There are many jobs for people who hold degrees from law schools in Delaware. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science, legal studies or something similar during their undergraduate years.

The only full law school in Delaware has strict admission requirements, and being the best student you can be will only help your chances of getting accepted. You can begin with getting a paralegal certificate, then advance to get your A.S. or B.S., then proceed to law school.

1. Look into paralegal studies to start your journey to law school in DE. Paralegal careers pay well and offer great experience.

2. Get your undergraduate degree before applying to law colleges in Delaware. All law programs require a Bachelor's degree for admission.

3. Apply for Delaware law school. Widener Law, the only law school in the state, is accredited by the American Bar Association and offers a great program.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a certificate in paralegal studies to help get you into law schools in DE

Paralegals assist attorneys. Depending on their education, they may do almost as much as the attorney himself, although they do not hold bar cards. This is a great career for those interested in law but who don't have the time and/or money to attend law school for a J.D. degree. If you plan to eventually go to law school, you'll need a Bachelor's degree, but a paralegal certificate or A.S. can be the first step in your preparation.

I recommend: Get an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies from Delaware Technical and Community College. If you already have a Bachelor's degree and are considering a career in a law field, do the legal studies certificate program at Wilmington University to see if you like the field before committing yourself to law school.

Prepare yourself for admission into Delaware law programs with an undergraduate degree

Admission into law school is extremely competitive. Getting good grades while working on your Bachelor's isn't the only deciding factor as to your acceptance into a law program; teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities factor in as well. Choose a school with a program that interests you as well as has academic clubs and caring teachers.

I recommend: If you live in the Newark area, try out the Criminal Justice program at the University of Delaware. Consider a degree in political science from Wesley College.

Earn a J.D. degree from accredited law programs in Delaware

The J.D. is the highest degree that can be held by those in the legal industry. Unfortunately, there is only one campus at which to earn a Juris Doctor degree in Delaware. Widener Law is a private school with a campus in Wilmington, and although they are the only school in Delaware, they have a nice selection of offerings that can fulfill any student's desires.

I recommend: Widener Law offers three- and four-year programs as well as opportunities to study abroad. Check out the Internet Legal Research Group to see how the school ranks.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a general rule, private schools cost more than public schools, but may offer a better curriculum. Carefully weigh your options before choosing a program of study to prepare yourself for getting a degree from Delaware law schools.