Mississippi teen became a CPA at 15 after finishing high school at 12
At just 18 years old, James Chilimigras has achieved remarkable academic milestones, having graduated from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he ranked in the top two percent of his class while earning five certificates. Displaying an exceptional intellect, he completed both his bachelor's and master’s degrees by the age of 15 and became the youngest Certified Public Accountant…
James "Jimmy" Chilimigras, an 18-year-old from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, has made history by becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) at the age of 15. He achieved this remarkable feat after completing a Juris Doctor degree in law at a prestigious university in New Orleans. Chilimigras graduated with top honors, ranking in the top two percent of his law school class and excelling in over 40 percent of his coursework.
Loyola University New Orleans is celebrating Chilimigras as the youngest person to ever graduate from their law school, a claim that has yet to be challenged. The university attributes his success to a supportive and rigorous academic environment, which fosters character development and prevents burnout. Chilimigras credits his early academic talent, keen language skills at a young age, and a structured online university education for his impressive achievements.
After completing his online bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting by age 15, Chilimigras passed the rigorous CPA exams and became the youngest Certified Public Accountant in the world. His legal journey began in 2023 when he enrolled at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, serving as a teaching assistant, coach, and competitor on the ABA National Moot Court Team.
Dean Madeleine Landrieu of Loyola University praised Chilimigras's maturity and impact on the school community. Her grandfather, a graduate of Detroit Mercy Law, accompanied Chilimigras to his final exam, highlighting the support and guidance he received throughout his academic journey.
Chilimigras's accomplishments extend beyond the United States, as Oldest.org lists him among the youngest individuals in the world to earn a law degree. Other notable examples include Stephen Baccus, the youngest known law graduate at age 16, and Gabrielle Turnquest, the youngest barrister in the United Kingdom at 18. Chilimigras plans to further his legal education by pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) in taxation at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago, marking his first time living outside Mississippi.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
