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Sarah Light

Sarah E. Light, JD

Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics; Faculty Co-Director, Wharton Climate Center

About Sarah

Sarah E. Light is a professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she has taught Environmental Management, Law and Policy; Climate and Environmental Leadership; Business, Social Responsibility, and the Environment; and Negotiation. Her research examines issues at the intersection of environmental law, corporate sustainability, and business innovation. Her articles have appeared in the Stanford Law Review, the Duke Law Journal, the UCLA Law Review, and the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, among others. Professor Light has received numerous teaching awards for MBA and undergraduate teaching, including the Teaching Excellence Award. Prior to joining the Wharton faculty, Professor Light served for 10 years as an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, including four years as chief of the environmental protection unit. Professor Light earned her JD from Yale Law School, an MPhil in politics from Oxford University where she was a Rhodes Scholar, and an AB from Harvard College.


Executive Education Programs Taught

Business Essentials for Executives

Accelerate your career with an in-depth understanding of the core concepts that drive business in every industry. Tap into the minds of Wharton’s world-renowned MBA faculty to become a stronger, more decisive leader.

The CFO: Becoming a Strategic Partner

This program helps you refine your leadership style, communicate your financial knowledge to other leaders, and extend your influence across the organization. You will enhance your ability to impact your organization's strategy and value creation.

Wharton ESG Essentials 

Go beyond the headlines, tackle real-time challenges, and gain the clarity to not just understand the impacts of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors but to strategically harness them. Gain the tactical competencies needed to successfully link ESG to profit and loss statements, create a solid risk-management plan, and adopt proven best practices rooted in research.

Wharton ESG Executive Certificate for Senior Leaders

Navigate mounting ESG complexities for senior business leaders. This certificate program provides a practical mix of insights for c-suite and board members to lead the way in ESG innovation and transformation. This advanced certificate is designed to quickly catapult corporate leaders to the forefront of ongoing ESG decision making, empowering them to act as informed, prepared catalysts for change.

Women on Boards: Building Exceptional Leaders

Explore how to navigate the politics and culture of the boardroom and discover how to make your voice heard in this program that will give you a strong foundation for serving in your first director role.