Wills for Heroes at Widener Law Commonwealth provides free legal services for First Responders, Veterans
In a powerful display of community solidarity and student-driven service, Widener Law Commonwealth hosted the "Wills for Heroes" event on Saturday, Nov. 2, offering free estate planning services to first responders in the Harrisburg area. The event, held in the Library Building of the university, provided local heroes with essential legal documents at no cost, thanks to the dedication of the student-led Spirit of Service team and a network of volunteer attorneys, notaries and student volunteers.
Widener law students, faculty, alumni, and volunteer attorneys collaborated to offer wills, living wills, and powers of attorney to veterans, firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders. The Spirit of Service board members meticulously organized and led the event, which saw roughly 25 student volunteers and 15 attorneys gather to assist the approximately 50 local heroes in attendance.
Gabrielle Lipari, a third-year student and Spirit of Service board member, shared the personal connection that drives her commitment to the initiative. “My father was a police officer on 9/11, so helping those who serve our communities is very personal to me,” she said. “Growing up, I saw the toll that work took, not just on him but on our family. I wanted to give back to families like ours—people who face risks that most don’t fully understand.”
Sarah Burke, also a third-year law student and Spirit of Service board member, reflected on the importance of the event. “It’s incredible to take pride in giving back to the people who serve our community,” she said. “They take care of everyone else, so it’s rewarding to be able to support them for a change.” Burke noted the collaborative nature of the Spirit of Service team, which operates without formal titles, embracing a collective approach where all members contribute equally.
Burke, along with her fellow board members Lipari and Gretchen Fullmer, coordinated with the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) to establish a date for the event over the summer and began extensive outreach to attorneys and volunteers. “It’s a massive undertaking,” Burke explained, describing the logistical challenges of organizing volunteers, arranging equipment, and coordinating with campus security and IT services. On the day of the event, she and Fullmer manned the registration desk, ensuring a smooth flow of clients and volunteers through the various stages of document preparation and review.
Fullmer, who has participated in past Wills for Heroes events, shared her motivation. “I wanted to get more pro bono hours and knew how meaningful the experience had been for others,” she said. “Every time, I’m reminded of the incredible teamwork it takes to make this happen. We all share the same goal—to give back to those who serve our community.”
Lipari added that the event’s impact extends beyond the individuals themselves. “It’s about more than helping just the first responder; it’s about their families too. We’re helping them plan for the unthinkable, and that can be a huge relief,” she said. “When people in high-risk jobs can focus a little less on their own worries, they can be there fully for others. That’s what makes this event so powerful.”
For the clients, the value of the service was substantial. Estate planning services can cost several hundred dollars per individual, with fees for couples often exceeding $1,000. “Knowing that we’re able to provide this peace of mind without a financial burden means so much,” Fullmer said. “It makes me wonder how many people are unable to have the security of these documents simply because of the expense.”
Professor Michal Buchhandler-Raphael, the faculty advisor for the Spirit of Service, praised the students for their commitment to making the event possible. “The success of this event hinges entirely on our student leaders and volunteers,” she said. “They run it all, from planning to execution, with alumni coming back to help too. It’s a beautiful example of students giving back in a powerful way.”
Buchhandler-Raphael’s involvement in the program also carries a personal connection; having served in the Israeli Defense Forces and later as a legal advisor with the Israeli National Police, she understands firsthand the demands placed on those in public service. “Today, we’re showing the community that Widener Law Commonwealth is an essential institution in Harrisburg. We’re here, and we give back,” she said, highlighting the role of the law school in fostering connections within the local community.
The Spirit of Service board has also committed to the sustainability of the event. Recognizing the efforts of past leaders like Shane Marcus, who revived the event after it had briefly been dormant, the current board established a “Shadow Board” of underclassmen to ensure a smooth transition after they graduate. “We don’t want this to die out again,” Burke explained. “We’re training students who can take the reins next year so that the event will continue to grow and thrive.”
For Lipari, the personal fulfillment she gains is deeply rewarding. “For me, this work isn’t just rewarding; it’s a way to show appreciation for the sacrifices these families make,” she reflected. “I see these incredible people, and I feel proud to support them in any way I can. It’s something I plan to stay involved with for years to come.”
The commitment to continuity resonates with faculty, alumni, and students alike. “It’s really moving to see the faculty, staff, students, and local attorneys coming together for such an important cause,” Burke added. “In a field that can be highly adversarial, it’s heartwarming to see everyone supporting each other, putting aside competition, and focusing on service.”
By the end of the day, the volunteers had assisted dozens of local heroes, some of whom expressed relief at finally having these essential documents in place. Fullmer noted the appreciation felt by many of the first responders in attendance. “It’s nice to have events like this where they can feel supported by the community and know that there are people who want to help them and value their contributions.”
The Spirit of Service organization expects to hold another Wills for Heroes event in April 2025.
