Delaware Legal Resources Overview

2

ABA Law Schools

Widener & Wilmington

3+

Legal Aid Organizations

Free legal services

7

Court Levels

Supreme to Justice courts

1

Paralegal Association

Delaware Paralegal Assoc

Delaware State Bar Association

The Delaware State Bar Association is the professional organization for attorneys licensed to practice law in Delaware. The DSBA provides regulatory oversight, professional development, and connects consumers with legal services.

Delaware Attorney General

Delaware Courts and Judicial Branch

Delaware has a unique and specialized court system including the Supreme Court, Court of Chancery, Superior Court, Family Court, Court of Common Pleas, Justice of the Peace Courts, and related judicial agencies. The Delaware Courts website provides comprehensive court information.

Delaware State Courts

Court Types and Jurisdiction

  • Supreme Court - Highest court with final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases (serious sentences) and civil cases
  • Court of Chancery - Court of equity hearing corporate disputes, trusts, estates, fiduciary matters, and commercial disputes. Cases heard without jury; Chancellor or Vice Chancellor determines facts
  • Superior Court - General trial court for civil cases, criminal cases, domestic relations, and juvenile matters
  • Family Court - Specialized court handling family law, juvenile justice, and domestic violence matters
  • Court of Common Pleas - Limited jurisdiction court for smaller civil claims and misdemeanors
  • Justice of the Peace Courts - Local courts for minor civil disputes and traffic violations

Federal Courts in Delaware

Free Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services

Delaware provides free and low-cost legal services to eligible low-income residents, seniors, and those with disabilities through multiple organizations and court-sponsored programs.

Major Legal Aid Organizations

  • Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)
    • Delaware's oldest and largest civil legal aid organization
    • Services to people with low incomes, disabilities, or age 60+
    • Offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown
    • New Castle County: 302-575-0660
    • Kent County: 302-674-8500
    • Sussex County: 302-856-0038
  • Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS)
    • Volunteer attorneys providing civil legal assistance
    • Serves low-income individuals and domestic violence victims
    • Phone: 302-478-8680 or 1-888-225-0582
  • Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, Inc.
    • Nonprofit legal aid organization
    • Assists low-income families with civil legal issues
    • Addresses issues threatening economic independence

Online and Self-Help Resources

Court-Sponsored Free Consultations

  • Delaware Courts offer free 15-minute legal consultations where volunteer attorneys meet with eligible self-represented litigants

Delaware Law Schools

Delaware has two ABA-accredited law schools offering comprehensive legal education programs. Both schools provide practical training through law clinics and experiential learning opportunities.

ABA-Accredited Law Schools

  • Widener University Delaware Law School (Wilmington)
    • Private law school with six law clinics
    • Offers JD, LLM, SJD, and MJ programs
    • Full-time (3-year) and part-time (evening) JD programs available
    • Legal clinics in environmental law, criminal defense, and civil law (family law, veteran benefits)
    • Practical learning experiences through student client representation
  • Wilmington University School of Law
    • Recently received provisional ABA accreditation
    • Enables graduates to sit for any ABA-certified bar exam nationwide
    • Cost: Approximately $24,000/year full-time, $18,000/year part-time (lowest in region)
    • Law School Reimagined approach to legal education

Additional Legal Education Programs

Paralegal Associations and Resources

Delaware has one professional paralegal association providing continuing education, networking, and professional development. The state offers a unique Delaware Certified Paralegal (DCP) program for qualified professionals with specific educational and experience requirements.

