Andrews Kurth Lawyers Join in Providing Pro Bono Estate Planning for Firefighters

HOUSTON – Andrews Kurth lawyers James Stilwell, Emmie West and Bert Estes were among the 11 attorneys who joined their colleagues at The Woodlands Bar Association Saturday, September 8, to assist 42 Woodlands firefighters in completing their wills and living wills.

The four-hour clinic, “Wills for Heroes,” hosted by the bar association at The Woodlands Fire Department’s Central Station, was an effort to help protect the firefighters’ families in recognition of the fact that the firefighters themselves risk their lives daily to help others.

“Everyone should have a will,” said Stilwell. “A will makes it easier on your family in the event you pass away by helping minimize the time and energy needed to transfer your assets to your loved ones. Without a will, probate court can get complicated.”

Saturday’s clinic focused on meeting with the participants, finalizing and notarizing the wills and living wills, and completing each firefighter’s medical and financial powers of attorney.

The three lawyers are litigators in Andrews Kurth’s office in The Woodlands. Staff members Wendy Leonard and Linda Wilson helped at the event with document revisions and notary services.

The Woodlands Bar Association has more than 160 members and was established in 2005.

For more than a century, Andrews Kurth LLP has built its practice on the belief that “straight talk is good business.” Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm’s relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With more than 400 lawyers and offices in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, The Woodlands and Washington, DC, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in all areas of business law. For more information about Andrews Kurth, please visit andrewskurth.com.