Commencement Information

Lucy Fato (JD ’90) Named 2026 Commencement Speaker

The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is proud to announce that Lucy Fato (JD ’90) will serve as the 2026 Commencement Speaker.

Fato is General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Seaport Entertainment, where she leads the company’s legal strategy and corporate governance. A nationally respected legal executive, she brings decades of experience advising global organizations at the highest levels.

Prior to her current role, Fato served as Vice Chair of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), where she also held key leadership positions as General Counsel and Global Head of Communications and Government Affairs. Her distinguished career also includes serving as General Counsel of McGraw-Hill Financial (now S&P Global), Head of the Americas and General Counsel at Nardello & Co., and Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Marsh McLennan.

Fato began her legal career at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where she rose to partner in the firm’s Corporate Department, focusing on capital markets and complex transactions.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Fato remains deeply engaged in the legal community. She serves on the advisory board of the Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession and on the board of directors of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation.

A proud Pitt Law alumna, Fato’s career reflects a commitment to leadership, excellence, and service—making her an inspiring choice to address the Class of 2026.

Time to shine! This video walks you through how to properly wear your regalia. 

A live stream of the 2026 School of Law commencement ceremony will go live at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7. 

The 2026 Commencement Program will be available online in advance of the ceremony.