CBA Record October 2017

Y O U N G L A W Y E R S J O U R N A L Wills for Our Heroes and Their Families By Tracy A. Brammeier

I joined the Young Lawyers Section of the CBA almost three years ago—right after I passed the bar. Soon after join- ing, I heard about a program called Wills for Heroes. Wills for Heroes serves first responders and current or former military members in basic estate planning. Par- ticipating in this program seemed like a perfect way for me to give back and show my appreciation for these dedicated service members. Shortly after I started working with Wills for Heroes, my boss at Clifford Law Offices told me about another organiza- tion that serves first responders: 100 Club of Chicago. This 50-year-old organization serves Cook County and Lake County in providing 24-hour support to families of first responders. I agreed to volunteer for this organization as well. In my time working with the 100 Club of Chicago, I realized its incredible

learn more about the program and upcom- ing service dates, please go to the Wills for Heroes page on the CBA’s website. All you need to serve is a law license and an open Saturday. You will be amazed once you see the impact that you can make. Tracy A. Brammeier is an attorney at Clifford Law Offices, P.C., practicing personal injury law. In 2017 she was named an Emerging Lawyer by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company in the categories of aviation law, transportation injury law, products liability, and general injury law. She is a Director of the CBA Young Lawyers Section and serves on the CBA’s Judicial Evaluation Commit- tee. She is also a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Managers.

value—and the value of Wills for Heroes. Last year, I received a call from a widow who was in tears because she was worried that she might lose her home after her firefighter husband died in the line of duty. Her husband did not have a will and she was not on the deed to the home, meaning that his family members would be entitled to a share of the property under the Illinois Probate Act. I tried to reassure her that it would all work out. To avoid more of those heartbreaking phone calls, I have redoubled my efforts with Wills for Heroes. I now realize how important it is for these service members to have a will and to participate in the program. All of the neighborhood police officers and firefighters that I referred to Wills for Heroes have thanked me for my efforts. I encourage all CBA and YLS mem- bers to join me in assisting these heroes and spreading the word about the program. To

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