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The legal profession is a rewarding profession that offers a challenging career for those candidates who wish to pursue a career in this field.
More specifically, working as a paralegal may present a high degree of job satisfaction, as candidates are required to perform intricate, complex, and often very demanding tasks that require a degree of conscientiousness.
There are several paralegal programs available in the state of Delaware, from a certificate program to a master’s degree program.
The first step is to attend a school with an ABA-approved course that will help set candidates on the right path with the right education.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in the State of Delaware
There are currently no state-required educational or training requirements to become a paralegal in the state of Delaware.
Some programs are ABA-approved while others are not.
There is also no state requirement that programs be ABA-approved, though it does help to secure a job in the legal field as a paralegal.
In addition, the state does not require that candidates be licensed as there is a requirement that paralegals work under a licensed attorney.
However, should candidates choose to pursue licensure, they may do so optionally.
Furthermore, should candidates wish to become certified, they should prepare and pass the national examination.
There are currently four examinations for candidates to choose from:
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers two certifications: the PACE and the PCCE
- Association for Legal Professionals (NALS): The PP
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): The CLA/CP
5 Paralegal Schools in Delaware
1. Delaware State University
The school offers a Minor in Law Studies program consisting of 21 credit hours.
The program is ABA-approved and tuition for full-time students per year is $25,549.
The program allows students access to a law library.
In addition, students receive assistance with an internship placement in order to supplement their studies with exposure to real-life situations.
There are a series of special events hosted to allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the law, and how laws are formed and pose questions related to their studies.
The courses included in this program cover a range of topics, including:
- Civil Liberties/Political Science
- Business Law/Accounting
- Criminal Law/Sociology
- Logic/Philosophy
- Advanced Composition/English
2. Delaware Technical Community College
The school offers a 62-hour credit program that is ABA-approved and a shorter program:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Legal Studies
- Certificate Program
The program is offered at two campuses: Dover and Georgetown.
The program is a mixture of general studies, legal studies, and foundation studies.
Students are required to participate in a mandatory internship before graduation.
This program allows students to transfer to a four-year degree program as third-year students.
Upon graduation, students should be able to demonstrate ethical and professional conduct, apply critical thinking, communicate effectively, as well as apply quantitative reasoning.
The certificate program is intended for students that have already completed an associate degree program.
Tuition per year for full-time students is $7,879.
3. Widener University
Widener University offers a 120-credit hour paralegal program and a certificate course:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies
- General Paralegal Certificate
The program is available in both a hybrid and in-class format.
However, when opting for the hybrid format, students should understand that a minimum of 10 paralegal credits should be attained through in-class training.
Students have the option to gain a certificate in a specialized area of this field, including:
- Criminal Law
- Litigation
- Health Law
- Intellectual Property Law
Students may complete the certificate course over one summer or over two consecutive semesters.
The certificate course consists of 24 credit hours.
Tuition for full-time students for one year at this school is $32,695.
4. Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers an ABA-approved law degree course with a concentration in paralegal studies:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Law, Policy, and Political Science
This four-year program is offered in-class or entirely online.
For candidates who opt to take the course online, there is a requirement to attend nine credit hours in a classroom setting or through synchronous online classes.
The program is comprised of a combination of legal studies, general studies, and specialty studies.
Tuition for full-time students for a year is $14,761.
5. Goldey Beacom College
This school is the only school that offers two 120-credit-hour courses that are not ABA-approved:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English with a Legal Studies Concentration
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a Legal Studies Concentration
Students are expected to complete two semesters of the following courses towards graduation:
- Business Law
- Cyberlaw and Ethics
- Criminal Law
- International Law
- Constitutional Law
Tuition for full-time students per year at this school is $19,048.
Paralegal Schools in Delaware – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware State University | 1200 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 1990 |
| Delaware Technical Community College | 400 Stanton Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713, |
| Widener University | 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 |
| Wilmington University | 320 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Goldey Beacom College | 4701 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808 |
Salary
There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:
- Entry level – $49,205
- Mid-career – $63,155
- Experienced – $78,730
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $64,118 |
| Dover | $64,012 |
| Newark | $64,070 |
| Milford | $64,166 |
| Seaford | $62,849 |
| Middletown | $63,899 |
| Bear | $64,045 |
| Smyrna | $64 |
| New Castle | $64,118 |
| Georgetown | $64,166 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 150 | $63,190 | $30.38 | $96,320 | $46,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools offer an ABA-approved paralegal program in Delaware?
There are five schools that offer this program in Delaware but only four are ABA-approved.
How do I get a paralegal certificate in Delaware?
You must attend traditional classroom instruction with a minimum of ten credits or take what is considered to be the equivalent of specialty classes.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Delaware?
Candidates are required to complete an associate’s degree and have three years of working experience.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State