Mississippi Pro Bono & Community Legal Resources

The state of Mississippi has one unenviable distinction: It has the highest percentage of people living at or below the federal poverty level in the United States. Despite holding the number one spot in terms of a poverty-stricken population - approximately 21.6% of the state's three million residents are at or below the poverty line - Mississippi has relatively few pro bono and community legal resources. Those that are available, however, are truly topnotch. The key thing to keep in mind is that legal help is available in the state of Mississippi, if you're willing to look for it.

Mississippi Pro Bono Services

Under Mississippi state law, members of the state's bar association have a responsibility to provide pro bono services to those who are in need. The Mississippi Bar Association, in conjunction with Mississippi Legal Services, has formed the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, or MVLP. This organization provides the vast majority of the state's pro bono services.

The Mississippi Bar
643 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39202
Phone: 601.948.4471

The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project
P. O. Box 2168
Jackson, MS 39225
Telephone: 601.960.9577


Community Legal Resources in Mississippi

There is a dearth of community legal resources in the state of Mississippi. That doesn't mean, though, that low-income and indigent residents of the state are entirely out of luck. The following programs and community legal resources are available.

Mississippi Legal Services Coalition
775 North President Street, Suite 300
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: 601.944.0765

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
2134 West Jackson Avenue
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 601.234.8731

Southeast Mississippi Legal Services
PO Box 1728
Hattiesburg, MS 39403
Phone: 601.545.2950

South Mississippi Legal Services Corporation
111 Rue Magnolia, #202
Biloxi, MS 39533
Phone: 228.374.4160

Compared with many other states, free legal aid and assistance is decidedly sparse in Mississippi. Despite that, though, indigent and low-income individuals can - and should - make use of the resources that are available. If you or someone you know is facing a legal issue, but can't afford a lawyer, be sure to make use of these services today.