The Hero Behind Wills for Heroes

By Lara Slifko
December 7, 2010

Through the Wills for Heroes ® program, volunteer lawyers create free wills, living wills and other estate planning documents for Arizona's emergency first responders: police officers, firefighters, corrections officers and paramedics. After four years in Arizona, the program that is administered by the Foundation for Legal Services & Education has provided almost 5,000 free wills and estate planning documents to first responders across Arizona.

The Will for Heroes program in Arizona pays homage to one of its volunteers for his continued leadership and tireless efforts that help drive the success of its initiatives.

Jeffrey Jacobson has always been a passionate, caring individual.  His decision to become engaged in the State Bar of Arizona Young Lawyers Division was driven by his deep interest in working hands-on with communities across the State.

Jeff's self-proclaimed duty of providing pro-bono services lead to his idea of launching the Arizona chapter of Wills for Heroes in 2006. Jeff later joined Wills for Heroes program founder Anthony Hayes (South Carolina chapter) in starting the national Wills for Heroes Foundation to help other states implement this wonderful program.

More than 400 volunteers have participated in 86 events in Arizona that have reached 14 of 15 coutnies.  More than 5,000 hours of free legal services have been provided - with Jeff's guidance - since the program's inception.

In the last four years, Mr. Jacobson has provided more than 250 pro bono service hours through the Wills for Heroes events.  You'll be surprised to learn that those hours do not include additional work he contributes through his leading role in the Wills for Heroes Foundation and the volunteer hours he dedicates in helping to guide the Arizona chapter. In addition he helps execute many of the logistics associated with the Wills for Heroes events.

Many individuals and organizations have been touched by his good work, as his commitment is never ending. They will attest to the notion that when you work with Jeff, you aren't merely a colleague, but rather, a friend.