JD Students—Procedure for Requesting a Voluntary Leave of Absence

You should complete this process if you are:

• Planning to enroll in another school as part of a joint or concurrent degree.
• Planning to enroll in another school to pursue other graduate study.
• Taking a personal leave.
• Taking a medical leave (JD and LLM students).
• Planning to study abroad. 

How to Request a Leave of Absence:

(1) Obtain a copy of this form available electronically on the Registrar's Office website or in hard copy in the Registrar's Office, Student Financial Services, or the Dean of Students Office.

(2) Complete and sign the form.

(3) Contact the following offices:

• Dean of Students Office to obtain the required signature. Contact Information: dos@law.harvard.edu; 617-495-1880; WCC 3039.
• Student Financial Services, if applicable, to have an exit interview and to obtain the required signature. Contact Information: sfs@law.harvard.edu; 617-495-4606; WCC 527.
• Harvard International Office to obtain the required signature if you are an international student. Contact Information: www.hio.harvard.edu; 617-495-2789; 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Holyoke Center Room 864.

(4) Bring the form with all required signatures to the Registrar’s Office by the applicable deadline. Keep a copy for your files.

(5) The Registrar’s Office will confirm your leave status via email.

****************************

Please note that the Registrar's Office will expect you to return to HLS and enroll in classes during the semester you indicate on your Request form. At this time, your HLS status will be reactivated and you will receive a bill for the upcoming year or semester. If you intend to extend your leave from a semester to a year, you must request additional leave through the Registrar's Office. If you wish to extend your leave beyond one year, you must request an extension from the Administrative Board by emailing dos@law.harvard.edu.

• 2012-2013 Leave of Absence Request Form 
• 2013-2014 Leave of Absence Request Form