HOUSTON, November 22, 2013, – Houston firefighters are receiving pro bono estate planning and the preparation of wills by volunteer attorneys from Houston corporations and law firms. Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL), a non-profit service branch of the Houston Bar Association, and the LyondellBasell legal department mobilized attorneys to provide this valuable service to Houston firefighters.
Approximately 70 firefighters accepted the invitation from HVL and LyondellBasell. Attorneys held initial meetings with firefighters during Pro Bono Week in October. Each firefighter received an average of 10 hours of legal work at no cost. Firefighters will execute their new legal documents with volunteer attorneys today at Houston Fire Department headquarters.
“We know all too well the impact our job can have on our family,” said Captain Ruy Lozano of the Houston Fire Department. “Having a will prepared gives us peace of mind that our families are taken care of.”
The program was conceived by a lawyer at multi-national chemical company LyondellBasell in Houston, which challenges all of its in-house counsel to provide pro bono legal services to the community in the same manner as many private law firms. With the support of Houston Volunteer Lawyers, additional volunteers were recruited from area corporations and law firms to assist in the endeavor. The volunteer lawyers met with the firefighters and their families to guide them through the intricacies of preparing these important legal documents for their families, and then created the materials for execution.
“As attorneys, we recognize the importance of having a will, a durable power of attorney and advance healthcare directives, should something unforeseen happen,” said Craig Glidden, LyondellBasell executive vice president and chief legal officer. “Firefighters put their lives on the line each day to protect us, our families and our property. We want to show our appreciation by providing pro bono legal services to prepare these documents for them so they can do their jobs knowing that their family needs have been addressed.”
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About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500. LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) manufactures products at 58 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels.
Media Contact: Pattie Shieh-Lance 713-209-1341 © 832-808-2007
Patricia.shieh-lance@lyondellbasell.com
