by 
Paralegals play a vital role within the justice system.
Depending upon the law firm that you work at, you may be involved in legal research, creating written documents, and assisting lawyers with a number of different tasks.
Getting started as a paralegal in Mississippi can be easy, allowing you to tap into a great career that pays very well.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Mississippi
Becoming a paralegal in Mississippi is relatively simple because there are not a lot of state requirements.
The state does not require paralegals to be certified or obtain any kind of licensure.
The requirements that are dictated include:
- Being a US Citizen or legal alien
- Being an adult over the age of 18
- Submitting to a background check
Even though the state does not have any certification or licensing requirements, many law firms will have requirements.
This may include having completed a paralegal program or an associate degree, and many programs have been approved by the American Bar Association.
Additionally, paralegals in Mississippi who join professional organizations will need to abide by professional ethics so that membership can be maintained.
5 Paralegal Schools in Mississippi
There are a variety of paralegal schools that you can choose from in Mississippi.
Many of these are certified through national organizations, such as the National Association of Legal Assistance (NALA).
You will want to consider the type of program/degree that is offered, how the classes are offered, and what the cost of the program is to determine what works best for you as you pursue this career path.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers a paralegal certificate course that is available online and can be completed in a total of two 7-week sessions.
The courses are available online 24/7 so that you can choose the times to attend classes in a convenient manner.
The cost of the tuition is a total of $2356, which includes tuition, required textbooks, as well as a legal research requirement.
A variety of sessions are available throughout the year so that you can get started.
The University of Mississippi
At Ole Miss, you can earn a BPS in paralegal studies, which includes a total of 120 credit hours.
During this time, you will learn about how to provide justice-related services within Mississippi and across the nation.
The time it will take to earn a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies is approximately four years.
The cost for in-state tuition is approximately $8820 per year, which does not include textbooks or room and board.
Northwest Mississippi Community College
At Northwest, you can earn an AAS in Paralegal Technology.
The program takes approximately two years to complete and is offered fully online.
You can also complete just 30 semester credit hours to earn a career certificate so that you can get started in the field quickly.
If you want to take classes in person, they’re offered at Southaven and Oxford LYTC campuses.
The cost for tuition is $3390 per year.
You would need one year for the career certificate and two for the AAS.
Mississippi College
The paralegal program at Mississippi College will allow you to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree.
You will take courses in civil litigation, law office management, legal research and writing, and more.
There will also be opportunities for internships throughout the time spent at the school.
You will complete the degree in approximately 16 semesters, and the cost per semester is $9828.
There is also a significant amount of financial aid that you can explore.
Hinds Community College
Hinds Community College offers a two-year program where you can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Technology.
You will learn how to serve as a legal assistant or paralegal with law firms and government agencies.
There are evening and online classes available for you to choose from.
The cost of tuition for in-state residents is $3450 per year.
This does not include any required textbooks for your courses.
Paralegal Schools in Mississippi – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mississippi State University | 75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762 |
| The University of Mississippi | University, MS 38677 |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | 4975 US-51, Senatobia, MS 38668 |
| Mississippi College | 200 S Capitol St, Clinton, MS 39056 |
| Hinds Community College | 501 E Main St, Raymond, MS 39154 |
Salary for Paralegals in Mississippi
The salary that you will learn as a paralegal can vary dramatically depending upon your education, experience, and additional skills.
Even the various certifications that you can receive can help you to earn higher pay.
According to salary.com, paralegals in Jackson, Mississippi earn an average salary of $53,836 a year.
With the right experience and skills, those within the 90th percentile will often earn a salary of around $67,113 per year.
Every law firm is different in terms of what they will require from you, which will impact the amount of pay that you will receive.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $53,836 |
| Gulfport | $52,888 |
| Biloxi | $53,309 |
| Hattiesburg | $52,557 |
| Greenville | $53,471 |
| Meridian | $53,315 |
| Tupelo | $50,741 |
| Southaven | $55,655 |
| Vicksburg | $53,295 |
| Pascagoula | $52,882 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 270 | $46,470 | $22.34 | $66,760 | $37,100 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 50 | $51,020 | $24.53 | $70,430 | $35,940 |
| Jackson, MS | 900 | $49,940 | $24.01 | $73,690 | $35,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific associations that are beneficial to join in Mississippi?
You will find it beneficial to connect with the Mississippi Legal Professionals Association (MSLPA), which is affiliated with NALS.
Are paralegals in high demand across the state?
Yes.
The BLS estimates that the rate of growth for paralegals in the country will grow by 12%, which is faster than a number of other industries.
As such, the need will extend across all states, including Mississippi.
Where are the greatest opportunities in Mississippi for paralegals?
You will find paralegal work readily in some of the bigger cities of Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, and Southaven.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State
I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of networking and gaining practical experience in the field. It’s refreshing to see that the post acknowledges the significance of not just academic qualifications but also hands-on skills in the legal profession.
The post strikes a good balance between being informative and easy to follow. The use of clear language and organized sections makes it accessible for readers at different stages of their career exploration. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to pursue a career as a paralegal in Mississippi.
As someone considering a career as a paralegal, I found the information about the specific regulations and requirements in Mississippi particularly helpful. It’s evident that the author has done thorough research to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for aspiring paralegals in the state.