Do you ever wonder how you can use your professional talents to make a difference in the world?
Lawyers are not known for being the most charitable group of people. In fact, they have sometimes been accused of being downright hardhearted. A group of attorneys in 10 states across the country is looking to change that perception of lawyers with a program called Wills for Heroes, which provides firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement personnel with free wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
Wills for Heroes was the brainchild of attorney Anthony Hayes of South Carolina, who was motivated to reach out to local heroes after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Reporter David Unze writes about Anthony Hayes and how Wills for Heroes came into existence in his article in SCtimes.com. What started as a single attorney giving his time and expertise to help firefighters in his immediate vicinity has become a nationwide program that has helped close to 10,000 first responders.
Not all of us can be heroes in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t make a difference. Hanson is quoted in Unze’s article as saying “Lawyers who write wills and trusts don’t get a lot of chances to do pro bono work,” but if using your legal expertise to benefit your local community is something you want to do, Wills for Heroes is an example of just how effective one person can be.
If you would like to learn more about Wills for Heroes contact them through their website. And don’t forget to check out their partners. It could be that someone you know is on the list. Or you may choose to get involved and be a partner yourself someday.
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