathy. Always strive to be better and do better for yourself and others. Try to find the little joys in life and never stop learning."
- Amanda Benzin, Associate Director, The Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy
"Never give up hope. Find strength in your community. If you don’t have one, build one for yourself and others who need it."
- Bernadette Gargano, Vice Dean of Experiential Education and Social Justice Initiatives; Director of Clinical Legal Education
"You’ve put in the hard work, and you are ready for what comes next. We saw that in you when you applied, and you’ve proven it throughout your time here. As you prepare for the bar, trust the process, stay focused, and remember why you started this journey, especially on the days that feel extra challenging. We’re proud of you and excited to see what you do next."
- Lindsay Gladney, Vice Dean for Admissions and Enrollment
"Congratulations, Class of 2026, and welcome to our global community of alumni. As you begin the next chapter of your professional journey, we encourage you to stay connected and engaged. Your experiences, insights, and leadership will shape not only your own paths, but also the future of the next generation of graduates. Best wishes for your continued success!"
- Karen Kaczmarski ’89, Vice Dean and Senior Director of Advancement
"As you graduate, remember the real responsibility starts now. The profound duty of care for your clients, but more importantly - for yourself. A sustainable legal career is not built on constant sacrifice; it is built on making good decisions, self‑awareness, resilience, and care. Guard your health, your integrity, and your sense of purpose with intention. As many of you step into bar preparation, remember that taking care of yourself is not a distraction from professional responsibility, but rather an essential part of it. Congratulations! You did it!"
- Jamila Lee ’15, Vice Dean for Student Affairs
"Congratulations on becoming a lawyer! Now, find out what kind of lawyer you are, and be that."
- Bill MacDonald, Assistant Dean for Academic and Bar Success
"Dear Class of 2026, The most respected lawyers are the ones who advocate zealously yet treat everyone with dignity and respect. As you enter the legal profession, remember to treat others with kindness while representing your client to the best of your ability."
- Stephanie Mack ’08, Senior Associate Director for Alumni Affairs; Executive Director of the UB Law Alumni Association
"As you celebrate this achievement, take pride in how far you’ve come and trust the foundation you’ve built. You belong in this profession, and this accomplishment shows that you can handle complexity, pressure, and adversity. This moment is a bridge into the next chapter; cross it with curiosity, seek mentors, and give yourself grace as you continue to grow."
- Angie McDuff (JD), ’18 (LLM), Professor of Skills; Director of the LAWR Program
"As you launch your new professional lives, remember to give back. Share the wisdom and skills you’ve gained in law school by mentoring those who follow and by doing pro bono work when you’re able. That spirit of service will bring a heightened sense of purpose to your work and enrich every chapter of your career."
- Lisa Mueller ’93, Vice Dean for Communications
"Dear Graduates, remember the bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Work hard every day, but give yourself some downtime in the evening to take a walk, ride a bike (carefully), listen to music or watch an hour of some show you cannot give up! You can do it, we know you can!"
- Melinda Saran ’86, Teaching Faculty; Vice Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs; Interim Vice Dean for Undergraduate Studies
"The UB Law community is one of your greatest assets, and the bonds you've built here will stay with you for life. The relationships you've forged in law school will follow you throughout your career, in Buffalo and beyond, fueling your professional growth, making you the trusted colleague your network turns to with referrals, and surrounding you with friends who will always have your back. The Career Services Office is proud to support you for life, so don't forget to report your jobs in LOCK!"
- Jennifer Scharf ’05, Vice Dean for Career Services; Co-Director, Advocacy Institute; Director of Trial Advocacy
"As you begin your professional journey, learn who your support team is and how each role contributes to the organization’s success. Meaningful progress is rarely achieved alone and depends on collaboration across roles and disciplines. Build respectful relationships, ask questions, and remember that strong partnerships matter as much as technical skill."
- Brandon Tubinis, Operations Manager
"Building connections and creating community."
"Making a positive impact."
"Fostering a culture where people feel seen, heard and valued."
"Helping businesses around the world."
"Increasing access to justice for the underserved community."
"By showing the youth back home that they can beat the stereotypes and statistics."
"To be a light for those following after me."
"Using my knowledge to help future students."
"Leading with compassion."
"Help others shine and meet their goals"
"Building a legacy of the law school's power to change lives and share a more just future."
"Growing with my peers."
"Being the voice I needed when I was silenced."
"Educating others about their legal rights."
"Creating opportunities for others to succeed."
"Serving my community."
"Spreading the great reputation of UB School of Law."
"Supporting research that catalyzes change."
"Becoming the first lawyer in my family and building generational wealth for my children."