Elon Law supports first responders and veterans through Wills for Heroes clinics

Yukai Johnson, Flex 2 student, assisted officer Mitchell Montgomery of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to complete estate planning and advanced directives with attorney Julia Gentile '19 during the first Wills for Heroes event co-hosted by the Elon Law Flex Program in Charlotte on Nov. 8, 2025.

In partnership with the N.C. Bar Foundation, clinics in Greensboro and, for the first time, Charlotte offered peace of mind to those serving our country and communities. Dozens of Elon Law students volunteered alongside local attorneys to provide pro bono estate and advance directive assistance.

Nearly 40 first responders, veterans and their families across the state received free estate planning and advance directive assistance this fall through clinics hosted by �þ�� School of Law in partnership with the North Carolina Bar Foundation.

Two women work at a laptop across a table from their clients, shown from behind. They are in a large, windowed classroom. — Flex 1 students Summer Allen, left, and Shelby Ferguson, supervised by attorney David Osborn, review documents and questionnaires with a first responder and family during the Wills for Heroes event at Elon’s Charlotte Center on Nov. 8, 2025.

A clinic at Elon Law’s downtown Greensboro campus served 14 law enforcement officers, three first responders and 11 of their spouses. For the first time, the Elon Law Flex Program in Charlotte hosted its own Wills for Heroes clinic, assisting 21 police officers, first responders, veterans and their spouses and families.

For those who dedicate their lives to protecting others, preparing for the unexpected is an act of care for their families. Through the simple but essential step of completing wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives, participants found clarity and peace of mind.

“We’re able to serve those who serve us,” said Bianca Simmons, program coordinator with the NC Bar Foundation. “First responders are on the line every day, and these documents give them and their families peace of mind. It’s meaningful to see attorneys and students work together to make that happen.”

A group of five people around a long table in a large, windowed classroom with the Charlotte skyline behind them. — Flex 1 students Lamarie Austin-Stripling, left, and Aaron Johnson, and attorney John Suhr speak with clients at the Wills for Heroes event hosted at �þ��’s Charlotte Center on Nov. 8. 2025.

Now in its 18th year, the foundation’s Wills for Heroes program connects licensed attorneys providing pro bono legal services with first responders and veterans statewide. Elon Law has long served as a host partner for Greensboro clinics and now extends that service through the Charlotte Flex Program, giving students across both campuses valuable experience drafting legal documents, interviewing clients, and working under attorney mentorship — skills that define the profession they are preparing to enter.

Statewide impact, shared purpose

“I’m former military and incoming president of (Elon Law’s) Military Law Society, so I know how quickly life can change,” said Olivia Domowitz L’26, an Army Reserve paralegal who volunteered at both sites. “It’s empowering for people to make these decisions ahead of time, and for us as students, it’s a privilege to be part of that process.”

A group of five people around a long table in a large, windowed classroom. They are conversing and reviewing documents — Attorney Bradley Smith, left, supervises Flex 1 students Jeremy Yagoda and Jai Neighbors as they discuss estate and advance directive documents with first responders at �þ��’s Charlotte Center on Nov. 8, 2025.

For Yukai Johnson, a second-year Flex Program student, whose family includes members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, and law enforcement, the experience blended professional growth with personal purpose.

“We’re a family that serves,” Johnson said. “Having this opportunity to serve back was something I couldn’t pass up. Watching attorneys model how to navigate these difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism was an incredible learning experience.”

Molly Hohler L’26, a member of Elon Law’s Pro Bono Board who helped coordinate the events, called the clinics a reminder of law’s human side.

Three people, a man and two women, at a printer reviewing documents — Flex 1 student Jai Neighbors prints estate planning documents as Molly Hohler L’26 and Associate Professor of Law Kathy Conner discuss the Wills for Heroes program at �þ��’s Charlotte center on Nov. 8, 2025.

“It’s rewarding to see the confidence and peace that comes from knowing your family will be taken care of,” Hohler said. “Our clients spend their lives protecting others. Helping them prepare for the future is one way we can give back.”

Participants included Officer Alexander Keller of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, who said he attended the Charlotte clinic to ensure his family would be protected.

“After some recent events, I realized how important it is to have these things in place,” Keller said. “I wanted to take care of my family in case something bad happens.”

“Elon Law was excited to partner with the North Carolina Bar Foundation to host a very successful inaugural Wills for Heroes event in Charlotte and continue to host in Greensboro,” said Alan Woodlief, vice dean and faculty director of the Flex Program. “On the weekend before Veterans Day, it was gratifying to see Flex Program and full-time students working with volunteer attorneys to prepare estate-planning documents for deserving veterans and first responders in Mecklenburg County.”

Through Wills for Heroes, Elon Law students gain practical skills that complement the school’s nationally recognized experiential curriculum, while attorneys and faculty mentors guide them in translating classroom lessons into real-world impact.

“I loved working with clients and walking through this step-by-step with them,” Domowitz said. “Having a practicing attorney next to me, guiding me through that process has been the best learning experience I’ve had in law school.”