John Grisham, a distinguished alumnus of Mississippi State University and Ole Miss Law School, earned his law degree in 1981, marking the beginning of a decade-long career in the legal profession. During his 10-year tenure as a practicing attorney, he developed a specialization in criminal defense and personal injury litigation, honing his skills in the courtroom and building a reputation as a formidable advocate.
In 1983, Grisham's impressive legal credentials earned him a seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives, a position he held until 1990. This notable achievement in politics served as a precursor to his transition from the law to the world of writing.
With the support of his family, Grisham embarked on a new career path in 1984, dedicating himself to writing full-time. Three years later, he completed his debut novel, "A Time to Kill," which was published by Wynwood Press in June 1988. This groundbreaking work would eventually become one of his best-selling novels, paving the way for a successful writing career.
Today, Grisham is renowned as the bestselling author of numerous acclaimed novels, including "A Time to Kill," "The Firm," "The Pelican Brief," and "The Client." He shares his life with his wife and their two children on a picturesque farm in Oxford, Mississippi, where he continues to draw inspiration from the beauty and charm of the American South.