Four individuals standing in front of a brick wall, all wearing University at Buffalo School of Law apparel in shades of blue. Two are in quarter-zip pullovers with UB branding, one in a hoodie with “University at Buffalo School of Law” printed on the front, and one in a crewneck sweatshirt with the UB logo. They are posed side by side, facing forward.

Jamila A. Lee ’15, Christopher A. Wightman ’99, Prof. Jorge Luis Fabra-Zamora and Erika Danzig ’26.

Blueprints: Our Bold New Chapter

UB School of Law is igniting a bold new chapter with Blueprints—an initiative that honors the foundation laid by generations of our alumni, faculty and friends, while inspiring today’s students and practitioners to imagine the mark they’ll make in the world.

In this issue of the UB Law Forum, we look at how that vision has shaped the work we share and explore how new generations of legal professionals are moving their communities forward. We celebrate our past, present and future: the pioneers who built the institution, our alumni and other partners who make a daily difference, and the initiatives and research that can transform areas of deep need.

We hope you’ll claim your own place and draw your own Blueprint. Let’s build something together.

watch our blueprints video

Watch our Blueprints video!

Our Blueprints

Close-up of a person wearing a royal blue University at Buffalo zip-up jacket with the white “UB” logo on the left side. The jacket is partially zipped, revealing a black shirt underneath. The person has long, curly black hair and is wearing gold hoop earrings. The background is softly blurred with earthy tones.

“My blueprint is to create a law school environment where every student feels empowered to thrive— academically, professionally and personally. I hope to leave a legacy of fostering inclusivity and resilience, preparing future lawyers to lead with integrity and empathy in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.”
- Jamila A. Lee ’15, Vice Dean for Student Affairs

Close-up of a person wearing a blue University at Buffalo jacket with a light gray collar and a white button-down shirt underneath. The jacket features the white “UB” logo and the words “University at Buffalo” on the left side. The background shows a brick wall with some greenery and autumn-colored leaves.

“My blueprint, as chair of the law school’s Dean’s Advisory Council, is to cultivate deep alumni engagement with law school students, faculty and staff. With my fellow alumni, I encourage a continuing tradition of lifelong community that leverages the wisdom, spirit and hard work of each alum for the benefit of our law school, now and long into the future.”
- Christopher A. Wightman ’99, Chair, Dean’s Advisory Council

Close-up of a person wearing a bright blue University at Buffalo zip-up jacket over a white collared shirt. The jacket has a small white logo on the left side. The background shows a brick wall with some greenery and autumn-colored leaves.

“My blueprint is to contribute to UB Law’s distinguished community of research and teaching by furthering its tradition of interdisciplinary legal scholarship dedicated to promoting justice. I also hope to mentor a new generation of leaders in the legal profession committed to serving their communities with integrity.”
- Jorge Luis Fabra-Zamora, Associate Professor of Law

Close-up of a person wearing a bright blue hoodie with the words “University at Buffalo School of Law” printed in white on the front. The hoodie has drawstrings visible near the neckline. The background shows a brick wall with some greenery and autumn-colored leaves.

“My blueprint is to continue the cycle of mentorship. UB and its alumni have been remarkable in helping me succeed and find my path, and I hope to pay that forward one day. I truly believe that law school and the practice of law should never force you to abandon the passions or people that matter most. I’m committed to inspiring current and future students to stay grounded in their communities and keep aiming high ... even when our dreams may feel (just slightly) too ambitious!”
 - Erika Danzig ’26, Law Student