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Lawyers with Artistic License: Alec Wightman
Lawyers Artistic License:
Alec Wightman
BY HEATHER G. SOWALD
Alec Wightman has been in love with music since he first heard rock-androll on the radio as a child. His musical interest, always the background for his life, has led to many friendships and experiences and now a published book. He accomplished this while being a corporate attorney who was also involved in managing the national Baker Hostetler law firm.
Although he is not a musician, Alec became enamored with rock and roll music at the age of 10, often scouring record shops for new discoveries. His first musical booking occurred at Euclid High School for a fundraising dance, but it would not be his last. After high school, he attended Duke University where he played tennis, a sport he continued to play until recently.
Alec met his wife, Kathy, with whom he has two adult daughters, Emily and Nora, while attending OSU’s law school (J.D. 1975). Kathy is also enthusiastic about music and frequently accompanies him to concerts around the country, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame events. After beginning his practice with a small business law firm, Alec joined the Baker Hostetler law firm, taking on significant roles in the firm’s national management, including as co-executive partner in charge. Now he is enjoying semi-retirement, which pre-pandemic included international travels with his wife.
A series of events led to his creation of Zeppelin Productions, Inc. in 1995, which has been a family and friendsinvolved business. Through this production company he brings
Americana country/rock performers to Columbus. He says he selects acts only if he loves their music and they are “nice people”. The venues generally have been more intimate. Currently, his acts perform at Natalie’s Worthington and Natalie’s Grandview (www. zeppcolumbus.com). He confesses that he has a blast producing the shows. When asked how he had the time to promote concerts while he was a busy lawyer, his standard response was “I spent less time and money than most of my partners did playing golf.”
Alec also found time to serve on and chair community boards, including the James Cancer Hospital Foundation and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He details highlights of his work with this latter board in his book, including stories about the musicians he met through his board service. Alec says a number of friends pressed him to write a book about his experiences and the people he met along his musical journey. He began writing these as short stories a few years ago, with the pandemic giving him the opportunity to combine them into his book, “Music In My Life: Notes from A Longtime Fan”: www.musicinmylifebook. com. Alec has enjoyed the whole creative process, including working with an editor, a publisher and bookstores, along with doing author interviews and book signings. Alec’s many roles in life have been enhanced by his passion for music. Music has also led to many friendships and experiences, acted as a stress reliever, and helped as a family bonding opportunity. He is looking forward to continuing his concert promotions and his involvement with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Heather G. Sowald, Esq.
Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson hsowald@sowaldlaw.com
