To become a paralegal in Mississippi, you can pursue formal education through certificate or degree programs at institutions throughout the state, or gain skills through on-the-job training. Mississippi doesn’t require state licensure or registration, but paralegals must work under attorney supervision per Rule 5.3. National certification is optional but recommended.
Sanderson Farms in Laurel, the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 
Jackson, Mississippi Power in Gulfport—they’re all employers of paralegals in Mississippi, and just a few of the reasons why a career in the paralegal field equates to exciting job opportunities. Morgan & Morgan PA in Jackson, Stockham Law Group in Waveland, and Blackledge Law Firm in Biloxi are just a sampling of the many law firms that call Mississippi home, and where both new and established paralegals earn their credentials and climb through the ranks.
If you want to enjoy a paralegal career in the exciting and fast-paced legal services field, you’ll first need to learn how to become a paralegal in Mississippi, which includes earning the education and credentials that will make you a valuable member of the legal team. This guide covers everything you need to know about Mississippi paralegal requirements, educational pathways, salary expectations, and career resources.
Mississippi Paralegal Requirements
In Mississippi, paralegals and those who employ them must follow Rule 5.3 of the Mississippi Rules of Professional Conduct, which defines the role of the legal “paraprofessional.” Under this rule, paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney who accepts responsibility for their professional conduct. Paralegals must also receive guidance in ethics and confidentiality from their supervising attorneys.
Mississippi does not require state licensure or registration for paralegals. There is no state-mandated licensing requirement, and paralegals are not required to meet state-set standards for training or education. This regulatory approach provides flexibility for those entering the field. You may either pursue education in paralegal studies through formal programs or find employment that provides on-the-job training. While this creates multiple entry pathways, many aspiring paralegals are choosing education over on-the-job training in greater numbers to distinguish themselves in the competitive job market.
Education & Certification Pathways
Educational Options
Earning a certificate or a degree can help distinguish entry-level job candidates from their peers and prepare paralegals to take one of the national certification exams. There are several educational pathways available to paralegals in Mississippi, including certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Educational institutions offering such programs may be approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and may be accredited. Explore our complete directory of ABA-approved paralegal programs nationwide. These approvals can be important considerations for meeting national certification requirements and for future employers.
Certificate programs offer a certificate of completion to their graduates, who become certificated paralegals. Certificate programs offer focused instruction in paralegal studies and generally don’t have many general education requirements. Certificate programs differ in their entry requirements. Some programs don’t require any previous higher education. Others are offered only to those who already have a degree in a different field and wish to add coursework in paralegal studies to their skill set.
Degrees in paralegal studies offer both general education and focused coursework in paralegal studies. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete and provide a solid foundation in legal principles and procedures. Bachelor’s degrees take four years and offer more comprehensive training, often including specialized courses in areas like litigation, contracts, and legal research.
National Certification
Paralegals in Mississippi may choose to become certified paralegals in order to be recognized as knowledgeable and competent in their field. In order to become certified, paralegals must pass one of the exams offered by the three national professional paralegal associations. In Mississippi, paralegals often opt to take the CLA/CP exam as the Mississippi Paralegal Association is affiliated with NALA. You can learn more about NALA certification and its benefits for Mississippi paralegals.
There are four exams currently offered:
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCCE is also offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Paralegal Schools in Mississippi
The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services typically comes from formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Many law offices and employers in Mississippi rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that comes from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Major law firms, corporate legal departments, financial services firms, and government agencies from Jackson to Gulfport rely on qualified paralegals to support the legal process. Below are paralegal programs from schools in Mississippi. These schools offer degree programs and certificates that cater to a wide range of students—from recent high school graduates just getting their careers off the ground, to mid-career professionals pivoting to the paralegal field, to experienced paralegals thinking of going back to school to bolster their credentials.
Note: Program offerings and availability may change. Please verify current program details directly with each institution before applying.