Delaware Paralegal Association

  • Delaware Paralegal Association (DPA)
    • Over 300 members statewide
    • Only professional paralegal organization in Delaware
    • Comprehensive resource for practicing and aspiring paralegals
    • Education and certification information
    • Professional development and CLE opportunities
    • Job bank and pro bono service

Delaware Certified Paralegal (DCP) Program

  • Delaware Certified Paralegal (DCP)
    • Voluntary certification offered by Delaware Paralegal Association since 2005
    • Enhanced professional credibility and career prospects
  • DCP Requirements
    • Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies OR Bachelor's degree + ABA-approved paralegal certificate + 1 year paralegal experience
    • OR Bachelor's degree + 2 years substantive paralegal experience
    • OR Associate's degree in paralegal studies
    • OR Certificate from ABA-approved paralegal program + 3 years substantive paralegal experience
    • OR Associate's degree or certificate from non-ABA program + 4 years substantive paralegal experience
  • Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
    • CLE credits from ABA, state bar associations, law-related organizations
    • Credits from accredited educational institutions and professional providers

Find Attorneys by Specialty

Delaware has specialized bars and attorney referral services for specific practice areas:

  • Delaware Attorneys Directory - General attorney listings
  • Criminal Defense Attorneys - Defense representation for criminal charges
  • DUI / DWI Attorneys - Specialized drunk driving defense
  • Business and Corporate Attorneys - Delaware business law expertise
  • Family Law Attorneys - Divorce, custody, child support matters
  • Bankruptcy Attorneys - Debt relief and bankruptcy proceedings
  • Personal Injury Attorneys - Car accidents, slip and fall, injury claims
  • Real Estate Attorneys - Property transactions and disputes

Legal Documents and Forms

Online resources for creating and finding Delaware legal forms and documents:

Additional Legal Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

The Delaware Court of Chancery is the nation's preeminent forum for corporate and business disputes. It has specialized expertise in handling thousands of Delaware corporation matters and other business entities. The court consists of one Chancellor and six Vice Chancellors appointed for 12-year terms. Cases are heard without jury; the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor determines all facts and issues.

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) is Delaware's largest legal aid organization. Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS) provides volunteer attorney assistance. Delaware Legal Help Link is a centralized resource for finding legal services. Delaware Courts offer 15-minute free consultations with volunteer attorneys.

Delaware has two ABA-accredited law schools: Widener University Delaware Law School (established, Wilmington) and Wilmington University School of Law (recently ABA-accredited). Both offer practical training through law clinics and experiential learning.

Delaware's court system consists of the Supreme Court (highest), Court of Chancery (equity/corporate law), Superior Court (trial court), Family Court (family/juvenile matters), Court of Common Pleas (limited jurisdiction), and Justice of the Peace Courts (local courts). Each court has specialized jurisdiction over different types of legal matters.

The Delaware State Bar Association provides attorney referral services and public resources. Delaware Legal Help Link helps find attorneys and legal services. The Delaware Courts website provides legal assistance resources including attorney referrals.

No, Delaware Certified Paralegal (DCP) is voluntary. However, since 2005, it has been available through the Delaware Paralegal Association and enhances professional credibility. Requirements include specific combinations of education (Bachelor's degree, ABA-approved certificate) and paralegal experience, ranging from 1-4 years depending on other qualifications.

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) is Delaware's oldest and largest legal aid organization. They provide free civil legal services to people with low incomes, disabilities, or age 60 and over. CLASI has three offices (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown) and specific contact numbers for each county service area: New Castle (302-575-0660), Kent (302-674-8500), Sussex (302-856-0038).

Widener University Delaware Law School operates six law clinics allowing students to represent real clients in real cases. Clinics specialize in environmental law, criminal defense, and civil law (including family law and veteran benefits representation). This provides practical experience required for successful legal practice.

The Delaware Paralegal Association (DPA) is the only professional paralegal organization in Delaware with over 300 members. It offers the Delaware Certified Paralegal (DCP) program, professional development, education, a job bank, pro bono opportunities, and forums for professional exchange. The DPA serves as a comprehensive resource for paralegals throughout the state.

The Court of Chancery is a court of equity hearing corporate disputes, trusts, estates, and other fiduciary matters without a jury. The Chancellor determines facts. The Superior Court is the general trial court hearing all civil cases, criminal cases, and other matters. When jury trial issues arise in Chancery, the court orders facts to trial in Superior Court.

USA Law and Legal Resources > Delaware Legal Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025