Kris Havlik and Sherry Clay in the Spotlight for ‘Wills for Heroes’ Leadership

Foley & Lardner LLP Of Counsel Kris Havlik and Associate Sherry Clay are highlighted for their leadership with Wills for Heroes in the State Bar of Wisconsin feature on the program, “Volunteers Needed: Help Your Community’s First Responders through Wills for Heroes.”

Begun in Wisconsin in 2009 and sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Wills for Heroes offers estate-planning assistance at no charge for eligible first responders and their spouses or domestic partners. Havlik, who was at the forefront of launching Wills for Heroes in the state and has coordinated the program in southeast Wisconsin since its inception, said, “Everybody who volunteers has loved it. Once they volunteer, they keep signing up. It’s a great way to network, it’s great to give back, and the first responders are so grateful.”

The program is always looking for more attorney volunteers, Havlik and Clay noted, and the involvement is flexible with clinics running on Saturdays and both morning and afternoon slots available. While the work is in estate planning, Clay said, “Most of our volunteers are not experts in estate planning and enjoy being able to volunteer in another area of law.” With the option now to volunteer virtually, the chances to give back and network for both attorneys and law students are significant.

Clay, who has coordinated Wills for Heroes in south central Wisconsin since 2019, emphasized that the program “is really good way to give back to our police, firefighters, and EMTs. They do great work in our community. They walk out with the documents and some peace of mind thanks to what you did.”

Foley’s commitment to Wisconsin’s strong Wills for Heroes program includes providing billable credit for Havlik’s and Clay’s regional coordinator work, attorney volunteers, and much needed supplies for the program’s continued success.

“Foley has a huge commitment to pro bono, and Wills for Heroes has received great support from Foley,” Havlik added.