First responders do so much to support a community. In Montgomery County, the community wanted to find a way to give back.
Established in 1885 to "professionalize the county’s practice of law," the Montgomery Bar Association (MBA) is one of the nation’s oldest bar associations, representing over 2,100 legal professionals in Montgomery County, Pa., according to Jack Costello, marketing manager for the MBA. The MBA decided to use its standing and abilities to give back to the county's first responders in a unique way.
"Now, as then, the MBA exists to uphold legal and ethical standards in our legal community," Said Costello. "As the third largest Bar in Pennsylvania, the MBA has a longstanding tradition of service to its membership and the community."
Earlier this month, 22 area attorneys, and over a dozen law students, paralegals, and non-attorney legal professionals donated their time and services at the MBA Building, located at 100 W. Airy St., Norristown, for a special "Wills for Heroes" event.
Wills for Heroes, Costello said, is supported locally by members of the Montgomery Bar Association (MBA), and is part of "an innovative statewide pro bono effort led by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (Young Lawyers Section) and national effort led by the American Bar Association."
"The program provides Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives to first responders so that their families will be protected in the event of a tragedy," he said. "At the conclusion of their one-hour appointments in Norristown, 90 notarized, legal documents were prepared for members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and other area first responders."
"Through the efforts of the Montgomery Bar Association and MBA Young Lawyers Division, we were able to provide free estate plans to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department and other local first responders who risk their lives every day to protect Montgomery County and other local communities," Regional Wills for Heroes Coordinator Lisa Shearman, Esq. said. "All the attorneys, paralegals and other volunteers who came out on a beautiful Saturday to provide these free services embody the spirit of the Wills for Heroes program and pro bono service."
Costello said such volunteering is something the bar association strives for throughout the community.
"The Association is actively engaged in public service through community outreach, free educational events offered throughout the year, programs like the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, the Mock Trial Competitions for high-school students, and more," said Costello.
Anyone interested in volunteering for upcoming events in Pennsylvania should contact Lisa Shearman, Esq. at 215-661-0400 or at lshearman@hrmml.com.