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First Year Attorney Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Personal Injury Attorney

Wilmington, DE · Hybrid

$115K - $170K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pay: $115,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year Why This Is a Great Opportunity * Join a growing plaintiff ... Serve as first or second chair at hearings, arbitrations, mediations, and trials based on ...

Managing Attorney - House Counsel

Newark, DE · Hybrid

$184K - $203K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Apply today and take the first step to Destination: Progress. Progressive is excited to launch a ... Compensation * $184,730- $203,000/year * Gainshare annual cash incentive payment up to 50% of your ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Year Attorney information

See Delaware salary details

$40.5K

$98.4K

$192.2K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Delaware is $98,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by first year attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

First year attorneys often face challenges related to managing a steep learning curve, balancing heavy workloads, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department. It's common to feel overwhelmed by billable hour requirements and the expectation to deliver high-quality work while learning firm procedures. Building strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, seeking regular feedback, and taking proactive steps to improve time management skills can help ease the transition. Many firms also offer training programs and support networks to assist new attorneys in developing their legal and professional skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate work, meeting client and firm expectations, and building a successful legal career from the outset.

What is a first year attorney?

A first year attorney is a lawyer who has recently graduated from law school and has just begun practicing law, typically in their first year at a law firm or legal organization. These attorneys are often referred to as 'associates' and usually focus on learning the foundational aspects of legal practice, performing research, drafting documents, and assisting more senior lawyers. The first year is considered a training period where new attorneys gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and begin to build their legal careers.

What is the difference between First Year Attorney vs Law Clerk?

AspectFirst Year AttorneyLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsJ.D. degree, bar admissionJ.D. degree, often bar admission not required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesCourts, law firms, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, post-law schoolJudicial and legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Attorneys and Law Clerks often share similar educational backgrounds, but First Year Attorneys are typically recent law school graduates working as entry-level lawyers, while Law Clerks usually assist judges or attorneys with research and drafting. Both roles require a J.D. degree, but First Year Attorneys are more involved in client representation and legal practice, whereas Law Clerks focus on research and case preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their career goals and experience.

What are popular job titles related to First Year Attorney jobs in Delaware?

For First Year Attorney jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Delaware are:

Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,415 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

$122K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDelaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State.\r\nIn meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions. Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion.\r\nDeputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.\r\n

Summary Statement

The Department of Justice is seeking a Deputy Attorney General for the Family Division, to serve in the Child Protection Unit in New Castle County. This Deputy Attorney General primarily represents the Division of Family Services ("DFS") in their often complex Dependency and Neglect Custody hearings, Termination of Parental Rights hearings and Child Protection Registry Substantiation hearings before the Family Court. This Deputy Attorney General also represents DFS in Supreme Court appeals resulting from the various hearings.\r\n\r\n\r\nDeputy Attorneys General in the Unit attend hearings as well as draft, file and respond to pleadings in the Family Court. They also participate in case planning meetings with DFS and prepare appellate briefs. This work is imperative for the protection of Delaware's abuse, dependent and neglected children.\r\n\r\n

Career Ladder

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPay Grade A12 DAG I \tSalary Range $86,664/min\t $95,329/max\r\nPay Grade A14 DAG II \tSalary Range $100,562/min $105,468/max\r\nPay Grade A16 DAG III \tSalary Range $111,069/min $113,509/max\r\nPay Grade A18 DAG IV Salary Range $122,094/min $128,010/max\r\nPay Grade A20 DAG V \tSalary Range $137,215/min $147,318/max\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Job Requirements

A qualified candidate's strengths will include the ability to work independently, evaluate cases, meet deadlines, anticipate legal issues, and research accurately and effectively. Candidates must have the ability to learn and apply relevant laws, rules of evidence, and court rules. Candidates must also have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Related experience in Family Court is preferred. The position will require some statewide travel to various meetings, trainings and hearings. Membership in the Delaware Bar is not required, but applicant must be eligible for limited admission pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 55.\r\n

Additional Posting Information

\r\n\r\n This posting may close before the stated closing date upon filling the vacant position.\r\n Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.\r\n This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Conditions of Hire

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.\r\n Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.\r\n Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.\r\n This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Benefits

Department of Justice Benefits Include:\r\n\r\n May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal).\r\n State of Delaware healthcare plan.\r\n State of Delaware pension plan.\r\n Over 4 weeks of vacation per year.\r\n 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year.\r\n 12 weeks of paid parental leave.\r\n\r\nTo learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/\r\n\r\n

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.\r\nThe State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.\r\n

Employment Type: Full Time