Michael Quirk engaged in impact litigation affecting consumer rights throughout the country.  Michael began working with low income communities in 1997 during his first year of law school, first by volunteering in a local legal services office representing public benefits claimants, and then by interning with the National Employment Law Project in New York representing workers in the City's workfare program.  Based on these experiences, Michael committed himself to a career in public interest law representing traditionally disenfranchised individuals who assert their rights against unresponsive public and private sector institutions.  

Tens of thousands of California's foster children struggle with unmet mental health needs.  Although legally entitled to adequate care, thousands are forced to go without it.  When children are denied care or provided inadequate treatment, they are more likely to fall prey to the state's juvenile or criminal justice systems, become homeless or drop out of school.