Delaware Bar Exam Information

While much of the Delaware State Bar Exam is comprised of the Universal Bar Exam, there are a few aspects that make it unique. First, there is a full-day essay portion of the exam with a heavy emphasis on Delaware-specific law. Second, Delaware offers no reciprocity to attorneys who actively practice law in other states and does not accept transferred exam scores. This means that all persons wishing to practice law in Delaware must first sit the Delaware Bar Exam.

Exam Dates:July 27th, 28th, & 29th, 2020*
Exam Type:3-day Bar Exam
Location:Delaware Law School at Widener University, Wilmington, DE.
Application Fee:$700
On-Motion Application Fee:N/A
Filing Deadline:April 1st, 2020
Late Filing Deadline:May 15th, 2020
Late Fee:$700

When is the 2020 Delaware Bar Exam?

The next admittance exam for persons wishing to practice law in the state of Delaware will be held in the final week of July. The Delaware Judiciary has announced that the upcoming round of exams may be subject to delay in response to COVID-19. Applicants are encouraged to keep checking the website for updates.

Regardless of history in the legal profession, every applicant to the Delaware Bar Association must sit for the exam. Administered over two and a half days, the Delaware Bar exam combines two multi-state components with an essay section focused on Delaware law.

Where is the Delaware Bar Exam located?

The 2020 Delaware State Bar exam will take place at the Delaware Law School located on the campus of Widener University at 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware. Directions to the campus can be found here.

How much does the Delaware Bar Exam cost?

The fee for law school graduates applying to the Delaware Bar Exam is $700. Applications received after the initial filing deadline will still be accepted until May 15th with a $700 late fee. Both the application fee and the late fee are $100 higher for applicants who are licensed to practice in another state.

What subjects are tested on the Delaware Bar Exam?

Some of the subjects tested on the multi-state portion of the Delaware Bar Exam are torts, civil procedure, constitutional law and evidence, criminal law, criminal procedure, family law, trusts and estates, contract law, conflict of laws, real property, and business associations.

What is the format of the Delaware Bar Exam?

One of the longest admittance examinations in the United States, the Delaware Bar Exam takes place over three days. The exam combines a standardized national bar exam with an extensive written portion covering Delaware law.

What is the minimum MPRE score needed to take the Delaware Bar Exam?

In order to qualify for the Delaware Bar Exam, applicants must have received a scaled 85 or higher on the MPRE.

How is the Delaware Bar Exam graded?

The essay portion of the Delaware Bar Exam determines 60% of an applicant’s final grade. The remaining 40% of the score reflects the results of the multi-state exam.

When are the Delaware Bar scores released?

Scores and a list of applicants who have passed the July Delaware Bar Exam will be published on the Board of Bar Examiner’s website during the first week of October.

Can I transfer my MBE scores from another jurisdiction?

No. Delaware does not allow the transfer of MBE scores from any other jurisdiction.

What is the Delaware Reciprocity Agreement like?

The Delaware Bar Association does not allow admittance based on reciprocity. This means that all applicants must sit for the Delaware Bar Exam, regardless of their experience practicing law elsewhere.

How can I contact the Delaware State Bar?

The State of Delaware Board of Bar Examiners can be reached by telephone at (302) 658-5279 or by mail addressed to:

Delaware State Bar Association
405 N. King Street, Suite 100
Wilmington, DE 19801

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