Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic
Overview
Through the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) Clinic, students attain fundamental lawyering skills through direct-client representation and advocacy, collaborate with healthcare providers to identify legal issues that negatively contribute to the health of low-income patient-clients, and develop a comprehensive, inter-professional strategy to overcome barriers to health justice. MLP Clinic students provide critical civil legal services to address social determinants of health.
This clinic is a partnership between:
Upcoming Events
Free Health Care Power of Attorney Workshop
The Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic will host a free Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) workshop on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Centers for Exceptional Children. This event offers the opportunity to create a free HCPOA with the Wake Forest Law team for youth transitioning to adulthood, or those 18 and older.
Please register here by November 18.
What is an HCPOA, and who needs one? Learn more in this short video (4 mins).
Have questions? Please contact our Wake Forest Law student representatives, Kaylee (messkk24@wfu.edu) or Madeline (tuckmc19@wfu.edu).
Clinic Director
Allyson E. Gold
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) & Examples of Legal Remedies
Possible Legal Remedies:
- Appeal of eligibility and service denials for Medicaid (adults and children) and for NC Health Choice for Children
- Coverage through ACA Marketplace
Possible Legal Remedies:
- Appeal of denial of SNAP/ Food Stamps
Possible Legal Remedies:
- Ensure that repairs and services are made to unsafe rental homes
- Prevent or stop illegal evictions and improper terminations of housing subsidies
- Challenge discrimination through fair housing claims
Possible Legal Remedies:
- Appeal of denials of income support programs
- Enforce consumer protection laws
The Impetus for MLP
Many negative SDOH affecting vulnerable populations have legal remedies. To address the social and environmental conditions that influence patient and population health, an MLP brings together the expertise of:
- Physicians, nurses, social workers, care managers, and other healthcare professionals
- Attorneys, paralegals, and other community partners
Together, we strive to be an integrated care team.