Mississippi College School of Law

The Mississippi College School of Law is dedicated to providing its students with a challenging yet rewarding education, preparing them to make a positive impact in the legal profession. Combining Christian principles and practical legal education ensures that graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to excel in any environment. From its location in downtown Jackson to the vast opportunities available for students, Mississippi College School of Law is dedicated to providing quality legal education for the South.

History

It was founded in 1930 as Jackson School of Law and was acquired by Mississippi College in 1975. Mississippi College School of Law was established and became part of the oldest university in the state. The law school was founded to provide a legal education based on Christian principles and has since become a highly regarded legal institution in the South.

It was in the late 1970s that plans were laid out for a new law school building to be constructed on the Mississippi College campus in Clinton. However, United Gas Pipeline had other ideas and donated a five-story building in downtown Jackson, where the first classes were held in 1980. This generous gift was the largest ever received by Mississippi College at that time, with its worth extending far beyond the material value of the building. Its location in the center of Mississippi's legal, judicial, and business hub opened students to various work opportunities, clerkships, and internships.

The Mississippi College School of Law has come a long way since its inception in 1975 and continues to be at the forefront of providing quality legal education. Its strong sense of community and Christian principles mean that students are provided with a holistic legal education to prepare them for any challenge they may face in the professional world. The law school continues to be integral to Mississippi College, setting the standard for legal excellence in the South.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	146 - 148 - 152	147 - 150 - 153
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.97 - 3.22 - 3.54	2.84 - 3.24 - 3.58
Acceptance rate	70.0%	31.3%
Applications received	651	1909
Acceptances	456	597
Matriculants	21	363

During the 2022 application cycle, Mississippi College School of Law saw 702 applicants and offered admission to 435 of them. Of those offered admission, 137 were accepted, giving the school an impressive yield rate of 31.49%. As for the 1L class size, it is 140 students.

The median LSAT score for the 1L class of 2022 is 150, with the 25th percentile being 147 and the 75th percentile 153. The median GPA for the same class is 3.24, with a 25th percentile at 2.84 and a 75th percentile at 3.58. These figures indicate that Mississippi College School of Law has some quite competitive admission standards which reflect the quality of education it provides.

Mississippi College School of Law is a challenging and rewarding environment for those pursuing a legal degree. Its impressive yield rate, competitive admission standards, and dedicated faculty offer an ideal setting for aspiring attorneys to start in the legal field. Those considering applying would do well to research the school and ensure their candidacy is as strong as possible before applying.

How to Apply

To be eligible for admission to the Mississippi College School of Law, applicants must possess a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Documentation of this degree must be provided before enrollment in any class. The LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) exam must also have been taken within the five years preceding the application; scores older than five years will not be considered.

LSAT

If you are planning to apply to the Mississippi College School of Law, you must have taken the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) within five years before your application. The LSAT is essential to the admissions process, as it assesses your understanding and comprehension of legal topics such as torts, contracts, criminal law, and evidence. Your LSAT scores will only be considered if they are five years from your application to MC Law.

Application

The Mississippi College School of Law offers students the opportunity to obtain a law degree. To apply for admission, applicants must complete an online application through the Law School Admission Council. The Law School Admission Council is an organization that provides standardized applications and processes for law school admissions across the United States.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an opportunity for prospective students to introduce themselves, their experiences, and their goals to the Mississippi College School of Law Admissions Committee. It gives admittees a chance to explain why they have chosen the school and what particular skills and qualifications they possess make them ideal candidates for legal studies. This document is attached to the LSAC Admissions Application and allows you to express your journey and tell a story about yourself that will be remembered.

In this document, applicants should discuss their academic pursuits and any relevant work or volunteer experience they may have had. It is essential to provide detail when discussing these topics so that Admissions staff can get a sense of who you are and how your experiences have shaped your educational goals. Additionally, applicants should discuss any special interests or activities that may have helped them develop essential skills for law school, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, or research abilities.

CAS Report

The Central Assembly Service (CAS) Report is an important document sent to the Mississippi College School of Law when requested. It includes a comprehensive summary of an applicant's undergraduate transcript, copies of any additional transcripts from graduate study, and all LSAT scores. The CAS Report also includes the LSAT writing sample, which provides admissions counselors insight into applicants' skills and written communication.

Registration for CAS is done through LSAC's Admissions Application. Applicants need to ensure that the information on the application, including any transcripts or other documents provided, is complete and accurate. Doing so will ensure that Mississippi College School of Law receives an up-to-date and accurate picture of the applicant.

The CAS Report is critical in any admissions process, so applicants must provide complete and accurate application information. Doing so will ensure Mississippi College School of Law can make an informed decision when considering each applicant for admission.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are not mandatory for admission to the Mississippi College School of Law, but they can certainly be beneficial when considering your application. The school highly recommends that you seek evaluations and recommendations from someone who knows you well and can vouch for your academic ability and work experience. Mississippi College Law accepts letters sent directly to the Admissions Office, or you can use the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) Letter of Recommendation Service.

