Supporting the Cancer Community: ABC Legal at the CANLAW Clinic

Last month, ABC Legal attended the CANLAW Clinic.Hosted by the Austin Bar Associationand held at Germer, Beeman, and Brown PLLC,this one-day event brought together volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and legal professionals offering free estate planning services for the cancer community.  

The clinic provided essential support for individuals affected by cancer—those currently fighting the disease, in remission, or supporting family members—while also helping them plan for their families' futures.

Participants at the clinic were able to complete key estate planning documents, including wills, statutory durable powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, HIPAA releases, and advanced directives.

For many attendees, finalizing these documents was a relief and a vital safeguard for their families.

Supporting Legal Integrity

ABC Legal was honored to volunteer at this event. One of our team members served as a witness for wills throughout the day—a simple yet critical role that ensured the legal integrity of the documents and helped attendees leave with peace of mind.

Although wills typically don’t require service of process, estate matters such as probate often involve notifying multiple family members and heirs, which can quickly become complicated.

Attorneys managing these cases often rely on a trusted process server to ensure that notifications are handled efficiently and in compliance with legal requirements, helping to alleviate stress for families during an already challenging time.

The Importance of Pro Bono Legal Work

Events like the CANLAW Clinic shine a spotlight on the dedication of legal professionals to helping people and local communities, even if that means providing their services pro bono. Preparing estate documents is a unique area of law that combines empathy, precision, and expertise.

By volunteering their time, legal professionals help individuals overcome barriers—financial, emotional, or otherwise—that can prevent them from planning for the future.

Paralegals, attorneys, and support staff are invaluable to the success of these clinics. Attorneys provide crucial legal guidance, while paralegals and support staff manage logistics, organize documents, and assist with the practical aspects of the process. Together, they ensure that everything runs smoothly, strengthening their skills and reinforcing their role in making legal services more accessible to those in need.

Why Everyone Needs a Will

CANLAW Clinics serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of having a will. Without one, families often face lengthy and emotionally taxing probate proceedings. Outdated or incomplete wills can cause confusion or disputes among family members, especially when circumstances have changed—such as the birth of children and grandchildren or the loss of a named beneficiary since the will was last updated.

In some cases, the lack of a will can lead to the need for extensive notifications to extended family members. This creates an added burden for grieving loved ones that could have been avoided with thorough estate planning.

A Call to Action for Legal Professionals

Pro bono efforts like the CANLAW Clinic set an inspiring example for lawyers and law firms to use their skills to give back to their communities. The next CANLAW Clinic will be held in February 2025, offering a chance to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

Whether focusing on estate planning, probate law, tenant advocacy, or other areas, dedicating time to pro bono work helps ensure equal access to legal services while reinforcing public trust in the legal system.

A Lasting Impact

The November CANLAW Clinic was a testament to the power of collaboration within the legal profession. By coming together, attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers provided crucial support to individuals facing unimaginable challenges, ensuring they could leave with a stronger sense of security for the future.

At ABC Legal, we’re dedicated to due process and proud to support the integrity of the legal system. We're ready to assist whenever and wherever legal documents require professional service. While not every legal matter involves service of process, we understand the importance of ensuring that every step is handled with care and precision.

If you haven’t updated your will—or created one yet—this is your reminder to take action. It’s one of the most thoughtful ways to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.

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