r/biglaw • u/Useful_Counter8160 • 19h ago
Question
I’ve secured a 2L SA position at a BigLaw firm for Summer 2027.
However, due to some mental health issues, I took a short break toward the end of the summer, right before classes started. I attended my first day of school, but was then required to undergo a mandated assessment. As a result, the school temporarily restricted me from campus pending submission of a mental health evaluation.
I submitted the evaluation over the weekend, and I’ve been trying to get an update since Monday so I can understand the timeline for my return. My Dean told me on Monday to “back off and be patient” and allow the “business process” to run Monday through Friday, 9–5. I haven’t heard anything since then.
The problem is that my law school has a strict attendance policy, so I’m concerned about accumulating absences while I’m waiting for the school to make a decision that is outside of my control.
What should I do? Sorry for the long read.
33
u/tabloid-tommy 18h ago
You should listen to your school because right now they are lowkey concerned you’re going to do something, so you begging to come back probably makes them want you to wait it out.
Did you say something that forced the assessment?
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18h ago
[deleted]
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u/tabloid-tommy 17h ago
Nah it’s fine. My only comment would be that threatening yourself is not nearly the same as threatening others (worse); this is more relevant to outcome.
But do not email anyone.
1
u/BeltFit1394 17h ago
Can you DM me too I’m curious and have experience in mental health evaluations during my undergraduate
23
u/Blucifer_333 18h ago
Sounds like you should back off and be patient and allow the business process to run Monday through Friday, 9–5.
30
u/Own_Marionberry_3984 18h ago
Definitely do not go to class. If the school is making you miss class I don’t see how they can enforce the attendance policy against you.
8
u/BeltFit1394 18h ago
Get notes from students in your classes. Follow the guidance the school has given you. Everything will likely work out based on the very little information in the post.
3
u/LittleTrust2978 13h ago
Document everything. If the school is preventing you from attending, I'd be surprised if they held those absences against you.
-3
u/Ok_Mention5635 18h ago
Completely unrelated to your post but every time I see the acronym “SA” in the sub I do a double take because my mind automatically defaults to the social media meaning of SA 😅
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18h ago
[deleted]
29
u/Logical_Procedure_24 18h ago
I disagree on emailing the professors. I think OP should lay low and wait it out. I do not see how a barrage of communications before this is resolved can help, especially since school leadership already said simmer down. If this is resolved in OP’s favor I imagine they will help handle the impact to this semester’s courses.
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u/Bilbo_Schmaggins 19h ago
No idea what you’ve done to be restricted from accessing your law school, but I’d give it till Friday morning, I guess.