Giving your letter writers enough time to write solid and accurate letters on your behalf is essential. You should also ensure that each reference has current contact information for you and the deadline for submitting their letters. Lastly, make sure that you thank each of your letter writers for taking the time to provide you with a reference.

Deadline

Mississippi College School of Law has an application deadline of July 10th each year for all those interested in enrolling in their fall entering class. However, they strongly suggest that potential students submit their applications as soon as possible to increase their chances of being considered for scholarships or other financial aid opportunities. It is important to note that these scholarship and financial aid opportunities may not be available for those who wait until the last minute to apply. Therefore, it is in an applicant’s best interest to submit their application as soon as possible. To ensure your application is complete and considered for scholarships, make sure you review all the requirements that must be met before submitting your application.

Tuition and Financial Aid

At Mississippi College School of Law, the tuition per credit hour is $1,218. Along with tuition, several fees are associated with attending the school. The mandatory fee consists of an application fee ($30), student activity fee ($45), technology fee ($35/hr), library deposit ($50 refundable when leaving school), and health insurance premium (varies). Additionally, there are fees for specific services and activities, such as transcripts ($15) and parking permits ($50).

The cost of attending Mississippi College School of Law is $1,662 per hour. This amount includes the tuition and all applicable fees associated with attending the school. Students must also consider other costs of attending law school, such as books, supplies, and living expenses.

Cost of Attendance

Mississippi College School of Law provides financial aid to its students so that they can afford their education. This financial aid includes scholarships and loans, however, the amount of aid one can receive is limited by MC Law’s Cost of Attendance. The Cost of Attendance budget in particular, is quite comprehensive, accounting for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room, board, transportation, and miscellaneous/personal expenses.

The Cost of Attendance budget is meant to provide students with a guideline for how much money they will need for their law school education. However, it does not substitute the individual’s assessment of what is needed. MC Law provides the budgets for first-year students entering 2022-the 2023 year.

DESCRIPTION	COST
Fall Tuition (15 hours)	$18,270
Spring Tuition (15 hours)	$18,270
Fees	$1,662
Books & Supplies	$2,000
Room & Board	$12,375
Transportation	$3,600
Personal/Miscellaneous	$4,650
Total	$60,827

Hearin Fellow Scholarship

The Mississippi College School of Law offers Hearin Fellowships to students who demonstrate exemplary academic performance, leadership, and involvement in law school activities. These fellowships are awarded through a grant from the Hearin Support Foundation, and priority is given to students with ties to Mississippi. No application process is necessary, as suitable applicants are identified within the School of Law and contacted directly.

The Hearin Fellowship allows students to receive financial aid to assist with law school-related expenses such as textbooks, housing costs, or tuition fees. The fellowship also provides opportunities for the fellows to attend important events and develop a network of professional contacts within the legal community.

Miscellaneous Scholarships

Every year, the Mississippi College School of Law holds an awards ceremony on Law Day to celebrate and recognize a variety of scholarships awarded to exceptional students. The recipients of these awards are chosen based on exemplary academic performance, involvement in leadership roles, and commitment to serving the community.

Law firms, organizations, and individuals sponsor the featured scholarships. These awards allow students to earn recognition for their exceptional work and effort. The award recipients are chosen by a selection committee that considers both the academic ability of each applicant as well as their involvement in leadership roles, service activities, and other impressive accomplishments.

Academics and Curriculum

The Mississippi College School of Law provides an extensive legal research and writing program that furnishes students with practical tools, templates, and strategies they can use during their summer internships and future legal careers. The first-year curriculum includes small group seminars and individualized instruction focused on developing analytical thinking, legal reasoning, and practical written communication skills.

In the second and third years, students can choose from various electives that focus on different areas of the law. This allows them to gain specialized knowledge in specific legal fields and hone their skills in writing more complex documents. In addition, students can complete an extensive research writing project which will give them experience for their future legal careers.

Students also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through the MC Law externship program. Through this course, law students are matched with federal and state agencies, judges, and non-profit organizations to help them develop their professional skills and connections in the legal field. This is an excellent way for students to gain hands-on experience and position themselves to succeed in the competitive legal world. Mississippi College School of Law provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for students to develop the necessary skills to become successful lawyers. All the available resources give students an edge when entering their future careers.

Joint Degree Programs

Mississippi College School of Law offers two distinct joint degree programs: a J.D./M.B.A. (Juris Doctorate/Master of Business Administration) option and a J.D./M.P.A. (Juris Doctorate/Master of Public Administration) program. The J.D./M.B.A. degree is a traditional program offered in partnership with Mississippi College. It allows students to pursue a J.D. and an M.B.A. simultaneously in three years of study rather than the traditional four-year sequence for each degree separately. The dual degrees provide skills grounded in law, business strategy, and public service to give students a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Externships

The Mississippi College School of Law offers students the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills in legal practice through its three-tier Externship Program. This program enables students to work as unpaid interns in judicial chambers, government agencies, or public interest organizations. A student must have completed at least 45 academic credit hours to be eligible for this program.

