In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, our communities were reminded of the invaluable service provided by first responders.

On Oct. 2, a team of more than 30 volunteers from across Womble Bond Dickinson, Honeywell, the North Carolina Bar Foundation, and the local community came together to conduct a pro bono legal clinic for first responders and their families at the Charlotte Police & Fire Training Academy. This marked the first time the "Wills for Heroes" program was able to serve the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the demand was exceptionally high.

"Wills for Heroes" is a North Carolina Bar Foundation initiative providing free legal services to first responders and their families. Volunteer attorneys draft essential documents including simple wills, healthcare power of attorney forms, advance directives, and financial power of attorney documents. This service is available to sworn and active firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel, along with their spouses.

The clinic served 30 families, providing crucial legal services that will have a lasting positive impact on these first responders and their loved ones. By ensuring that these heroes have proper estate planning documents in place, the event has given them and their families peace of mind and financial security for the future.

The success of this collaborative effort, spearheaded by Womble Bond Dickinson's Dave Efird, Betty Temple, and Emily Gallagher, Honeywell's David Cohen, and the NC Bar Foundation's Bianca Simmons, has led to plans for a bi-annual event in partnership with Honeywell.

Womble Bond Dickinson's commitment was evident through the participation of numerous attorney and professional volunteers from multiple offices, including Chair/CEO Betty Temple, David Efird, Mark Henriques, Rachel Keen, Ellen Lloyd, Benjamin Murray, Peyton Poston, Jake Rifkin, Scott Schaaf, Patrick Spaugh, Josh Stone, Patrick Strubbe, Emmett Whelan, Emily Gallagher, Elizabeth Kirk, Brandon Carter, Jimmy Torres, Elli Seabrook and Ashley Laney.

This initiative exemplifies Womble Bond Dickinson's dedication to community service and pro bono work, making a lasting impact on those who risk their lives daily for our safety.

First responders and attorneys sit in a large room at the Charlotte Police & Fire Training Academy.Attorneys work to provide free legal services to first responders sitting at tables in a large room.Jimmy Torres and Brandon Carter provide invaluable IT support during the program.First responders and attorneys sit in a large room at the Charlotte Police & Fire Training Academy.Groups of first responders and attorneys sitting at tables at the Charlotte Police & Fire Training Academy.Attorney Rachel Keen provides legal services to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer.Attorney Jake Rifkin provides legal services to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer.Womble Bond Dickinson's Dave Efird, Betty Temple, and Emily Gallagher stand with Honeywell's David Cohen and the NC Bar Foundation's Bianca Simmons.