Will Aid is an incredible Scheme which goes from strength to strength every year. Having taken part for over 15 years, becoming the second highest donating firm last year was beyond amazing. This year to smash that record and raise over £42,000, well really, there are no words to describe this feeling!
As a sole practitioner, this would never have been possible without my incredible team. It really does take you to the limits to stay true to a personal service, yet deliver on such a scale.
Will Aid is really simple; we write people’s basic wills, waive our usual fees and instead invite clients to make an upfront donation which benefits the incredible Will Aid charities. The Scheme is heavily promoted to the lead up to the month of November each year. In fact, even Martin Lewis gets on board!
In modernising to the times, the whole Will Aid team work incredible hard to modify a system behind the scenes to manage the enquiries and allow Solicitors like myself to be contacted and ensure the campaign is really easy to run. It was great to be part of assisting with the set-up of this system and also to watch it evolve to what it is today.
The great thing about this Scheme is that everyone really is a winner. Each client has the opportunity for a professional Will to be drawn up which is unique to their circumstances. There may be matters that are pointed out which would not otherwise be considered, such as Trusts for those with additional needs, Inheritance tax, or LPAs.
Charities benefit by having donations not just from the immediate suggested donation, but so many clients equally choose to leave substantial legacies in their Wills!
As for us as the Solicitor, corporate responsibility is met in bucket loads. Moreover, we are able to reach clients from across the UK, retain these clients as long term clients and in future, possible extend other services to them and their family and friends.
Getting to number one has required a great deal of time and dedication to the Scheme. Would I change being part of the Scheme, absolutely not. Any firm of solicitors that are engaged in Will writing and who passionately believe in helping people, should definitely look to get involved.
