Legal education in Mississippi has a very distinct feel to it. The pace is steady, the network is close, and the learning environment is less overwhelming than what you find in states with large, crowded law schools. Many students who study here appreciate that they don’t get lost in a system.
Professors are accessible, local attorneys are involved in training, and it’s actually possible to form real mentorships instead of just handshakes at events. That’s part of what makes looking into the Best Law Schools in Mississippi worthwhile, especially if you value building a career rooted in community and long-term professional relationships.
The state has two ABA-accredited law schools, each with its own personality. One offers a classic university environment with strong academic foundations, while the other is located in the state capital, placing students steps away from courts, law firms, and government agencies. These differences shape your day-to-day experience, your internship options, and the kind of legal work you’ll be exposed to. Some students lean toward public service and policy. Others move toward litigation, business law, or advocacy work. Mississippi’s legal culture allows space for both paths.
So instead of just listing schools, this guide focuses on what sets the top law schools in Mississippi apart, how they teach, the type of experience you gain, and the kind of future you can build from each one. Let’s take a closer look.
Best Law Schools in Mississippi
1. University of Mississippi School of Law (Ole Miss Law)
Ole Miss Law gives you a traditional, well-rounded legal education with plenty of practical experience built in. The J.D. is a 90-credit program that most students finish in three years, though you can accelerate by taking summer and intersession terms.
Early on, you’ll cover core subjects, contracts, torts, property, civil procedure, and criminal law, and there’s a full year of legal research and writing to sharpen your ability to think like a lawyer. What sets the school apart is the mix of classroom instruction and real work: in-house clinics let students represent actual clients, competitive advocacy teams sharpen courtroom skills, and externships place you inside courts, government offices, and firms.
Ole Miss also offers joint degrees (for example, J.D./Master of Taxation or J.D./Master of Accountancy) and specialty graduate options like an LL.M. in air and space law, which is pretty rare and gives an extra edge in niche practice areas.
Admissions look at LSAT or GRE scores and undergraduate GPA, and the school is ABA-accredited, meaning your degree meets the national standard for practice.
2. Mississippi College School of Law (MC Law)
MC Law is built for students who want practical, career-focused legal training with flexible paths to get there. Located in Jackson, the state capital, the school places students in the heart of Mississippi’s legal and public service community, which helps with internships, clerkships, and hands-on learning.
The traditional J.D. runs three years, but MC also offers an accelerated two-year J.D. for highly motivated students, a five-year Executive J.D. for working professionals, and several joint degree and dual-degree options (like J.D./MBA and J.D./MPA). Classroom work covers the usual legal foundations, but MC emphasizes skill training: oral advocacy, negotiation, trial practice, and client counseling are all regular parts of the curriculum.
The school runs specialized centers and clinics, for example, programs focused on bioethics and health law, business and tax law, and family/children’s law, giving you a chance to work on real issues while you study. MC Law also highlights strong placement in federal clerkships and specific strengths such as health and family law; the school ties its training to ethical practice and community service.
Like Ole Miss, MC is ABA-accredited; admissions require a bachelor’s degree and standard law-school application materials.
Career Opportunities for Lawyers in Mississippi
Graduating from law school in Mississippi can open doors to a variety of careers, depending on what you’re drawn to. A lot of new lawyers begin in local or regional law firms, where they handle everyday legal matters like divorces, property disputes, business contracts, or criminal defense.
Mississippi’s economy is also shaped by industries like agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, so there’s room to work with companies on compliance, land use, labor issues, environmental regulations, and more.
For those who want meaningful community work, there are opportunities in public service, such as becoming a public defender, working in a district attorney’s office, or joining a state or federal agency. Some graduates also go into nonprofit advocacy, especially in areas like housing rights, family law, and criminal justice reform.
One advantage Mississippi offers is that the legal community is tight-knit. It’s easier to meet attorneys, judges, and mentors who are willing to support new graduates. This can make it simpler to find internships, clerkships, and your first job.
In bigger states, you can feel like just another face in the crowd, but in Mississippi, people tend to know each other. If you’re someone who values building real, long-term professional relationships, that can go a long way.
Lawyer Salary Outlook in Mississippi
How much lawyers earn in Mississippi depends on where they work and how much experience they have. According to recent salary data, the average annual salary for lawyers in Mississippi is about $94,000. However, it’s important to understand the range. New lawyers just starting may earn around $55,000 to $70,000 in their first few years, especially if they’re working in smaller firms or public service roles.
Salaries tend to rise steadily with experience. Lawyers who move into specialized areas, like corporate law, healthcare compliance, commercial litigation, or land and natural resources law, generally earn more. These specialties are tied to industries that are strong in Mississippi, which makes the demand fairly consistent.
Location matters too. Cities like Jackson, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg usually offer more job openings and higher salaries, especially in private firms and corporate offices. Smaller towns might pay less, but the trade-off is often lower living costs and less competition, which can mean greater stability earlier in your career.
So yes, the pay may not look as high as states with large legal markets like Texas or New York. But Mississippi’s cost of living is one of the lowest in the country.
That means housing, groceries, transportation, and everyday expenses are much more manageable. Many new lawyers find they’re able to live comfortably, pay down student loans at a steady pace, and still work toward long-term financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to take the LSAT to apply to law school in Mississippi?
Yes. Both law schools in the state require the LSAT as part of the admissions process.
Can I study law part-time in Mississippi?
Mississippi College School of Law offers flexible study options, which can be more manageable for working students. Ole Miss Law is primarily full-time.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Both schools offer scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, and specific areas of interest. Early applications often have an advantage.
Can I practice law outside of Mississippi if I graduate from a Mississippi law school?
Yes. A J.D. from either school allows you to apply for admission in other states, provided you meet their bar exam requirements.