delaware law school first assignments

Widener University Delaware Law School

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs

Widener University Delaware Law School is unique among American law schools. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, the nation’s corporate and business capital, Delaware Law School offers flexible schedules in day and evening divisions and extensive opportunities to gain practical experience in clinics, externships, and pro bono placements in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and throughout the region.

The rich curriculum is taught by a faculty committed to personal attention, and all students have abundant opportunities to gain feedback on written and oral work. The full-time faculty is supplemented by a distinguished group of adjuncts, which includes federal bankruptcy judges and numerous state court judges, as well as practicing attorneys from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

The school is a member of the AALS and is accredited by the ABA.

The JD Program

Delaware Law School offers a flexible Juris Doctor program, pairing in-classroom learning with out-of-classroom experiences, developing practice-ready graduates. The three-year, full-time program, as well as the four-year, part-time program with evening classes, enable students to choose the schedule that best balances their life and work commitments. The JD program requires a minimum of 90 credits of coursework, 12 of which must be experiential in nature. The Delaware Law School curriculum is designed to develop a fundamental understanding of law and the legal process while providing the practical skills necessary to be a professional and competent advocate.

A flexible program also means that students have the opportunity to pursue concentrated study through one of five signature programs gaining specialized training, conducting breakthrough research, participating in advocacy work, and shaping public policy. The Delaware Law School offers concentrated study in Delaware corporate and business law; advocacy, technology and public service; environmental rights; family health law and policy; and dignity rights.

The JD program, coupled with the support of our large alumni network, provides the foundation for our graduates to confidently pursue a wide variety of career paths, achieving success and personal fulfillment along the way.

Special Programs and Opportunities

Delaware Law School is a leader in developing a coordinated lawyering skills program, which includes clinical practice, externships, and pro bono placements.

Clinics are designed to permit students to represent actual clients before courts and administrative boards while under the supervision of the clinic director. Delaware Law School operates the fourth oldest environmental law clinic in the country, a veteran’s law clinic, a Delaware civil clinic focusing on family matters, a Pennsylvania criminal defense clinic, Innocence Delaware legal clinic providing representation to those unjustly incarcerated, and a dignity rights clinic. A large number of supervised externships permit students to work as lawyers-in-training with state and county government agencies and nonprofit organizations. An extensive judicial externship program places students with state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels in Washington, DC; Delaware; Maryland; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; and Virginia. A unique program allows top students to apply to clerk for justices of the Delaware Supreme Court and Court of Chancery.

The Public Interest Resource Center cultivates pro bono volunteer opportunities for students in public interest agencies and government offices throughout the region and offers counseling and guidance to students who seek careers in public interest law.

Delaware Law offers opportunities for specialized study in family health law and policy, business organizations, advocacy and technology, criminal law, environmental law, and dignity rights.

The Family Health Law & Policy Institute provides research, policy analysis, and specialty education dedicated to the reform of laws and policies relating to the intersections of families and their health, broadly construed. The institute offers extensive opportunities for experiential learning.

The Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law offers a concentrated course of study focused on developing a fundamental knowledge of business and corporate law. The institute also sponsors the highly respected  Delaware Journal of Corporate Law  and a speakers series featuring justices and other corporate law luminaries.

The Taishoff Advocacy, Technology, and Public Service Institute provides extensive litigation skills training and cutting-edge experience in the role of emerging technologies in litigation.

The Global Environmental Rights Institute allows students and faculty to work together to promote environmental interests locally and globally and harnesses the expertise of nationally and internationally renowned faculty members to provide students with abundant opportunities to learn, practice, and conduct research in new areas, including toxic torts, climate change, and environmental constitutionalism.

The Dignity Rights Institute is the only program at any American law school focusing on the theme of human dignity in law. It aims to set human dignity in action through public and professional experiential learning and high-impact lawyering and advocacy. 

Delaware Law School offers two joint-degree programs: JD/MBA with Widener University and JD/MPH with Thomas Jefferson University.

Student Life

Campus facilities, housing, student activities.

The attractive 34-acre campus is located in the heart of the beautiful Brandywine River Valley. The law building houses the Legal Information Center, faculty offices, clinics, technologically enhanced classrooms, and three moot courtrooms.

