Find out all you need to know about how to become a lawyer in Delaware in this detailed guide, covering the basic aspects of this career, education, licensure requirements, and salary potential.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Delaware?
Lawyers are experts on legal matters and provide a multitude of services to their clients. They conduct research and analysis of legal problems, interpret laws and regulations for individuals and businesses, present facts in written form and prepare legal documents, among other things. If you think you have strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills and problem-solving skills, a career in this field might be well suited for you.
The following table provides a deeper look into the main areas of this career.
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Education Required
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A doctoral or professional degree
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Major Requirement
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Law
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License/Certification
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All states require licensure to practice
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Experience/Training
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Internships or volunteer work is recommended
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Key Skills
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Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Critical-thinking, Research, Interpersonal Skills, Writing Skills
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) - Delaware
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N/A
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Annual Mean Salary (2019) - National
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$145,300
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Job Outlook (2018-2028)
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6%
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Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
The job field for lawyers in the US is expected to grow by 6% in the years from 2018 to 2028, as per data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This will add nearly 50,100 new jobs to the existing 657,170 jobs. This demand will be caused by a continued need for lawyers and legal advisors in many areas.
Steps to Become a Lawyer
If you intend to become a lawyer, you will need to fulfill the following steps:
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
This is the least amount of education you will need for admission into a law school. No specific major is required at this stage.
Step 2: Clear the LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a major aspect of the admission process for law students. Colleges use these scores as an important factor to determine the knowledge level and understanding of applicants.
Step 3: Apply to Law Schools
The admission requirements for law students would vary from school to school. However, students will usually be required to submit their overall GPA, undergraduate coursework, organizational affiliations, LSAT scores, and recommendation letters.
Step 4: Get a Juris Doctor Degree
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a nationally recognized degree for practicing lawyers in the US. This is an intensive 3-year long program that exposes students to a variety of legal aspects.
Step 5: Pass the Bar Exam
Each state has its own requirements for the Bar Exam, which is usually taken in 2 days. In addition to the bar exam, the state board also examines other factors such as education, character and competence, before issuing a full legal license.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Delaware?
It usually takes around 7 years of full-time study after completing high school, to become a lawyer. This includes 4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Lawyer in Delaware?
In order to become a practicing lawyer in the state of Delaware, students are required to meet the following criteria:
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Complete an Undergraduate degree
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Complete law school
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Pass the state bar exam
How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Delaware?
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics does not state the mean salary figure for lawyers in Delaware. The national mean wage for this occupation was $145,300 in 2019.