The three-hour local externship course requires a student to have 120 hours of approved externship work, whereas the three-hour remote and six-hour remote externships require 150 hours of work. While on their placements, students will be supervised by a full-time lawyer or judge and are expected to learn the practicalities of legal practice.

Mississippi College School of Law’s Externship Program allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study and allows them to develop skills that may be transferable into the workforce. Through this program, students will learn how laws are applied in real-life scenarios and receive guidance from experienced professionals. The externships may also help students better understand the legal profession, which could open possibilities for them in their careers. Additionally, it allows law students to network and build relationships with potential employers.

Local Externships

The Mississippi College School of Law offers an exciting local externship opportunity for students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen field. Students have the chance to work with local attorneys and legal professionals and observe court proceedings in a real-world setting. These unique opportunities afford students an unparalleled understanding of the legal system, giving them an edge when starting their careers.

Remote Externships

The Mississippi College School of Law offers students the opportunity to participate in a Remote Externship course. This course allows students to complete their externship outside the Hinds, Madison, and Rankin County area or the state. To receive credit for the remote externship, students must commit to a minimum of 135 hours for a three-hour placement and 270 hours for a six-hour placement. During the semester before the remote externship, students must attend an orientation seminar at the law school.

Clinics

Mississippi College School of Law offers clinical experiences for law students:

Clinics at the Mississippi College School of Law are a tremendous opportunity for students to gain real-world legal experience. Under the watchful eye of faculty, student clinicians participate in numerous weekly activities that provide insight into the professional world of legal services. These include discussing and analyzing case studies and court proceedings and hands-on experience representing clients in court and working with legal professionals.

Clinics also provide students with valuable skills for the professional world, such as developing their communication, negotiation, research, writing, and advocacy skills. These experiences will prove invaluable when it comes to career opportunities after graduation.

Most importantly, clinical education helps the public by providing legal services to those who otherwise may not have access. It is part of a law school's mission to serve the public, and participating in Mississippi College School of Law's clinical program is an excellent way for students to give back to their community.

In short, clinical education at Mississippi College School of Law provides an invaluable experience for law students in terms of legal knowledge and professional development. Participating in a clinic gives law students the tools they need to succeed as legal professionals while helping those in need by providing access to much-needed services. It is an opportunity not to be missed!

Quality of Life

When it comes to housing for students of Mississippi College School of Law, there are numerous options. Nearby apartment complexes provide welcoming and convenient homes for law students, while the college itself has on-campus housing available. In recent years, the law school has added two new buildings and renovated one of its older structures. All law school buildings have been upgraded with wireless Internet, making the campus more modern and efficient. The safety of students is taken into account, and while security on campus is satisfactory, the downtown area within Jackson has been noted as less secure.

Nevertheless, there are many advantages to living in the area surrounding Mississippi College School of Law. Restaurants, bars, and other locations nearby offer a great social life, while the cost of living is substantially lower than in other areas. The school also promotes its Christian values, so it may be beneficial for applicants to visit and assess whether the environment would suit them. With many housing options and amenities near the college, Mississippi College School of Law offers an excellent opportunity for law students.

Overall, Mississippi College School of Law provides many options for housing and an enjoyable quality of life. With the addition of new buildings and renovations, the college is modernizing while holding to its Christian principles. The security on the campus itself is satisfactory, although students should be aware that downtown Jackson can be less secure.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

Mississippi College School of Law is a top-tier institution in Jackson, Mississippi. Graduates of the JD program boast impressive job outcomes, with median salaries reaching up to $72,000 for those entering the private sector and $62,000 for other employers. Most graduates take advantage of the school's strong reputation and enter the private sector, with 60.3% working for law firms and 14.1% clerking for a judge. Public interest is also available as an option to graduates, with 3.8% entering into this field.

Mississippi College School of Law also has excellent bar passage rates, which are well above the national average at 69.5%. This suggests that the institution adequately prepares its students to pass the bar and become successful lawyers. With a strong alum network, Mississippi College School of Law graduates is poised for success in their legal careers.

Synopsis

MC Law is committed to providing comprehensive legal education and helping its students succeed in their professional endeavors. With their dedication to recruiting high-potential individuals, combined with the school’s supportive environment and top-notch faculty, MC Law is an ideal choice for those looking to pursue a career in law. Through this approach, MC Law provides an unparalleled educational experience that helps its students reach their full potential.

Contact information

Mississippi College School of Law
Office of JD Admissions
151 E. Griffith Street
Jackson, MS 39201
601.925.7170
armstron@mc.edu
http://law.mc.edu/

Forum and Discussion

Mississippi College School of Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums

Reference

https://law.mc.edu/
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