Delaware Law School is one of very few law schools in the country that offers residential campus housing for JD students. Single-occupancy, fully furnished residence halls provide a convenient and comfortable living option for first-year students. Internet, cable, central air and heat, a refrigerator, and a microwave are included. Bathroom facilities, as well as kitchen and laundry rooms, are shared by residents on each wing. For students seeking a healthy lifestyle choice with no alcohol consumption, a wellness wing is available. For upper-level students, one- and two-bedroom townhomes are also available. All townhomes are fully furnished, cable-ready, air conditioned, equipped with a washer and dryer, and offer both Ethernet and wireless Internet access. Campus housing provides easy access to all classrooms and physical facilities, and students enjoy all the area has to offer from cultural and recreational activities to nearby retail and dining options. An exercise room, abundant green space, 24-hour security, and ample free parking are also provided. All campus housing is offered on a nine-month lease based on the academic calendar.

Students publish the prestigious  Delaware Journal of Corporate Law  and the  Widener Law Review . Students also compete in intraschool, regional, and national interschool moot court and trial competitions. With more than 25 student organizations at Delaware Law, students can immerse themselves in the campus community through participation in an affinity group or particular legal interest society, or by attending a myriad of social and networking events.

Career Placement and Bar Passage

The Career Development Office is strongly committed to helping students obtain the positions that best suit their individual needs and ambitions. Delaware Law School’s employment statistics are evidence of its success in helping graduates find a niche in the contemporary job market. Delaware Law School alumni have become judges in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; members of the legislature; partners in major regional law firms; hospital administrators; and legal educators.

Delaware Law School provides robust support to students in preparation for the bar exams, overseen by a dedicated, full-time Director of Bar Pass Programs. The centerpiece of these efforts is a two-semester, six-credit course focused on the substance of core areas of law commonly tested on the bar exam, while also developing the specific skills and strategies needed for effectively writing bar exam essays. A two-credit, bar exam writing intensive course was added in Spring 2022. In addition, graduates are mentored by faculty and distinguished alumni during the weeks of their bar exam preparations. Finally, the law school offers limited, free campus housing during the summer bar preparation period, enabling graduates to focus on their bar studies in a supportive environment of their peers and faculty. Through these efforts, the law school has consistently maintained an Ultimate Bar Pass rate between 80 and 90 percent.

Tuition and Aid

At Delaware Law we are committed to making legal education affordable while also recognizing the significant achievements of our applicants. Our generous scholarship program provides renewable awards that vary but can be as high as $111,000 over the course of a student’s full-time legal education. Our awards are intended to recognize and honor the many and distinctive academic, personal and professional accomplishments of our entering students. Delaware Law merit-based scholarships are awarded at the time of acceptance and are renewable for up to three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.

The Financial Aid Office is committed to assisting students throughout the financial aid process. In addition to a generous scholarship program with awards offered at the time of admission, Delaware Law School provides the opportunity to borrow through our low-interest-rate Institutional Loan Program, to students who academically excel in their first year of law school. Delaware Law School participates in all federal financial aid programs, including Federal Work-Study and the Federal Direct Loans programs.

Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

In reviewing applications to Delaware Law School, our admission committee takes a holistic approach. While there are no fixed admission criteria, committee members pay particular attention to the applicant’s LSAT score and undergraduate grade-point average. The admission committee also carefully considers an applicant’s personal statement. Graduate degrees, writing samples, extracurricular activities, and community and professional service may enhance the application. The law school encourages those with diverse backgrounds to apply.

Applications for admission must be received by May 15. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply early. The admission process is paperless. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically via the Delaware Law School website or your LSAC.org account. All communications to applicants, including admission decisions, are provided electronically through the applicant’s online status check.

Each summer, Delaware Law School conducts the Trial Admissions Program (TAP) for a small number of carefully selected applicants who show potential for success in law school despite a relatively low score on the LSAT or a lower undergraduate grade-point average. TAP is a conditional admittance program. Participants who successfully complete the six-week program are offered admission to the fall entering class.

Admitted Applicant Profile

25-75% ugpa range at widener delaware:.

2.98 to 3.60

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Widener Delaware:

Contact Information

Delaware Law School

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Throughout its more than 50-year history, Delaware Law School has empowered generations of judges, attorneys, and public defenders with a practice-ready legal education supported by a passionate, energized, and inclusive community.

Embark on a Legal Career in our Nation’s Corporate Capital: Wilmington, Delaware

Delaware Law School's JD, LLM, SJD, and MJ programs fuel successful law careers. Situated in the corporate capital of the world, Wilmington, DE grants access to more than half of all Fortune 500 companies and is just a short drive to the extensive legal networks of Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

At Delaware Law, our goal is to support yours—that's why we offer flexible enrollment options designed to fit busy schedules, scholarships that make it easier to afford a legal education, and one-on-one guidance along the way. 

At Delaware Law, you will be guided by faculty whose top priority is your success. We're committed to helping you achieve your goals and supporting you on your journey from law school student to legal professional. - Todd. J. Clark; Dean and Professor of Law

As you pursue your goals, you'll form connections that make you feel like you're right where you belong.