Coahoma Community College
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Hinds Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and online
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus and online
Holmes Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Technology Certificate – Campus
Itawamba Community College
AA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Jones County Junior College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Mississippi College
BS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus and online
Minor in Paralegal Studies – Online
Mississippi University for Women
BS/BA in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Legal Studies Minor – Campus and online
Northeast Mississippi Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus
Paralegal Certificate – Campus
Northwest Mississippi Community College
AAS in Paralegal Technology – Campus and online
Paralegal Certificate – Campus and online
Paralegal Technical Certificate – Campus and online
University of Mississippi
BPS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
University of Southern Mississippi
BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Salary & Job Market Outlook
A business-friendly environment, one of the most business-friendly in the nation according to Forbes, has allowed Mississippi to keep its economic engine chugging and its legal services industry growing. Corporate law departments with major Mississippi companies like Sanderson Farms and the University of Mississippi Medical Center are big employers of paralegals, while law firms like Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. in Gulfport and Daniel Coker Horton & Bell, P.A. in Jackson are always on the hunt for paralegals with specialized legal knowledge in areas like commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and family law.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2024, the mean paralegal salary in Mississippi was $46,310, or $22.27 per hour. The median salary was $39,120 per year, or $18.81 per hour. While this falls below the national average for this profession, the low cost of living in this southern state allows paralegal salaries to remain competitive with paralegals in other parts of the country. Individual salaries may vary significantly based on employer size, practice area specialization, years of experience, education level, and certification status.
There’s plenty of room for growth in the paralegal profession in Mississippi for those who have gained the experience and industry credentials that today’s top employers demand. As of May 2024, the top-earning paralegals here (90th percentile) earned a salary that starts at $67,620, or $32.51 per hour. Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) can expect to start around $34,320 per year, or $16.50 per hour.
Salary by Region
Paralegal salaries vary significantly across Mississippi’s metropolitan and rural areas. Rural Lower East Mississippi and metro Jackson reported mean paralegal salaries that outpaced the state average, as of May 2024.
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary | Mean Hourly Wage | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower East Mississippi (nonmetro) | $54,240 | $26.08 | $94,380 |
| Jackson | $50,490 | $24.27 | $71,950 |
| Upper East Mississippi (nonmetro) | $45,390 | $21.82 | $74,990 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | $42,820 | $20.59 | $61,960 |
| Hattiesburg | $42,750 | $20.55 | $61,770 |
| West Delta, Mississippi (nonmetro) | $41,580 | $19.99 | $60,150 |
| Lower West Mississippi (nonmetro) | $36,350 | $17.48 | $37,520 |
Job Growth & Employment Outlook
Mississippi’s paralegal profession is expected to see steady growth over the next decade. As of 2024, the state employs 2,080 paralegals. According to projections from 2022 to 2032, the field will add 140 new positions, representing a 6.8% growth rate. This growth translates to approximately 230 annual job openings across the state when accounting for both new positions and replacement needs. This positive outlook reflects the ongoing demand for qualified legal support professionals in Mississippi’s growing legal services industry.
Professional Associations
Mississippi Paralegal Association (MPA)
Since 1980, the Mississippi Paralegal Association (MPA) has worked to increase the utilization of paralegals within the legal community. The MPA promotes the paralegal profession through networks formed with other related organizations and by encouraging its members to seek educational and professional development opportunities. The MPA hosts regular meetings, seminars, and workshops. It also assists members in becoming certified and in finding employment. The MPA reports that many paralegals who are active in their organization find that they become more efficient at their jobs.
An affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the MPA offers five levels of membership. Please verify current membership requirements and benefits directly with the Mississippi Paralegal Association, as criteria may be updated periodically.
- Student Membership – Open to any students in good standing who are enrolled in a paralegal program
- Associate Membership – Open to members of the bar association, the educational field, law firms, and paralegal program representatives who endorse the paralegal concept
- Affiliate Group Membership – Open to a paralegal group or a school-affiliated paralegal club
- Inactive Membership – Open to paralegals who don’t meet the requirements for active membership
- Active Membership – Open to any individual who meets one of the following:
- Passed NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP)/Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam
- Graduate of an ABA-approved paralegal program and current employment as a paralegal
- A graduate of an institutionally-approved paralegal studies program that included at least 60 semester credits, and who is also currently employed as a paralegal
- Graduate of a paralegal program, plus at least six months of in-house paralegal training
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus six months of in-house paralegal training
- Three years of law-related experience that includes six months of in-house paralegal training
- Two years of in-house paralegal training
Mississippi Legal Professionals Association (MSLPA)
A NALS affiliate, this state-level association promotes NALS membership and certifications. The MSLPA is made up of the following local chapter organizations:
- Jackson Legal Professionals Association (JLPA)
- Gulf Coast Association of Legal Support Professionals
- Metro Legal Professionals Association (Metro LPA)
- Pine Belt Legal Professionals (PBLP)
- South Mississippi Legal Professionals (SMLP)
NALS membership levels for these organizations include (verify current requirements with the organization):
- Individual – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature, such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students – Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program offered by an accredited school
- Retired – Open to those who have been a NALS-affiliated member for at least five years prior to retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
Career Resources & Contacts
Major Law Firms
Large law firms employ many paralegals as part of their teams. Mississippi includes several prominent firms that may hire paralegals. The following firms have historically employed paralegals in Mississippi (verify current employment opportunities directly with each firm):
- Adams and Reese
- Baker Donelson
- Balch & Bingham
- Bradley Arant
- Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC
- Burr & Forman
- Hand Arendall
- McGlinchey Stafford
- Mitchell McNutt & Sams
- Phelps Dunbar
- Wise Carter Child & Caraway, P.A.
