Foley is pleased to announce the Milwaukee Bar Association has named Kristine (Kris) Havlik the recipient of its 2011 Pro Bono Publico Award in the individual attorney category. This prestigious award is given in recognition of a demonstrated commitment to working for the public good.
Ms. Havlik’s tireless work in implementing, leading and participating in the Wisconsin Wills for Heroes pro bono program exemplifies the Pro Bono Publico Award criteria of developing innovative ways to deliver volunteer legal services and improve access to justice. Wills for Heroes is a national program designed to provide eligible emergency personnel with free basic estate planning documents in a clinic setting. Ms. Havlik is responsible in large part for executing the launch of this program in Wisconsin and has been involved in every aspect of it, including contributing hundreds of pro bono hours to start up and lead the program, developing the volunteer training program, drafting and revising the estate planning forms, recruiting attorney participants and scheduling and participating in clinics.
Under Ms. Havlik’s leadership, the Wisconsin Wills for Heroes program has provided more than 1,000 emergency first responders with personalized, top quality estate planning documents since its launch in 2009. Her dedication to pro bono service, enthusiasm and practical use of her talents as an accomplished estates and trusts lawyer has made this program a resounding success and earned her the coveted Milwaukee Bar Association 2011 Pro Bono Publico Award.