• Faculty mentors will guide you as you shape your path to a rewarding career.
• A vast alumni network will provide opportunities for professional development.
• And collaborative peers will have your back in law school and beyond.

Visit Delaware Law School's Website

Explore Delaware Law School's Programs

Juris doctor (jd) concentrations.

Business & Corporate Law Criminal Law, Advocacy & Technology Dignity Rights Law Environmental Law Family Health Law & Policy

JD Dual Degrees

JD/MBA JD/MPH

Post-JD Degrees

Master of Law (LLM) - Seated Master of Law (LLM) - Online Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) Degrees

Corporate & Business Law MJ/MBA Dual Degree

Why Study at Delaware Law School?

Graduate Practice Ready with a Wealth of Legal Experiences

At Delaware Law, you’ll conduct breakthrough research, participate in advocacy work, and shape public policy—experiences that will help you get ahead and set you apart.

Our nationally ranked programs place students in criminal and environmental law, state and local clerkships, and rewarding externships. Students also graduate with impressive legal experience that accelerates their careers: our students have secured $17 million in disability benefits through the Veterans Law Clinic alongside attorney volunteers.

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Gain Access to an Extensive Network of Faculty Mentors & Alumni

Faculty members contribute to state and federal court systems, state legislatures, bar associations, and international organizations—and at Delaware Law, they’ll be your mentors, ensuring a successful start to your legal career.

As a Delaware law graduate, you’ll join a supportive, close-knit alumni community. Judges, government workers, law firm partners, and practicing attorneys shaping their field across six continents and all fifty states will be eagerly waiting to open their networks to you.

Delaware Law School Highlights

2023 best law schools.

Delaware Law School and Widener Law Commonwealth nationally ranked by the Princeton Review.

Best Law Schools for Public Service

Widener Law Commonwealth and Widener Delaware Law ranked among the nation's best in 2020.

Top Law School for State & Local Clerkships

Delaware Law ranks among top 10 law schools nationwide for state and local clerkships. 

Top Law Schools for Environmental Law

Widener Delaware Law and Widener Law Commonwealth named top schools by preLaw Magazine .

Best Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Delaware Law's bachelor's in legal studies is recognized as among the top programs nationwide.

Best Online Paralegal Certificate Program

Delaware Law's program is recognized for its specialization options.

Student Perspectives

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Delaware Law School Admissions

4601 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803

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Delaware Bar Exam

Written by: Nik Ventouris

Last updated: May 23, 2024

Passing the  Delaware bar exam  is an essential part of being admitted into the state’s bar and beginning a successful career practicing law.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to get started, including:

• The bar exam’s eligibility criteria, content, and structure
• The steps you can take in order to give yourself the best chance of passing on your first attempt
• The additional requirements you’ll need to satisfy in order to become admitted into the state’s bar

We’ll also briefly look at the requirements you’ll need to satisfy in order to maintain your attorney license.

Recommended:  Interested in getting started? We recommend Kaplan’s bar exam preparation materials, which come with a free retake guarantee, interactive and flexible learning, and lawyer-led tutoring.

Delaware Bar Exam Overview

The Delaware Board of Bar Examiners (the Board), operating under the authority of the Delaware Supreme Court, is the body responsible for administering the bar exam in this state.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the bar admission process and ensuring all candidates meet the rigorous standards for legal practice in the state of Delaware.

The exam schedule features biannual sessions on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. For the July session, candidates must meet an early filing deadline of April 18 or a final deadline of May 2. For the February session, the early filing deadline is Nov. 7 and the final deadline is Dec. 5.

Law school graduates must pay an early registration fee of $700, which increases to $900 for registration by the final deadline. Attorneys, on the other hand, face an early registration fee of $800 or a $1,000 fee if they register by the final deadline.

Keep in mind that in order to be eligible for the Delaware bar exam, you will need to satisfy the following criteria according to the rules set forth by the Delaware Supreme Court:

• Legal Age:  Applicants must be at least 21 years old to qualify for the Delaware bar exam.
• College Degree:  Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent that meets the admission criteria for an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school.
• Legal Education:  Applicants must be graduates of an ABA-accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.

If an applicant gains admission to an ABA-accredited law school without a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, they must submit to the Board a statement from their law school that explains the reason(s) for the applicant’s admission despite the absence of a typical undergraduate degree. The Board will then assess if this explanation meets the necessary criteria for eligibility.

Delaware Exam Structure

Unlike the majority of other states, Delaware chose not to adopt the Universal Bar Exam (UBE). Instead, it uses its own proprietary assessment.

This exam consists of three main components, as outlined below.

