K&L Gates, MetLife’s Legal Department, and The Firemen’s Association of the State of NY Team Up for Pro-Bono Estate Planning Event for Volunteer Firefighters
(TARRYTOWN, NY) – The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is teaming up with lawyers from global law firm K&L Gates LLP and MetLife’s legal department to offer a “Working to Instill Life-Long Security” (W.I.L.L.S.) will preparation event at the Washington Engine Fire House in Tarrytown, N.Y.
The free event, scheduled for Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will provide wills, health proxies, and powers of attorney for New York volunteer firefighters and their spouses. Now in its fourth year, W.I.L.L.S. has assisted more than 100 first responders in the creation of these important estate planning documents.
K&L Gates lawyers provide estate planning document and questionnaire templates for the program and the firm’s IT department will set up laptop stations that MetLife lawyers use to counsel, advise, and create legal documents for firefighters and their families.
“The W.I.L.L.S. program is a great way for our firm to give back to some of the true heroes within our communities,” said Willie Dennis, a partner in K&L Gates’ New York office. “K&L Gates is proud to partner with MetLife and the firefighters association in being a part of this worthwhile cause.”
“It’s a wonderful program that further demonstrates MetLife’s pro bono commitment to the community,” said Patricia Curran Reinhardt, senior counsel at MetLife.
The inspiration for the W.I.L.L.S. program grew out of the events of 9/11, when it was discovered that many of the firefighters who perished that day did so without leaving a will or other essential documents to protect their families. Whether it be fire emergencies, search and rescue operations, or natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, volunteer first responders are called upon each day for life-saving essential services.
“First responders face dangerous and life threatening situations every day,” said FASNY President Jim Burns. “Having a plan -- just in case -- is extremely important. We are very thankful to both MetLife and K&L Gates for this opportunity.”
