Wilmington University School of Law
The information on this page was provided by the law school.
Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
Wilmington University enrolled its first class in Fall 2023. The law school was granted provisional approval from the ABA on February 20, 2025. The School of Law’s values reflect those of Wilmington University – student centered, affordable and emphasis on building skills for future employment. We expect our students to be an active part of our home state while preparing them for the legal profession in any State.
We are located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, within commuting distance of Philadelphia and about halfway between New York City and Washington D.C. The location provides our students access to the epicenter of corporate law (Delaware) as well as the legal communities of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northern Maryland.
The JD Program
Wilmington University School of Law’s Mission is to provide access to the legal profession. To be true to that mission, our curriculum is focused on bar-tested subjects while at the same time teaching our students the skills necessary for the practice of law. Every WilmU Law student is required to complete 48 credits hours of bar-tested subjects. These courses cover all subjects tested on the Uniform Bar Exam and the Next Generation Bar Exam. The required courses also cover all Delaware Bar exam subjects excluding Delaware Practice and Procedure. Students interested in sitting for the Delaware Bar may use elective courses to for these Delaware specific subjects.
Full-Time Day
The first two years for a Full-Time Day student consist of required courses which include bar-tested subjects, legal writing and other required courses. Full-Time students complete one internship course in the Spring of the second year. Full-Time Day students enroll in elective courses, externships and the upper-level writing requirement in the final year. All day courses are in-person.
Part-Time Day
The first five semesters for a Part-Time Day student consist of required courses which include bar-tested subjects, legal writing and other required courses. Part-Time Day students enroll in the externship course in the sixth semester. The final year includes elective courses, externships and the upper-level writing requirement. All Day courses are in-person.
Part-Time Evening
The first five semesters for a Part-Time Evening student consist of required courses which include bar-tested subjects, legal writing and other required courses. Evening students enroll in the externship course in the sixth semester. The final year includes elective courses, externships and the upper-level writing requirement. Evening students attend courses in-person two nights per week and attend online two nights per week.
Student Life
Externships
WilmU Law students may complete up to 18 credits through externships. This allows students to gain a tremendous amount of experience which can be applied to the degree. Our externship office will place students in opportunities within our legal community (Delaware, Southeastern PA, Southern NJ and Northern MD) and will assist students to find opportunities in other jurisdictions.
During their externships, students will work at their placement for a set number of hours, as well as participate in a weekly seminar composed of direct instruction, tutorials, and self-reflection.
Mentorship Program
It is essential that law students build connections within the legal community and engage in identity growth, development, and awareness of their professional role. Recognizing the importance of these aspects of legal education, we require all first-year students to participate in our Mentor Program. This program provides valuable opportunities for students to engage with and learn from legal professionals in our surrounding community as they progress through their legal education.
Mentors from the surrounding communities eagerly give their time to our students throughout the year. Their experiences, diverse legal backgrounds, and expertise in practice areas play a critical role in helping students connect and provide them with early insights and growth opportunities. Our Mentors include attorneys from large and small firms, governmental agencies, and judges from trial and appellate courts. All mentors bring at least five years of experience to the program, with many having practiced law for a decade or more. Those dedicated professionals are committed to guiding and supporting our law students as they prepare to enter the legal profession.
First Year Mentor Program
To foster early connections, the Office of Professional Development pairs each first-year student with a mentor who volunteers for the program. Matches are carefully made based on information provided by the students. Prior to meeting their mentors, students participate in a virtual Mentor Program Prep Session to learn about expectations and prepare for effective meetings. Both mentors and students receive structured guidance, including an outline and suggestions to facilitate meaningful conversations and build strong relationships.
Second Year Mentor Circles
Mentor Circles provide an additional opportunity to build connections and gain broader insights into the legal profession. These optional, small-group sessions are led by multiple mentors and aim to encourage discussion, broaden perspectives, and grow professional networks. Mentors work closely with their groups to identify student objectives, determine meeting formats and schedules, and address topics that best serve the group’s interests.
Career Placement and Bar Passage
Learn more about career placement at Wilmington University School of Law(DE)
Tuition and Aid
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition |
$838.00
|
| Fees |
$30.00
|
| Expected Cost of Attendance |
$72,068.00
|
Tuition is charged at the per credit rate of $838. The average tuition for a full-time student is $24,022 per year and $18,017 per year for a part-time student. Tuition for the entire program, 3-years full-time or 4-years part-time, is $72,068. This is in alignment with our goal to eliminate traditional barriers to legal education, the cost of attendance for Wilmington University School of Law is considerably less than that of other law schools. Affordable tuition rates, coupled with scholarships and financial aid options, provide broad access to a WilmU Law education.
Federal Student Aid
Many law students utilize federal student loans to pay for their legal education. It is wise to maximize your federal student loan borrowing before considering more expensive private student loans.
The application process for all federal loans begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete the FAFSA, you will need to enter Wilmington University’s School Code: 007948.
Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers
Many factors are considered by the admissions committee in order to reach a decision. These include, but are not limited to, undergraduate and graduate performance, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement and work experience. The goal when reviewing an application is to determine, based upon all the evidence provided, whether the applicant is capable of completing the program of legal education and be admitted to the Bar.
Although letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a resume are not required, applicants are encouraged to submit these documents. Applicants may request that the Office of Admissions hold an application until all desired documents are received.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Review will typically take 3-4 weeks. Application review will start upon receipt of the application, all transcripts and a valid test score. Applicants may request that the review be placed on hold pending the receipt of additional documents.