• Delaware-Specific Essays: Four essay questions prepared by the Board of Bar Examiners
• Multistate Performance Test (MPT): Two 90-minute Multistate Performance Test Questions
• Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): 200-question multiple-choice exam

Candidates must reach a minimum total scale score of 143 out of 200 to pass the bar exam, which they can attain through any combination of scores from the MBE, the Delaware-specific essays, and the MPT.

Moreover, candidates must achieve a scaled score of 85 or higher on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) in order to be eligible for the Delaware bar.

Below, we’ve broken down the content and structure of each exam-related requirement in more detail.

Delaware-Specific Essays

The Delaware-specific essays test candidates on their adeptness in applying legal principles within the unique context of Delaware’s legal system. This segment of the exam demands a thorough comprehension of Delaware law along with the ability to present logical, compelling arguments.

The essays may encompass topics from various areas, including, but not limited to:

• Business Entities:  Focusing on Delaware corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships
• Civil Procedure:  Covering procedural rules in Delaware’s Supreme Court, Court of Chancery, Superior Court, Family Court, and the US District Court for the District of Delaware
• Constitutional Law:  Assessing candidates’ understanding of both the US and Delaware Constitutions
• Contracts:  Testing candidates’ knowledge on the formation, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts under Delaware law
• Criminal Law and Procedure:  Evaluating candidates’ familiarity with the Delaware Criminal Code and procedural aspects of criminal law
• Equity:  Examining principles of equity as they apply in Delaware courts
• Evidence:  Assessing candidates’ understanding of evidence rules applicable in Delaware’s legal proceedings
• Property:  Testing candidates’ knowledge of real and personal property laws, which include transactions and disputes
• Torts:  Focusing on civil wrongs and remedies under Delaware law
• Wills and Trusts:  Assessing candidates’ understanding of estate planning and probate processes in Delaware

In evaluating these essays, examiners consider the candidate’s knowledge of the law, application of law to facts, analytical skills, ability to reason logically, and writing clarity.

The main objective is to gauge not only the candidate’s memorization of legal facts, but also their practical ability to use this knowledge in constructing well-founded legal arguments.

Recommended Course

Interested in getting started? We recommend Kaplan’s bar exam preparation materials, which come with a free retake guarantee, interactive and flexible learning, and lawyer-led tutoring.

Multistate Performance Test (MPT)

The MPT is made up of two 90-minute parts, and the materials for each part contain a “File” and a “Library.”

The File consists of source documents that contain all of the facts of a specific case.

As the examinee, the assignment that you will need to complete will be described in a memorandum from a supervising attorney.

The File can also include things like transcripts of interviews, depositions, pleadings, trials, client documents, newspaper articles, police reports, and any other similar documents.

Keep in mind that irrelevant information is generally included, and facts are sometimes incomplete, ambiguous, or even conflicting.

This is meant to mirror legal practice, in which a client’s or supervising attorney’s version of events may be unreliable or entirely incomplete. In such a scenario, you will be expected to recognize when facts are inconsistent or missing in the exam and identify sources of additional facts.

The Library part contains things like cases, statutes, and regulations, some of which may also not be relevant to the task that you will be assigned. You will need to be able to extract the legal principles required to analyze the legal problem you’ll be presented with and perform the requested task.

For more information, you can have a look at the National Conference of Bar Examiners’  Instructions for Taking the MPT  document.

Free summaries of MPTs from recent examinations are also offered (e.g.,  MPT Summaries of 2023 ).

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)

The MBE is made up of 200 multiple-choice questions, which are broken down into 175 scored questions and 25 unscored questions.

The exam is broken down into two three-hour sections, with one administered in the morning and one in the afternoon, both of which contain 100 questions each.

Keep in mind that there are no scheduled breaks during either one of the sections.

All 175 scored questions on the exam are distributed evenly, with 25 questions being attributed to each of the following seven topics:

• Constitutional Law
• Civil Procedure Delaware Rules
• Contract Law
• Real Property
• Criminal Law and Procedure

Each question on the MBE exam will have four potential answers. You should choose what you believe is the best answer — keep in mind that scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly, and points are  not subtracted  for answering incorrectly.

If you want to have a look at the exact format, you can have a look at the NCBE’s official  MBE Sample Test Questions  document.

Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)

The MPRE is made up of 60 multiple-choice questions (50 scored questions and 10 unscored questions) and is administered via Pearson VUE.

Like the MBE exam, each question offers four possible answers, one of which is correct.

The exam’s content is based on law that relates to the conduct and discipline of attorneys and judges and includes the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and Model Code of Judicial Conduct, as well as important constitutional common law and generally accepted principles.

