9 The Mintz Levin 2008 Pro Bono Report The team worked closely with MLP to identify physicians who had cared for Quincy, so they could advise on his diagnosis and abilities. They also retained experienced educational experts to prepare a comprehensive placement and curriculum proposal. After almost a year of delays, the Mintz Levin team was able to secure for Quincy the recommended full-time residential educational placement. The trained staff and on-site facilities offered there will ensure that he learns to live the fullest and most independent life possible.  Founded by the Boston University School of Medicine and the Boston Medical Center in 1993, the Medical-Legal Partnership | Boston draws on the strengths of two powerful professions –—medicine and law–—to reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations. Mintz Levin was the first law firm to partner with MLP, and the firm has accepted close to 50 case referrals in the last six years, on such issues as child guardianship, housing, benefits, immigration and special education. “ I was so impressed that your team devoted as much attention and time and care to Quincy’s case as you would have to any client. Now he has a shot at some success and you all are to thank for that. I want to extend my profound thanks for the wonderful work done by all of you at Mintz Levin.” - Quincy’s physician Medical-Legal Partnership | Boston Early in life, 17-year-old “Quincy” was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, significant developmental delays, and seizure disorder. At home with his grandmother “Francine,” Quincy was vibrant and full of life. And, despite the severity of his diagnosis, he could walk independently, wash his hands, choose food to eat, and even brush his teeth. Although Quincy attended a special school that was supposed to help him build on his acquired life and communication skills, he languished in a wheelchair instead, immobile for most of the school day. For Francine, the final straw came when his school placement actually resulted in a regression of the skills that she had taught Quincy herself. Quincy’s unfortunate lack of progress was compounded by two-hour bus rides to and from school. He would arrive home hungry, over-stimulated, and often soaked in urine and sweat. This was traumatizing for Francine who, despite direct and continuous involvement with the school system, was unable to improve conditions for her grandson. Quincy’s pediatrician referred Francine to the Medical-Legal Partnership | Boston (MLP). Recognizing that she would need to pursue full-scale litigation against the school system, MLP turned in May 2007 to the significant education law expertise of Mintz Levin. The team–—attorneys Betsy Burnett, John Koss, Brian Dunphy and Alec Zadek, project analysts Joanne Villanueva, Courtney McNally, and Nicholas Payton, and summer associate Kristen MacIsaac–—charged head-on into the case. As Betsy has noted, “From the moment we met Quincy, we knew we were representing a young man who had potential to live a life far greater than the one he was living. Quincy also had the support of a loving grandmother, whose determination and tenacity were infectious.”