The Mintz Levin 2008 Pro Bono Report 31 involved at the initial eviction hearing through the Volunteer Lawyers Project’s Attorney for a Day program. After drafting emergency discovery motions, answers, and counter-claims, Ben and Alec negotiated an extremely favorable, confidential settlement agreement for all of the families. DC Bar Pro Bono Program As part of our continuing participation in staffing a DC Bar Pro Bono Program clinic once a year, Mintz Levin attorneys Noam Fischman and Rebecca Geller achieved a victory for their client, Kathy. Kathy first applied for Social Security disability benefits more than two years ago. Ignoring the fact that she has advanced AIDS, a brain tumor, and various other ailments that restricted her ability to sit, stand, walk, focus, or communicate, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had insisted that she continue working as a chef. The SSA denied her benefits, and when she requested reconsideration, the SSA denied her again. After spending more than 14 months battling the SSA’s bureaucracy, the Mintz team finally forced the SSA to capitulate. The Administrative Law Judge handling their client’s appeal granted Kathy benefits. In addition to receiving more than $20,000 in retroactive benefits, she will now receive monthly disability benefit payments. For a woman facing her own mortality every day in dire poverty, this victory is very significant—especially as it came less than two weeks after a seizure (a complication of brain surgery to remove a large tumor). According to Kathy’s social worker, “[Mintz Levin] gave [Kathy] hope that the world hasn’t given up on her and that she too should not give up.” After communicating his finding, the judge thanked us for our handling of Kathy’s appeal. General Counsel Efforts Mintz Levin attorneys have provided general counsel support for many non-profits, including these entities: National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): NNEDV is a social change organization dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists. Mintz Levin continued to work extensively with NNEDV on such issues as employment, corporate, and real estate matters and amicus brief support. Helen Guyton managed the work for this client, serving as outside general counsel. Greater Boston Food Bank: In an effort to help end hunger in eastern Massachusetts, the Food Bank feeds more than 320,000 people annually in nine counties. Many Mintz Levin attorneys, overseen by Robert Gault, assisted the Food Bank this past year with numerous legal issues, ranging from employment and intellectual property to real estate and corporate matters. San Diego Asian Film Foundation: The San Diego Asian Film Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to upholding and sharing the diverse legacy of Asian Pacific Islanders through the media arts. Attorneys Eddie Rodriguez and Scott White continued to serve as corporate counsel to the Foundation. The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center: Founded by former Mintz Levin partner Kenneth Schwartz, The Schwartz Center benefited from Mintz Levin’s pro bono services on issues such as contracts, corporate, and intellectual property. Attorneys working on this effort included Peter Biagetti, Stephen Weiner, and Dianne Bourque. …To Encourage Strong Roots