The group meets formally twice a year and is chaired by Christopher A. Wightman ’99, partner at PJT Camberview in San Francisco. Members also provide counsel to the dean as needed throughout the year.

“Our Dean’s Advisory Council benefits enormously from the breadth of experience and perspective its members provide,” says Dean Brown. “Each of our new members has maintained a meaningful connection to the law school and brings insights shaped by their own path in the profession. I’m grateful for their willingness to share their time, ideas and experience as we explore innovative ways to strengthen the law school for the future.”

For its newest members, joining the Council is both an opportunity to give back and a chance to help ensure that UB Law students are prepared to thrive in a changing profession.

Brian D. Gwitt ’98, partner and general counsel at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP in Buffalo and a former president of the UB Law Alumni Association, sees joining the Council as another way to support a law school that has played an important role in both his professional and personal life.

“The Law School gave me a great deal—not only a terrific legal education but it is also where I met my wife, Bridget E. Niland ’98. I am always looking for ways to give back. I hope I can contribute to what is already a stellar Council.”
 

Regina L. Readling ’08, partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York City, looks forward to building on her longstanding commitment to mentoring UB Law students and sharing insights from her experience practicing in Manhattan.

“I view joining the Dean's Advisory Council as an opportunity to give back to the law school that provided me with a strong foundation for my legal career. Over the years, I have found real fulfillment in mentoring UB law students, and I look forward to continuing that work in a more formal capacity. Practicing law in New York City has given me a front-row view of how the profession is evolving, and I hope to bring that perspective to the Council's conversations about preparing students for what lies ahead.”

Helping expand the law school’s presence in New York City is a particular priority for Ross M. Sarraf ’14, managing director and co-head of GP Stakes at Hunter Point Capital LP in Manhattan.

“I look forward to supporting efforts to build resources needed to scale and strengthen the New York City Program, which is central to enhancing the law school’s brand, reach, and competitiveness in the New York City area. I am honored to work with Dean Brown and the other members of the Dean’s Advisory Council to build on the significant progress achieved during the dean’s tenure and continue improving the law school’s performance and results.”

Andrew M. Wilson ’98, partner at Lippes Mathias LLP in Buffalo, sees Council service as an opportunity to contribute to the law school’s long-term future and explore new ways to identify and develop future leaders.

“I value the opportunity to engage with and learn from my DAC colleagues whose perspectives, experiences, and commitment to the future of legal education I respect. I hope to advocate for continued exploration of how less traditional metrics can help identify an individual’s ability, resiliency and leadership potential. In addition, I hope to help identify resources and programs that can prepare students to become impactful members of the legal profession, and in turn, future stewards of the law school.”

Additionally, two alumni will serve one-year terms on the Council as representatives of the law school’s alumni organizations.  They are Jeffrey P. Gleason ’08, president of the UB Law Alumni Association and a member of Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC in Buffalo; and Morgann Maxwell ’20, president of the UB Law GOLD Group and assistant county attorney in the Erie County Attorney’s Office in Buffalo.