In relation to questions of professional responsibility in the context of evidentiary issues (e.g., litigation sanctions, attorney-client evidentiary privilege, etc.), the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence will apply  unless otherwise stated .

Note:  You will have two hours to complete the MPRE exam in its entirety.

For more information, we recommend having a look at the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ (NCBE) Official  Sample Test Questions  document. A holistic  Subject Matter Outline  is also offered.

How to Pass the Delaware Bar Exam

In order to give yourself the best chance of passing the Delaware bar exam on your first attempt, it’s important to take enough time to make sure that you are adequately prepared.

Delaware Bar Exam Tips

Despite the infamous difficulty of Delaware’s bar exam, passing it on your first attempt is definitely possible with the right tools and preparation techniques.

Below, we’ve broken down a few key tips that should aid you in your licensing journey:

• Start Strong in Your First Year:  This is important due to the fundamental areas of law practice that the first year of law school generally covers, such as Contracts, Tort, and Constitutional Law
• Leverage Academic Support : If your law school offers additional support services that are aimed at improving your preparation, we recommend utilizing these as much as possible. This can involve one-on-one tutoring, academic counseling, and mock exam programs
• Obtain Practical Legal Experience : If possible, we recommend gaining as much practical experience as you can during law school (i.e., through summer internships, mock trials, etc.). This is because this can go a long way in cementing your legal knowledge
• Adopt a Broad Study Approach:  When studying for the bar, you should aim for a wide-ranging understanding of various subjects rather than an in-depth study of a few. This is important due to the huge amount of content that you will need to learn and/or will be tested on

Most importantly, make sure you remain consistent so that you do not have to resort to last-minute cramming.

Research has shown that we are able to retain a higher degree of information – and more easily – when revisiting old content in comparison to when learning it for the first time. This is known as Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve.

Other Delaware Bar Requirements

Apart from qualifying for and passing the Delaware bar exam, there are several other requirements you will need to meet in order to become and remain a licensed attorney in the state, including:

• Passing the Character and Fitness Evaluation
• Completing the Clerkship Requirement
• Obtaining a Preceptor
• Attending the Pre-Admission Conference
• Completing the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

1. Passing the Character and Fitness Evaluation

As mandated by Delaware Supreme Court Rule 51(c)(6), applicants must undergo a thorough character and fitness evaluation before gaining admission to the bar.

This evaluation is a comprehensive review of the applicant’s background, focusing on behavior that reflects their integrity and reliability.

Key areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to:

• Legal and Academic Conduct:  Academic misconduct, violation of honor codes, and any actions by legal or professional disciplinary bodies
• Criminal History:  Charges, convictions, or any other unlawful conduct with particular attention to how an applicant has resolved and learned from these experiences
• Financial Responsibility:  Handling of financial obligations, including dealings with creditors and tax obligations

In assessing these aspects, the Board considers various factors on a case-by-case basis. This includes the seriousness of the conduct, the time elapsed since its occurrence, evidence of rehabilitation, and the applicant’s candor and cooperation throughout the admissions process.

Note:  Applicants bear the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence their good moral character and reputation along with the qualities, aptitudes, and disposition that suit them for the practice of law.

2. Completing the Clerkship Requirement

To gain admission to the Delaware bar, candidates must undergo a 12-week clerkship in Delaware during which they dedicate 40 hours each week under a Delaware attorney’s supervision.

The purpose of this clerkship is to offer practical legal training and a deeper understanding of the state’s legal procedures and practices. During the clerkship, applicants will engage in various legal tasks like attending trials and hearings, participating in the preparation of legal documents, and assisting in estate administration and company incorporation.

These activities are recorded and submitted for review along with a certification upon completion. This process not only reinforces the applicant’s legal knowledge and skills, but also emphasizes the importance of practical experience in their development as competent attorneys.

Importantly, the clerkship requirement reflects Delaware’s long-standing tradition of mentorship in the legal profession and draws inspiration from the legal training practices of the English Inns of Court. It’s designed to instill in future lawyers the values of integrity, civility, ethics, and legal excellence.

Note:  For more detailed information on the clerkship requirement, visit the  Delaware Courts website .

3. Obtaining a Preceptor

Under Delaware’s bar admission rules, every candidate must secure a preceptor — an attorney with at least 10 years of admission to the Delaware Bar — who’ll guide them through the intricacies of legal practice in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 52 and related regulations. 

This mentorship is designed to instill values of civility, legal ethics, professionalism, and the conduct expected of a bar member.

