NEW ORLEANS — One of the Loyola law students in a study group can not legally drink alcohol or even sign a binding contract and didn't even have a driver's license, though he can get one this week as he turned 16.
“So then hopefully this Friday, when law school's out of session, I can go pick it up,” said Jimmy Chilimigras.
He started law school in the fall at only 15. He finished high school at 12. And in between, during those two years after graduation, from being home-schooled in Bay St. Louis to now, well, he became the youngest licensed CPA, getting his undergraduate and masters in accounting through Western Governors University, then passing the four-part CPA exam at 14.
“All businesses pretty much around the world, universally have to do finances. Someone in the like accounting, or finance field, and that can get you into the door in like any company. And so then you can make the connections you need to move into the role that you want, which I think is cool.”
So, why did he choose to be a CPA and then go to law school?
“I think the laws are really important for protecting yourself, and your family, and friends. Then I also think you can do a lot of good with the laws. That sets the rules for the society that we all have to live under. So, if we have better laws, then we all have better living conditions,” he explained.
In his spare time, Jimmy still likes playing board games.
“When I was like six, I won like a board game tournament at this like big game convention with all these adults,” he remembers with a laugh.
He also enjoys being outdoors, fishing, hiking, swimming, and camping.
“Nature is like so beautiful, so wonderful. It's a great escape,” Chilimigras said.
Even though Jimmy is in the top three percent of his law class, he legally can't do some of the rites of passage with his classmates.
“Well, I don't get to go to the bar review,” he laughed. That’s because they serve alcohol.
But his classmates did elect him to the Law Honor Board. He says while he reads fast, learns quickly, and has a good memory, his main strength is understanding and applying concepts to real-life situations.
And maybe one day, he'll become a teacher with a desire to create a system where students are more engaged and can learn at their own pace.
“But I'm not sure yet. I have a lot of time to decide, and I want to see what's something that would be interesting to me, where I can also do a lot of good.”
Jimmy says he has not felt social challenges with being so much younger than his classmates.
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