Time Commitment
The time commitment for the Wills for Heroes program is about 7 hours, including the 2 hour training. The training video is available on-demand. CLE credit is available for the training. The time commitment for extended representation cases varies by case type.
How it works
- In the Wills for Heroes program, participating pro bono attorneys receive a CLE training which provides an overview of wills and healthcare and financial powers of attorney.
- Pine Tree staff intake and screen cases for pro bono referrals.
- Pine Tree refers individual cases to pro bono attorneys who have taken the training or otherwise agreed to accept simple wills and estate planning cases for veterans.
- The pro bono attorney drafts the will or other legal documents for the veteran and notifies Pine Tree upon completion.
- In extended representation cases, volunteers provide full representation to a veteran in their area of expertise.
- Pine Tree staff support and mentor volunteers as needed.
Benefits
- Volunteers expand Pine Tree’s capacity to offer accessible services to veterans and their family members.
- These opportunities are designed to meet the needs of Maine veterans while also providing time-limited and discrete opportunities for pro bono attorneys to get involved.
- Volunteers can assist veterans and their families in their areas of expertise or attend a training to expand their skills.
- Pine Tree provides malpractice insurance, training, support for pro bono attorneys and tracks pro bono credit hours.