Important Contacts
- Mississippi Paralegal Association (MPA), affiliated with NALA
- The Mississippi Bar
- Mississippi Secretary of State
- State of Mississippi Judiciary
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a paralegal in Mississippi?
No, Mississippi doesn’t require state licensure for paralegals. The state doesn’t regulate paralegals or set specific standards for training or education. However, you must work under attorney supervision according to Rule 5.3, and your supervising attorney must provide guidance in ethics and confidentiality.
What’s the difference between a paralegal certificate and certification?
A paralegal certificate is awarded upon completion of an educational program, making you a “certificated” paralegal. Certification refers to passing a national exam (like CLA/CP, PACE, PCCE, or PP) to become a “certified” paralegal. The certificate demonstrates education, while certification demonstrates tested competency in the field.
How much do paralegals make in Mississippi?
As of May 2024, the mean paralegal salary in Mississippi is $46,310 per year ($22.27 per hour), with a median of $39,120. Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) earn around $34,320, while experienced paralegals (90th percentile) can earn $67,620 or more. Rural Lower East Mississippi offers the highest salaries at $54,240 mean annual salary.
Are there ABA-approved paralegal programs in Mississippi?
Mississippi has multiple institutions offering paralegal programs at various levels, from certificates to bachelor’s degrees. While not all programs are ABA-approved, many are institutionally accredited. ABA approval is an important consideration if you plan to pursue national certification, as some certifying organizations may require or prefer completion of an ABA-approved program. Verify current ABA approval status directly with each institution.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in Mississippi?
The outlook is positive. Mississippi’s paralegal field is projected to grow by 6.8% from 2022 to 2032, adding 140 new positions. With approximately 230 annual job openings when accounting for replacement needs, opportunities exist for qualified candidates. The state’s business-friendly environment continues to support growth in legal services.
Can I become a paralegal with on-the-job training in Mississippi?
Yes, because Mississippi doesn’t regulate paralegals, you can enter the field through on-the-job training. However, many aspiring paralegals are choosing formal education over on-the-job training to distinguish themselves in the competitive job market. Formal education also prepares you for national certification exams and may lead to better salary opportunities.
What does Rule 5.3 mean for Mississippi paralegals?
Rule 5.3 defines the role of legal “paraprofessionals” in Mississippi. It requires that paralegals work under attorney supervision, with the attorney accepting responsibility for the paralegal’s professional conduct. The rule also mandates that attorneys provide paralegals with guidance in ethics and confidentiality. This ensures quality legal services while protecting clients.
Should I join the Mississippi Paralegal Association?
Joining the MPA offers significant benefits. The association provides networking opportunities, hosts regular meetings and seminars for professional development, assists with certification preparation, and helps with job placement. Many members report becoming more efficient at their jobs through MPA involvement. As a NALA affiliate, the MPA is particularly valuable if you plan to pursue the CLA/CP certification.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi requires paralegals to work under attorney supervision per Rule 5.3 of the Mississippi Rules of Professional Conduct, but doesn’t mandate state licensure or registration, allowing flexible entry through education or on-the-job training
- Multiple institutions across Mississippi offer paralegal programs ranging from certificates to bachelor’s degrees, with both campus and online options available (verify current offerings with each school)
- As of May 2024, the mean paralegal salary is $46,310 annually ($22.27/hour), with top earners making $67,620 or more, and rural Lower East Mississippi offering the highest regional salaries at $54,240
- Jackson and rural Lower East Mississippi offer the most competitive salaries in the state, with mean wages that may exceed the state average by $4,000-$8,000 annually, depending on experience and specialization
- The profession is projected to grow by 6.8% from 2022-2032, potentially adding 140 new positions and creating approximately 230 annual job openings across the state
- National certification through CLA/CP, PACE, PCCE, or PP exams is optional but recommended, with the CLA/CP being popular in Mississippi through the MPA’s affiliation with NALA
- Mississippi Paralegal Association may provide networking, certification support, and career resources through meetings, seminars, and job placement assistance (verify current benefits with MPA)
Ready to Launch Your Paralegal Career in Mississippi?
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Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
