University of Mississippi and Jackson State University Launch Partnership for Accelerated Law Degree Program

New Partnership Pushes For Accelerated Law Degree in Mississippi

In a groundbreaking educational partnership, the University of Mississippi and Jackson State University have taken significant strides toward making a law degree more accessible to students. The partnership brings forth a program that allows undergraduates to start their law studies as early as their senior year, reducing the standard time it takes to acquire a law degree by a year. Known as the Pathway to Law School program, this initiative is seen as a commitment to broaden the access to the legal profession.

A Stride Towards Inclusion

The launch of the Pathway to Law School program is part of the ongoing drive to encourage diversity and ensure inclusion in legal studies. Joshua Tucker, the law school’s assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Mississippi, regards the initiative as an opportunity for individuals, especially those traditionally underrepresented in legal circles, to become future champions of justice.

Inspiration Behind The Pathway Program

Inspiration for the Pathway to Law School program came from Redd Thompson, the wife of Jackson State University’s President, Marcus Thompson, and a proud alumnus of the University of Mississippi School of Law. The program is her 2024 initiative to aid Jackson State students in their venture into the legal field. Thompson envisions the positive ripple effect that this program will generate among the students.

Diverse Opportunities Under Initiative

Students will have the chance to take part in the university’s 3+3 Accelerated Law Program, thanks to Redd Thompson’s initiative. The program also features a lecture series with University of Mississippi professors touring Jackson to engage with Jackson State undergraduates, waiving application fees for the university’s law school, and continued support for students participating in the Law School’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Law Preview Day.

Importance of Lectures Series

According to Fred Slabach, the dean of the School of Law, the lecture series plays a crucial role by acquainting Jackson State University students with legal topics and familiarizing them with the law school application process. This preparation aids in developing the skills required for success in legal professions, making this initiative a win-win for both students and law schools.

Expanding the Reach of Law Education

University of Mississippi has been at the forefront of promoting law education, partnering with six different institutions for its accelerated law program, including its School of Engineering, School of Journalism and New Media, College of Liberal Arts, School of Business Administration, and Department of Legal Studies, along with Tougaloo College. The recent invitation to Jackson State University marks the addition of the first public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to the initiative.

Through this revolutionary partnership, both the University of Mississippi and Jackson State University aim to reinvigorate the legal education landscape, offering students a faster, more accessible path to law school and potentially paving the way for future partnerships with other universities.