Effect of Leave of Absence? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I took a medical leave in the beginning of the fall of my 3L year for emergent mental and physical health problems. My graduation date will thereby be bumped to May 2016 instead of May 2015. How will this affect my jerb prospects? Interested in PD/Legal Aid. In the interim, I am looking for legal volunteer opportunities, and already have a couple leads! In addition, I am in the process of applying for summer internships in PD/Legal Aid.

[Anonymous User]

Additional info: I am at a T30 and have two years of WE.

[Anonymous User]

BUMP. Anyone?

[FSK]

....grades?

[Anonymous User]

....grades?

Above a 3.0 but below median. I'm told that PD/Legal Aid DGAF, thank God.

[AReasonableMan]

If it's serious enough you would take a leave of absence then you should prob focus on getting better. Idk what the effect is but it's done. Not to be upsetting, but without a set path (either demonstrated interests in PI or a job offer) it is murky. It could be a positive in that you get a year to build a PI resume before going back as opposed to volunteering for a year after the bar.

[Anonymous User]

I took a leave of absence that forced me to repeat the second half of 1L again. it also wreaked havoc on my 1st semester grades, as I had placed top 15% and was looking to have a decent OCI. LOA was due to medical, basically got sick for second half of 1L and couldn't finish the last month.

I eventually came back, graduated, and became gainfully employed. I am now 2 years out of law school. Was able to land plenty of interviews, and have worked at 3 places since being licensed. So to answer your question, it doesn't affect your job prospects.

i was asked about my LOA - or why i took longer to graduate - in only a few interviews (like 2 or 3?). In each case, i responded the same: took a medical leave. that's all you need to say. if you feel comfortable explainig further, you can, but don't have to.

[Anonymous User]

I took a leave of absence that forced me to repeat the second half of 1L again. it also wreaked havoc on my 1st semester grades, as I had placed top 15% and was looking to have a decent OCI. LOA was due to medical, basically got sick for second half of 1L and couldn't finish the last month.

I eventually came back, graduated, and became gainfully employed. I am now 2 years out of law school. Was able to land plenty of interviews, and have worked at 3 places since being licensed. So to answer your question, it doesn't affect your job prospects.

i was asked about my LOA - or why i took longer to graduate - in only a few interviews (like 2 or 3?). In each case, i responded the same: took a medical leave. that's all you need to say. if you feel comfortable explainig further, you can, but don't have to.

Thanks, this is helpful. So glad that it didn't negatively impact you.

[Anonymous User]

Any other perspectives?

[Anonymous User]

I took a LOA last year due to health and safety reasons. During my time off, I did law related work and it was fine. Very few firms asked why and literally no one cared. As long as u can show u did something besides stay at twiddle your thumbs during your LOA, you're fine

[Anonymous User]

Will an extra summer of FT legal work experience be a boost? Aiming for PD/Legal Aid.

[Anonymous User]

Also took a leave for family reasons. I did intermittent legal work. Agreed w/ other anon; nobody will care as long as you have a reason (and health is very legitimate). Your outcome will be the same as if you had not taken time off.

As for extra work, it won't help much but it gives you something else to talk about in interviews.