‘The Magnolia State’ offers many exciting employment opportunities to professionals working in the legal sector. If you want guidance on how to fast track your career, then read this article on how to become a Lawyer in Mississippi.
Do you have good interpersonal, communication, and research skills? If yes, then a career in law might be ideal for you!
Merely having the above-mentioned skill-set is not enough for becoming a Lawyer. You will have to meet several academic and licensing standards to be able to launch a career in this field. The table below mentions these requirements. The data shared in this section taken from BLS.
Career Outlook
The job outlook for Lawyers is quite bright. Occupational statistics reported by BLS point towards a favorable career growth of 6% for Lawyers, during the period 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Mississippi
The details mentioned below will help you understand how to become a Lawyer in Mississippi.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Candidates who want to attend law school are required to obtain a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Therefore, the first step is to complete your undergrad studies. A Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S) program typically takes four years to complete. You can major in any discipline that you want, however, we would strongly suggest that you major in subjects like Sociology, Economics, Philosophy, English, or Political Science.
Step 2: Enroll in an Approved Law School
In order to get into the law program, you have to get an impressive score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Since you might not get a good score on your first attempt and might have to re-take the LSAT, therefore it is recommended that you take this exam right after completing your junior year. After finishing your undergrad studies and passing the LSAT, you will be all set to make your way to law school.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience (Optional)
You might want to work as a summer intern or a part-time employee at a law firm or a legal department of a corporate firm to gain valuable experience. Many public-interest organizations, government agencies, and law firms hire law school students as summer associates. Working as an associate/intern can help you explore your interests and can help you decide which law field to pursue in the future.
Step 4: Get Licensed!
The process of getting licensed in Mississippi is quite similar to that in other U.S. states. You will be required to clear the Mississippi Bar Examination and the Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) to become eligible to practice law. The Bar Examination Application fees should be paid to the Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions through a certified check or a money order.
After clearing the exams and meeting the fitness/character requirements, you will be issued your license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Mississippi?
All in all, it can take up to seven years to become a Lawyer in Mississippi. First, individuals have to complete a four-year long Bachelor’s program. Then, they have to complete a three-year long Doctor of Jurisprudence program from an approved institute. Once the academic conditions have been met, candidates have to take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and the Mississippi Bar Exam. Moreover, aspiring Lawyers also have to clear a background check. After passing all of these stages, individuals are given their license.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Mississippi?
If you have made up your mind about becoming a Lawyer, then get ready to meet a long list of education, examination, and licensing requirements. These requirements are highlighted below.
Prospective Lawyers must:
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Graduate from an approved law school;
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Pass the Mississippi Bar Examination;
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Pass the Multistate Professional requirements.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Mississippi?
Income statistics shared by BLS indicate that Lawyers in Mississippi made an annual mean pay of $95,040 in 2019. This was quite less than 2019’s national average.