Are you pursing a law degree? The TopSchoolsintheUSA.com has generated the latest ranking of best law schools in Mississippi that provides Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). You can use the following list to pick a school that fits your needs. These law schools in Mississippi are ranked based on the student reviews, alumni surveys, assessment of peer institutions, and official data reported by each law college. In addition, we also provide average LSAT scores, GPA and acceptance rates for each of these law schools in Mississippi.
Top ABA-Approved Law Schools in Mississippi
| National Ranking | Best Law Programs |
| 139 | University of Mississippi (University, MS) Acceptance rate: 32.2% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 151-157 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 3.24-3.69 Tuition & Fees: In-state, full-time: $11,283 per year, Out-of-state, full-time: $24,692 per year Enrollment (full-time): 531 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 66.0%
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| 163 | Mississippi College (Jackson, MS) Acceptance rate: 57.5% LSAT scores (25th-75th percentile): 147-152 GPA (25th-75th percentile): 2.78-3.44 Tuition & Fees: Full-time: $29,150 per year Enrollment (full-time): 555 Graduates known to be employed nine months after graduation: 79.4%
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All Law Schools in Mississippi
Mississippi is home to two law schools, both of which offer strong programs to prepare students for legal careers within the state and beyond. Each law school provides a rigorous academic environment, hands-on learning opportunities, and unique specializations in areas important to the region, such as environmental law and civil rights law.
1. University of Mississippi School of Law
Overview
The University of Mississippi School of Law, often referred to as Ole Miss Law, is located in Oxford, Mississippi, and is the only public law school in the state. Established in 1854, Ole Miss Law has a long tradition of providing high-quality legal education. The school is known for its focus on practical legal training, strong faculty, and affordable tuition, particularly for Mississippi residents. Ole Miss Law is also recognized for its specialized programs in space law and maritime law, which attract students from across the country.
Degree Programs
The University of Mississippi School of Law offers a range of degree programs to meet the needs of its diverse student body:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): The traditional three-year program that prepares students for legal practice. Students can choose from a wide range of courses in areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, business law, and civil rights law.
- Concentrations: Students can specialize in areas such as Business Law, Criminal Law, and Air and Space Law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Air and Space Law: A one-year program focused on the legal and policy issues surrounding aviation and space activities. This program is unique in the United States and attracts both U.S. and international students.
- Joint Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration): Offered in collaboration with the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration, this dual degree program is designed for students interested in corporate law, finance, and business management.
- J.D./M.A. in Taxation: A joint program that combines legal education with a focus on tax law and policy.
Specializations and Focus Areas
Ole Miss Law offers students the opportunity to specialize in a number of legal fields, providing expertise in key areas of practice:
- Air and Space Law: Ole Miss Law is home to the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air, and Space Law, the only program of its kind in the U.S., which provides students with legal education related to space exploration and aviation regulation.
- Business and Tax Law: The school offers a robust selection of courses in business transactions, tax law, and corporate governance.
- Criminal Law: Students interested in criminal justice can take courses in criminal procedure, evidence, and trial advocacy.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Mississippi School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee looking for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership abilities, and a commitment to the legal profession.
- Average LSAT: 155
- Average GPA: 3.41
Other important factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining their interest in law and how Ole Miss Law aligns with their career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are typically required, preferably from professors or employers who can speak to the applicant’s academic or professional qualifications.
- Resume: Highlighting work experience, leadership roles, internships, and community involvement.
Starting Salaries
Ole Miss Law graduates have strong job placement rates, particularly in Mississippi and surrounding states. Many graduates go on to work in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $65,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $55,000
2. Mississippi College School of Law
Overview
Mississippi College School of Law (MC Law) is a private law school located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Founded in 1930, MC Law has a strong reputation for its commitment to public service, legal ethics, and practical legal training. The school offers students a range of opportunities to gain real-world legal experience through clinics, externships, and internships with local courts, law firms, and government agencies. MC Law’s location in Jackson, the state capital, provides students with access to the heart of Mississippi’s legal and political systems.
Degree Programs
Mississippi College School of Law offers a variety of degree programs designed to prepare students for a broad range of legal careers:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): A three-year program that provides students with a comprehensive legal education. MC Law offers concentrations in areas such as criminal law, family law, and health law.
- Master of Laws (LL.M.): A specialized program designed for U.S. or foreign-trained lawyers seeking advanced legal training in U.S. law. The LL.M. program offers concentrations in American Legal Studies and International and Comparative Law.