The preceptor’s involvement is essential and includes several key responsibilities:

• Mentorship Duties:  Preceptors mentor their applicants on legal ethics, professionalism, and expected behaviors to ensure their applicants’ thorough understanding and adherence to these core principles
• Evaluative Responsibilities:  Preceptors also must regularly assess an applicant’s progress, including their adherence to the clerkship and legal activities checklist. This process entails a detailed review of the applicant’s application to ensure its accuracy and completeness
• Certification Obligations:  Preceptors then need to certify, through specific Board-provided forms, that the applicant has met all the necessary requirements, confirming their readiness and adherence to the standards of the clerkship and legal activities

The preceptorship is designed to ensure new entrants to the bar are not only proficient in the practice of law, but also embody the professionalism and integrity that define the legal practice in Delaware.

Note:  For applicants facing difficulties in finding a preceptor, the  Preceptor Bank  can offer assistance.

4. Attending the Pre-Admission Conference

Finally, prior to gaining admission to the bar, candidates must attend a two-day Pre-Admission Conference.

This mandatory event is designed to introduce newly admitted attorneys to the foundational aspects of legal practice, including ethical standards and professional responsibilities.

It’s unique in that it offers Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits even before candidates are formally admitted to the bar, emphasizing its critical role in preparing them for a legal career.

All prospective members of the Delaware legal community have to attend — in professional attire — which highlights the event’s significance and the profession’s formal nature.

Note:  This conference not only fulfills a crucial educational requirement, but also signals the transition into the responsibilities and commitments of a legal career in Delaware.

5. Completing the CLE Requirements

Upon admission to the Delaware Bar, newly admitted attorneys must fulfill CLE requirements. Specifically, attorneys must attend seven essential programs offered by the Delaware State Bar Association within the first four years — or two compliance periods — after their admission.

These programs include:

• Fundamentals of Lawyer-Client Relations
• Fundamentals of Family Law
• Fundamentals of Real Estate
• Fundamentals of Civil Litigation
• Fundamentals of Will Drafting and Estate Administration
• Fundamentals of Law Practice Management and Technology
• Fundamentals of Criminal Law and Procedure

It is important to note that any CLE programs a candidate attends prior to their official admission to the Delaware Bar aren’t recognized (with the exception of the Pre-Admission Conference). In addition, courses aimed at preparing for bar exams in other jurisdictions don’t qualify for CLE credit in Delaware.

Note:  For more details, consult the official  Delaware CLE guidelines .

Delaware Bar Exam FAQ

How hard is the bar exam in delaware.

The  Delaware bar exam  is recognized for its rigorous standards, showcasing the state’s dedication to upholding high legal and ethical benchmarks. Mastery of fundamental legal principles and a thorough understanding of Delaware-specific laws are essential for passing the exam and becoming a Delaware attorney.

What is the pass rate for the Delaware bar exam?

The pass rate for the Delaware bar examination fluctuates annually. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date pass rates, check directly with the Delaware Board of Bar Examiners or visit the Delaware State Bar Association website — both integral parts of the Delaware judiciary system.

Can I take the Delaware bar exam without going to law school?

No, taking the Delaware bar exam requires a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Delaware emphasizes a strong foundation in legal education as a prerequisite for taking the bar exam. Interested in learning more? Check out our  What is the Bar Exam  article.

What score do you need to pass the DE bar?

To pass the DE bar exam, you need a minimum total scale score of 143 out of 200. You must achieve this score through a combination of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Delaware-specific essays, and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).

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Juris Doctor Program

Juris Doctor (JD) Degree Program

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Delaware Law carries with it both prestige and great responsibility. As a Juris Doctor candidate here, you will work closely with some of the most highly regarded legal scholars and practitioners in the nation.

Our emphasis on experiential learning will encourage you to participate in clinics , externships , and trial advocacy . Our strong signature programs — in business and corporate law, advocacy and technology, environmental law, family and health law policy, and dignity rights — provide opportunities to delve more deeply into your area of interest.

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We offer a three-year, full-time JD degree with day classes, as well as a four-year, part-time program with evening classes, enabling you to choose the schedule that best balances your life and work commitments.

Why Earn a JD Degree from Delaware Law?

Throughout our history, we have focused on developing practice-ready professionals who take the inside track to a powerful law career. Along the way, these professionals carry on Delaware Law's core values of civility, integrity, mutual respect, and commitment to the greater good.

As a JD candidate at Delaware Law, you have the flexibility and tools to shape and launch your career. That may involve choosing concentrated study in a specialty area or a JD/Master of Business Administration or JD/Master of Public Health dual-degree program and accessing all of the resources and support Delaware Law offers:

Faculty Mentorship

Our instructors are judges, attorneys, public defenders, prosecutors, bankruptcy professionals, and general counsel, each with a record of professional accomplishments, scholarship, and research in business, corporate, criminal, family, health, constitutional, environmental, and dignity rights law. They bring their backgrounds into the classroom, offering real-world insights, while supporting your intellectual and professional development. Helping guide you on your journey toward becoming a practicing lawyer, our faculty spend hours outside of class mentoring our JD candidates one-on-one or in small groups.

Choose Your Own Direction

Located in Wilmington, Delaware Law's campus balances a quaint, walkable, suburban setting with immediate access to 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies in the United States. Delaware State Courts present additional experience-building opportunities for you to launch your career. We are right in between Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City, and Washington, D.C., presenting numerous paths for entering the legal profession.

Delaware Law’s Career Development Office is here to help you realize your aspirations. Prepare for life after law school by attending workshops, training sessions, and networking events. During your time here, meet periodically with one of our career counselors to discuss your goals and be connected with opportunities that align with your interests. Furthermore, for growing your professional connections, you, as a JD candidate, will have access to a network of over 12,000 Delaware Law alumni .

In-Classroom Learning with Out of Classroom Experiences

As a JD candidate, you are required to complete at least 12 credits of experiential learning as part of the 90 total credits required to complete the program. These opportunities not only give you hands-on practice but start you on your way toward a career advocating for justice. In the process, you’ll gain powerful industry connections in America’s corporate capital that help you establish yourself following graduation.

Review the full JD curriculum and degree requirements .

A Juris Doctor Degree That’s Uniquely Yours

As you begin your studies at Delaware Law, you’ll find that flexibility is at the heart of our JD degree program, from the full- and part-time formats to our signature programs that allow JD candidates to specialize their legal training, conduct industry-advancing research, advocate for others, and influence public policy.

Select one of the following signature programs to tailor your degree to a specific area of the law:

• Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law : Thinking about a career where you’ll represent or conduct legal research for large corporations? This business law program focuses on the regulations and statutes governing publicly traded businesses and business organizations and opens up opportunities for business advising and fellowships.
• Taishoff Advocacy, Technology, and Public Service Institute : This criminal law concentration helps JD candidates develop advanced litigation skills and professional competencies while emphasizing trial and appellate advocacy and the use of technology in the courtroom.
• Environmental Rights Institute : Offering opportunities for collaborative research, this environmental law program explores local and global issues related to sustainability, climate change, and citizens’ rights.
• Family Health Law and Policy Institute : This concentration helps JD candidates acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience to improve health outcomes for families and involves field work in hospitals, schools, and government agencies.
• Dignity Rights Project : This program equips JD candidates to partner with academic, nonprofit, and community-based organizations all over the world to advance the human right to dignity.

Experiential Learning

At Delaware, Law, you'll take your education beyond the classroom. Put your knowledge into practice before you graduate through meaningful professional connections that lead to career opportunities. Law clinics and externships enable you to represent defendants in criminal trials, advocate for others, and clerk for a justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.

Through co- and extracurricular activities, you will further hone your legal skills. Get an article published in one of our two distinguished law reviews— The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law and the Widener Law Review —or compete in oral advocacy and transactional competitions. Continue to build your skills and resume through more than 20 student-led organizations and by volunteering for community service projects.

Law Clinics

Here’s where you’ll have the chance to handle real cases for real clients and cultivate the confidence you need as a lawyer in the courtroom.

• Delaware Civil Law Clinic : JD candidates provide pro bono legal representation, advice, and referrals to victims of domestic violence.
• In nocence Delaware Legal Clinic : JD students partner with nonprofit Innocence Delaware to represent individuals unjustly incarcerated in the state.
• Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Clinic : Students obtain certification to represent indigent plaintiffs in criminal trials.
• Veterans Law Clinic : JD students advocate and seek compensation for veterans living with disabilities.
• Environmental and Natural Resources Clinic : Students represent not-for-profit organizations and individuals in court seeking to protect the environment and help uphold existing legislation.

Externships

Externships allow JD candidates to earn academic credit while honing their research and writing skills and seeing firsthand the day-to-day lives of practicing attorneys and judges. Delaware Law connects students with over 150 externship sites, with opportunities including:

• Clinical, Judicial, and Health Law: JD candidates work directly with judges, public defenders, government officials, and other legal professionals.
• Josiah Oliver Wolcott Fellowship : Select JD candidates have an opportunity to serve as a clerk for a justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.

Learn more about Delaware Law’s externship program .

Make a Difference with a Juris Doctor Degree from Delaware Law

Interested in applying to Delaware Law’s JD degree program? Prospective students should reach out to the Admissions Office with questions about the application process and the Delaware Law experience, or review all requirements before starting an application .

