The Art of Giving Back: Introducing Leaders for Philanthropy
Published May 6, 2026
Originally published in Law Links, the School of Law’s e-newsletter.
Being a lawyer is—at its core—the embodiment of advocacy. No matter the field or area of practice, from corporate and criminal to family and immigration to employment and environment and everything in between, lawyers specialize in serving distinct legal needs for others.
It’s that exact ethos that drives a new student group at UB School of Law, Leaders for Philanthropy, and their mission: “to keep alive the spirit of service that draws so many to law school, while building the skills—advocacy, leadership, teamwork—that will shape them into lawyers who advance justice and do good.”
Read on to discover more about their mission rooted in service, and the belief that future lawyers hold tremendous power to uplift others.
Service first, always
For founder and chair Sandy Wu ’27, philanthropy isn’t about writing checks. It’s about showing up.
“True philanthropy isn't about money; it’s about service to the community,” Wu says. “Many students come to law school with a desire to help vulnerable communities, and we hope to keep that passion alive by providing opportunities to serve beyond the classroom.”
That philosophy has shaped the group from day one. Leaders for Philanthropy encourages students to use whatever resources they have to support those who are often overlooked or disadvantaged. It’s a way to stay grounded in the values that brought so many to law school in the first place.
President Sophia Azurin ’28 echoes that sentiment. “There’s a lot of pressure on law students, and it’s pretty easy to get our heads stuck in the books,” she says. “So, it’s good to be active members of the community. Our goal is to promote doing what you can and being part of the community.”
Already full of action
Leaders for Philanthropy may be new, but they wasted no time getting involved. The 11-person board, alongside fundraising and events director Noah Kalsner‑Lowe ’27, has already successfully:
- Sold holiday treat bags to raise initial funds
- Partnered with UB Law’s Career Services Office to collect toys for Toys for Tots
- Organized a UB Law team for the Polar Plunge, raising nearly $5,000 to benefit Special Olympics New York
“We want our students to realize they can make a positive impact on this world,” Wu says. “They are the next generation of lawyers and advocates… Whether they use that power to accumulate wealth or create a more egalitarian society, that choice is theirs.”
Want to get involved? Join one of 30+ student groups
Leaders for Philanthropy joins a solid cohort of Student Groups at UB School of Law. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, identity‑based community, wellness, environmental law or social justice, there’s a group for you.
A few examples include:
- Asian Pacific Allied Law Students Association (APALSA)
- Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
- Buffalo Environmental Law Society (BELS)
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
- Women in Law & Allies (WILA)
These groups offer connection, leadership opportunities and a chance to shape your law school experience in meaningful ways. Discover all the great student organizations the School of Law has to offer.
Don’t see a fit? Start your own!
Leaders for Philanthropy exists because students saw a need and took initiative. You can do the same. Starting a club is one of the most impactful ways to leave your mark on UB Law—and to build a community that will support students long after you graduate.
Leaders for Philanthropy is here to show that service isn’t something that needs to be done on the side. It’s a core part of being a lawyer. Your law school journey will be shaped not only by what you learn, but by the communities you build and the causes you champion. Why not start today?