Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA)

Leave of Absence Requests

A Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) allows a student to take a temporary break from law school when a physical or mental health condition makes it difficult to continue academic work.

Each leave is reviewed individually through Student Services to ensure appropriate support and planning for return.

Before You Apply

Students considering a medical leave should first schedule a meeting with Student Services. Schedule a meeting with Candace Bergeron Lenard here. 

During this meeting:

  • The situation and timing will be discussed
  • Options such as leave or other academic adjustments will be reviewed
  • Next steps and required documentation will be explained

A leave request cannot be submitted without this initial meeting.

How to Apply

After meeting with Candace Bergeron Lenard in Student Services, a student may submit a Medical Leave of Absence request form.

Deadlines

  • Students can apply for a MLOA at any time, but for a MLOA to take effect during an ongoing semester, the MLOA application must be submitted before 5:00 PM Friday during the 10th week of classes in such semester. 

Reinstatement Requests

To begin the reinstatement process you must complete the relevant form provided below by 5:00 PM Friday eight weeks prior to the commencement of the semester in which you intend to resume your studies at the Law School. 

Medical Leave of Absence Reinstatement Form (Mental Health)

In order to complete the Reinstatement Form you must first complete the following: 

  • Give a copy of your MLOA letter to your treatment provider(s);

  • Complete all of the treatment recommendations listed in your MLOA letter;

  • Ensure that your treatment provider(s) has completed the Health Care Provider Report Form and submit it electronically.

  • Complete and upload new releases of information (ROI) forms for each of your treatment providers and the Law School Student Services Office.

  • Notify your treatment provider(s) that we may reaching out by phone to discuss your treatment.

 

MLOA Reinstatement Form (Physical/Injury via University Health Services)

In order to complete the UHS Reinstatement Form you must first complete the following:

  • Submit a copy of your MLOA letter to your treatment provider(s);

  • Complete all of the treatment recommendations listed in your MLOA letter; 

  • Obtain a letter indicating readiness to return to coursework from your treatment provider(s).

  • Complete and upload new release of information (ROI) forms for UHS to communicate the reinstatement recommendation with Law School Student Services Office. The Authorization for Release of Medical Information Form can be found at https://wwws.law.northwestern.edu/student-life/student-services/documents/uhsform.pdf.

After you have submitted the reinstatement form, please contact UHS at (312.695.8134) to schedule a reinstatement interview. UHS will need to review your documentation and speak with your provider(s) prior to your reinstatement interview.

 

Additional Information

  • For Registration assistance and planning, reach out to the Registrar at law-registrar@law.northwestern.edu.

  • For information regarding loan eligibility and funding and/or to discuss how to defer loans that go into repayment, reach out to the Chicago Office of Financial Aid at financial-aid-chicago@northwestern.edu.

  • During your medical leave, a registration hold will be placed on your account. This hold will be removed once you are reinstated.

  • Please note that your NetID may expire while you are on leave causing you to lose access (this includes access to your NLaw email); it will be reactivated once you are reinstated.

  • Contact your Career Adviser to discuss job opportunities and recruitment timing.

If you have questions related to a Medical Leave of Absence, please reach out to Candace Bergeron Lenard.