Are you a current JD candidate? Current students should reach out to the Office of Student Affairs with questions about their academic experience and professional journey.

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Law Students

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Our summer associate program is designed to provide law students with insight into what life is like as an associate at Potter Anderson. Our summer associates receive challenging assignments from real matters, and work closely with and learn from our lawyers and staff.

If you’re interested in practicing sophisticated legal work in a market with a great quality of life, we encourage you to click on the links below to learn more about the summer program and our hiring process.

If you would like to submit an application for our 2025 summer associate program, please click here . Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024.

Interview Process

Law school recruiting.

Our summer program is key to the firm’s growth. The program is mainly comprised of students who have just completed their 2nd year of law school, but we do consider a limited number of first-year students for the program.

We conduct virtual screening interviews and participate in resume collections during the summer at a number of law schools. If your school is listed below, we encourage to you to submit an application for Potter Anderson through your Career Services Office.

2024 ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS & JOB FAIRS

2024 resume collections, callback interviews and summer associate program offers.

Callback invitations are typically extended shortly after an initial screening interview. The firm also conducts interviews for students who submit exceptional resumes outside of law schools' interview processes. During a callback interview, students will spend time meeting with partners and associates to allow both the candidate and the firm to learn more about each other. Offers will be made as soon as possible following callback interviews for summer associate positions with our firm.

COMPENSATION

Potter Anderson is committed to providing the highest level of comprehensive benefits to its associates, and its compensation package is consistently competitive with law firms in larger cities. For summer 2024, summer associates will earn at least $4,038 per week. To see our complete benefit package, click here to view our NALP Employer Information form .

ASSOCIATE OFFERS

At the conclusion of the summer program, Potter Anderson offers successful second-year candidates full-time associate positions with the firm upon their graduation from law school. First-year summer associates are not typically eligible to receive offers for full-time associate positions until they have completed their second year of law school; however, they are eligible to receive offers to return for a second summer with the firm.

FIRST-YEAR CANDIDATES

While the majority of offers for Potter Anderson’s summer associate positions are extended to second-year students, each year a few first-year students may be considered for summer associate positions.

Summer Program

At Potter Anderson, we recognize that law students face a difficult choice in determining where to spend their second-year summer. Our summer program focuses on you. Our goal is to provide you with a summer experience that exposes you to our practice areas, our attorneys, and Wilmington and the surrounding area. You will be immersed in assignments from all corners of our firm in a challenging but supportive environment. Our summer associates are able to develop their legal skills throughout the summer because they work closely with us on sophisticated matters across the spectrum of our practice. You likely will work on a project relating to a complex litigation matter, a bankruptcy case, a corporate merger, a shareholder dispute or an intellectual property matter. You will also have the benefit of getting to know our attorneys at training programs and social events that are scheduled throughout the summer. You can be assured that by the end of your summer, you will have a strong sense of our firm and its people.

Each summer associate is paired with a partner and an associate mentor. Mentors provide guidance and assistance in acclimating to firm life. Mentors are available to answer questions that arise during the summer. Although each summer associate is assigned formal mentors, the firm’s open-door policy also creates informal mentoring relationships between summer associates and attorneys during the course of the summer.

Assignments and Training 

Quality assignments.

A primary purpose of our summer program is to give summer associates a realistic experience in the practice of law. We do this by assigning projects to summer associates that are similar in type and quality to those assigned to junior associates. Such projects may include preparing a complaint, researching a novel legal issue, assisting in drafting a brief, assisting in deposition preparation, or reviewing closing documents. Our program is designed to give our summer associates exposure to all aspects of the firm’s practice. At the same time, for those summer associates with a preferred practice area of concentration, efforts are made to ensure that assignments are received in those areas.

INTERACTION WITH EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

Summer associates are assigned projects from ongoing firm matters, and their work product is typically used in actual cases or transactions. They work closely with assigning attorneys and are encouraged to follow the progress of cases or transactions they work on, whether by attending a court hearing or the closing of a negotiated transaction. Moreover, the firm strongly encourages its attorneys to provide summer associates with immediate feedback on each completed project. Summer associates also receive a mid-summer and end-of-summer evaluation to provide them with more formal and structured feedback on their performance.

Social Events

Summer associates participate in a number of scheduled and impromptu get-togethers throughout the summer. These events provide summer associates with an opportunity to become better acquainted with the attorneys at the firm, with each other, and with the Wilmington area in general. In the past, these social events have centered around activities such as an on-site food truck picnic lunch, Philadelphia Phillies and Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball games, dinners at partners’ homes, fireworks at the Hagley Museum, community volunteering, and wellness activities.

Potter Anderson NALP Information

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