Christopher A. Wightman ’99

Christopher Wightman, a 1999 UB Law graduate, grew up in Fairport, N.Y., with an early interest in social studies and law. Despite having no lawyers in his family, he pursued his passion, choosing UB for its high-quality faculty and courses, and its proximity to his grandfather.

Wightman’s path to law was not linear. An English major with a background in music and classical guitar, he worked as a newspaper reporter in Medina, N.Y., before law school. This experience, particularly covering the courts and attending government meetings, solidified his interest in law and provided valuable writing and analytical skills. He also networked with UB alumni working as district attorneys.

At UB Law, Wightman found a collaborative, rather than competitive, environment. He participated in moot court and Law Review, honing his public speaking and legal writing skills. He credits professors such as Makau Mutua, Tom Disare and Jack Schlegel for their mentorship and impact on his career. Disare’s clinical law course and Schlegel’s corporate law insights, including a life-changing internship with alumnus Tom Bremer at U.S. Surgical, were particularly influential.

Wightman’s fondest memories include his Buffalo Law Review experience, the camaraderie of his study group and the challenging but rewarding moot court competitions. He also valued his role in helping Professors Disare and Schlegel develop a course. His internship at David Schubel’s practice in Orleans County further solidified his direction.

After graduating, Wightman worked at Damon Morey in corporate health care transactions before moving to Vanguard in Philadelphia. He transitioned from transactional corporate law to SEC regulatory work, demonstrating the versatility of his legal education. At Vanguard, he also led corporate governance and proxy voting functions.

Wightman then transitioned to entrepreneurship, launching a business in San Francisco in 2012, leveraging his legal skills in critical thinking, persuasion and writing. His experience as an index fund manager exposed him to investor relations, leading him to address the growing need in that area.

Wightman emphasizes the importance of taking a breadth of courses, including business and tax law, and pursuing internships. He actively mentors UB Law students and remains involved with the school, participating in the Dean’s Advisory Council and presenting at the New York City Program in Business and Law. He encourages alumni engagement, recognizing UB as a “truly remarkable place.”