- Dual Degree Programs:
- J.D./M.B.A.: A joint degree program offered in collaboration with Mississippi College’s School of Business, designed for students interested in combining legal and business education.
- J.D./M.A. in Public Policy: A joint degree program that combines legal education with a focus on public policy and administration.
Specializations and Focus Areas
MC Law offers students the ability to focus on specific areas of legal practice, with strong programs in:
- Family Law: The school offers a range of courses in family law, child advocacy, and domestic violence law, preparing students for careers in family law practice.
- Health Law: MC Law has a growing health law program, with courses and externships focused on healthcare regulations, compliance, and policy.
- Civil Rights and Social Justice: The school emphasizes public service and offers opportunities for students to engage in civil rights law through externships and legal clinics.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Mississippi College School of Law is competitive, with the admissions committee evaluating applicants based on academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to legal practice.
- Average LSAT: 150
- Average GPA: 3.15
Other factors considered in the admissions process include:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their career goals, why they want to study law, and how MC Law fits into their professional aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, typically from academic or professional mentors who can provide insight into the applicant’s abilities and potential for success.
- Resume: Applicants are encouraged to highlight work experience, leadership roles, internships, and community service.
Starting Salaries
MC Law graduates have strong placement rates in the Mississippi legal market, with many securing positions in small and mid-sized law firms, government, and public interest roles.
- Median starting salary (private sector): $60,000
- Median starting salary (public sector): $50,000
Experiential Learning Opportunities in Mississippi Law Schools
Both law schools in Mississippi emphasize the importance of experiential learning, providing students with numerous opportunities to gain practical legal experience through clinics, externships, and internships.
University of Mississippi School of Law
- Clinical Programs: Ole Miss Law offers a variety of clinical programs where students can gain hands-on experience representing clients under the supervision of faculty members. These include:
- Criminal Appeals Clinic: Students work on real criminal appeals cases, providing representation to individuals who may have been wrongfully convicted.
- Child Advocacy Clinic: Students represent children in court, handling cases involving child protection, custody, and guardianship.
- Externship Program: Ole Miss Law’s externship program allows students to work with judges, government agencies, and law firms throughout Mississippi and the Southeast. This hands-on experience gives students exposure to real legal practice and helps them build professional connections.
- Pro Bono Initiative: Ole Miss Law encourages students to participate in pro bono work, providing free legal services to underserved communities. Students can work on a variety of cases, including housing, family law, and civil rights.
Mississippi College School of Law
- Legal Clinics: MC Law provides students with several opportunities to gain practical experience through its legal clinics. These include:
- Family Law Clinic: Students represent clients in family law matters such as divorce, custody disputes, and domestic violence cases.
- Immigration Clinic: Students assist immigrants with legal issues related to asylum, deportation, and naturalization.
- Externship Program: MC Law’s location in Jackson provides students with access to externship opportunities in state and federal courts, government agencies, and local law firms. Students can gain practical experience in areas such as criminal law, business law, and civil rights.
- Public Interest Law: MC Law is committed to public service, offering students the chance to work with non-profit organizations and legal aid societies to help those in need.
Bar Passage Rates
Bar passage rates are an important consideration for prospective law students, as they reflect how well a school prepares its students for the bar exam. Both Ole Miss Law and MC Law offer bar preparation resources and courses to help students succeed on the exam.
- University of Mississippi School of Law: Ole Miss Law has a strong bar passage rate, with approximately 85% of its graduates passing the bar exam on their first attempt.
- Mississippi College School of Law: MC Law’s bar passage rate is also competitive, with around 80% of graduates passing the bar exam on their first attempt.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Both law schools in Mississippi offer affordable tuition rates compared to national averages, particularly for in-state students. Each school also provides financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loan programs to help students manage the cost of legal education.
University of Mississippi School of Law
- In-state tuition: Approximately $18,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $34,000 per year
- Financial Aid: Ole Miss Law offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and federal loan programs to help students cover the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Mississippi College School of Law
- Tuition: Approximately $37,000 per year
- Financial Aid: MC Law provides a variety of scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. The school also offers federal loans and work-study opportunities.
Career Services and Job Placement
Both law schools in Mississippi have dedicated career services offices that help students with job placement, resume building, interview preparation, and networking with potential employers.
University of Mississippi School of Law
- Employment Rate: Approximately 90% of Ole Miss Law graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation, with many finding jobs in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments in Mississippi and the Southeastern United States.
Mississippi College School of Law
- Employment Rate: Around 85% of MC Law graduates are employed within 10 months of graduation, particularly in Mississippi and surrounding states. Many graduates find employment in small and mid-sized law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations.