James ‘Jimmy’ Chilimigras is 15 years old, a Loyola Law student, and the youngest person to pass the Certified Public Accounting exam in the world.

After scoring 31 on the ACT at the age of 12, he said he had too big of a passion not to continue his studies. He said he always knew he wanted to be a lawyer because of his drive to help people.

Before attending Loyola Law, Jimmy got his online undergrad degree at Western Governors University (WGU) during the pandemic.

According to Jimmy, he chose Loyola because it’s close to home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

“I think the community is great, and there are so many wonderful people here,” Chilimigras said. “It’s just a great place to be.”

Chilimigras said he is blessed to be surrounded by people who support and guide him through every step of the process because he says “law school at 15 is not your normal.”

Even since high school, his parents have curtailed the curriculum to fit his needs. Jimmy moved at his own pace with his studies, and it usually only took him a single reading of the required textbook to pass the final exam.

“What’s the point in doing all the build up if you’re not gonna do something with it?” Chilimigras said.

He is currently specializing in tax law following his undergraduate studies in accounting. He said he figured he’s going to be doing taxes for the rest of his life, so he might as well know how.

Chimiligras implemented his studies in the American Association of Retired Persons by volunteering and helping the elderly with their tax prep in the local library.

“I love making a local impact,” Chilimigras said.

According to Jimmy, he knows he hasn’t had a normal life, but he maintains balance through his hobbies. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and playing board games with friends.

“I try to relax and go to the beach with my friends,” Chilimigras said.

In addition to the support from his friends and family, Chilimigras said he appreciates the continued support of his mentors.

“I still keep in touch with my undergrad program mentor to ask for guidance and advice every now and then,” Chilimigras said.

Jimmy’s advice to young students is to go at their own pace and make the most of their academic resources.

“When things are catered to you, your academic success exceeds your expectations,” Chilimigras said.