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First Year Attorney Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Dlapiper

Paralegal - Litigation

Wilmington, DE · Hybrid

Coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel ... Prepares first drafts of discovery requests and responses. * Drafts simple pleadings and assists ...

DLA Piper

Paralegal - Litigation

Wilmington, DE · On-site

Coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel ... Prepares first drafts of discovery requests and responses. * Drafts simple pleadings and assists ...

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All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Delaware

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 15, 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:

First Year Attorney jobs near you
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.

Special Investigator/State Detective II-IV/Executive Protection

State of Delaware

Dover, DE • On-site

$70K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states

Job description

Introduction
Delaware'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.
In 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.
Deputy 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.
Summary Statement
There is an immediate need for a Special Investigator in the Administration Division, based in the New Castle County Office in Wilmington, Delaware, with statewide responsibilities. The primary mission of this role is to provide armed executive protection to the Attorney General. Responsibilities include conducting threat assessments, investigating suspicious or concerning activity, coordinating with federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners, and performing advance security planning for official travel, events, and public appearances throughout the State. These positions are critical to safeguarding the Attorney General, maintaining operational readiness, and ensuring continuity of leadership and State operations.
This positing may close early once a candidate has been selected.
Job Requirements
1. Minimum five years law enforcement experience.
2. Ability to investigate complex and difficult cases both independently and as part of a team.
3. Ability to prepare comprehensive investigative reports for review by a Deputy Attorney General for civil and criminal complaints.
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
5. Current or recent Police Officers Standards Training ("POST") certification.
6. Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), DELJIS, NCIC, and LEISS.
7. Possession of a valid driver's license.
8. Ability to qualify to carry a DOJ-issued firearm.
9. Willingness to travel and attend various training opportunities as needed.
Conditions of Hire
  • Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background checks.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • 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.

Benefits
Department of Justice Benefits Include:
  • May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal).
  • State of Delaware healthcare plan.
  • State of Delaware pension plan.
  • Over 4 weeks of vacation per year.
  • 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year.
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
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.
The 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.

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