Young Lawyers Section
About the Section
Whether you are fresh out of law school or coming to Delaware after years of practice in another jurisdiction, membership in the Young Lawyers Section provides newly admitted attorneys the opportunity to become acclimated to the practice of law in Delaware, meet their new colleagues, and learn about the activities of the Delaware State Bar Association. The YLS sponsors informative seminars relevant to the issues facing attorneys new to Delaware practice, provides resources to help them establish roots in the legal community, and promotes collegiality through a variety of social gatherings in all three counties. The YLS is non-practice specific, so its events present unique opportunities to work with attorneys from all areas of the legal spectrum.
THE YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION CONGRATULATES ALL THE NEW ADMITTEES TO THE DELAWARE BAR!!!
Officers
Position |
Officer |
|---|---|
| Chair | Frederick H. Mitsdarfer, III |
| Co-Vice-Chairs, New Castle County | |
| Vice Chair, Kent & Sussex Counties | Daniel M. Cole |
| Secretary | Michael H. Walter |
| Treasurer | Christine N. Chappelear |
| Immediate Past Co-Chairs | Roxanne M. Eastes Callan R. Jackson |
Join the Young Lawyers Section!
If you have been a member of the Delaware bar for ten years or less, we highly encourage you to join the YLS. Please contact LaTonya Tucker, Director of Bar Services and Membership, to join the Section. Dues are $15 annually and support the Section’s events.
If you’d like to know more about the Young Lawyers Section and its initiatives, please feel free to contact any of the current Officers or stop by one of our meetings, happy hours, or events.
Upcoming Events
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- The YLS Spring General Meeting and Executive Board Elections will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 @ 12:00 noon at the DSBA Offices, 704 North King Street, Suite 110, Wilmington, DE 19801. The following positions are up for election: Chair; Vice-Chair, New Castle County; Vice-Chair, Kent & Sussex Counties; Secretary; and Treasurer. If you are interested in running for a position, or if you have any questions about getting involved, then please reach out to Michael Walter (mwalter@bayardlaw.com).
- Annual Art Connolly Race Judicata 5K Run/Walk: The annual 5K road race to support the Delaware Law Related Education Center (DELREC) is held annually in/around April. Please check back for more information.
- 2025 Summer Associate Judicial Panel and Reception: Planning is underway for the 2025 Summer Associate Judicial Panel and Reception. The YLS hosts this annual program each July. Please check back for more information.
Section Events
- Happy Hours: Happy hours are held regularly. These informal events are a great way to meet new colleagues and for prospective members to find out more about the YLS.
- DE High School Mock Trial Competition: The YLS supports the annual statewide high school mock trial championship hosted each February by the Delaware Judiciary. The mock trial competition is intended to provide high school students with an opportunity to learn more about the justice system and acquire skills in areas such as analytical thinking, public speaking, and persuasion. For more information, please visit Mock Trial | The Delaware Law Related Education Center, Inc.
- Delaware Department of Justice’s Holiday Gift Drive: We will be collecting new and unwrapped toys in support of the Delaware Department of Justice’s annual Holiday Gift Drive which provides gifts to children in Delaware’s foster care program.
- DSBA Bar Journal – YLS Technology & Tips Articles.
At least four (4) times a year, YLS prepares and provides an article on technology and related tips that is published in the DSBA Bar Journal. If you would have an idea for an article, would like to help write one of these articles, or want more information, please contact Taylor Bolton or Christine Chappelear. - DSBA Fundamentals of Lawyer Client Relations CLE: The Fundamentals of Lawyer Client Relations CLE is typically organized and moderated by the YLS and held at the DSBA Offices. YLS is charged with identifying and coordinating with the speakers, and creating the final schedule. If you would like to be considered as a speaker for the next DSBA Fundamentals of Lawyer Client Relations CLE, please contact any of the current YLS Officers.
- Annual Art Connolly Race Judicata 5K Run/Walk: The annual 5K road race to support the Delaware Law Related Education Center (DELREC) is held annually in/around April. Please check back for more information.
- Summer Associate Judicial Panel and Reception: The YLS hosts this annual program each July. This special event provides summer interns from firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations with an opportunity to interact with members of the Delaware judiciary and learn what makes practicing in Delaware so unique. The program consists of a one-hour panel discussion and thirty-minute question and answer session, followed by a cocktail reception.
- Annual Combined Campaign Cup: This golf and tennis tournament to benefit the Combined Campaign for Justice is held each year in July. For more information, please visit http://delawareccj.org/combined-campaign-cup/.
Awards
- Young Lawyer’s Leadership Award: Awarded each December, the Young Lawyer’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes a member of the Delaware Bar who, by exemplary leadership and service dedicated to the cause of good citizenship in civic and humanitarian service over a period of less than ten years has maintained the integrity and honored recognition of the legal profession in community affairs and who, as an outstanding Delawarean, has unceasingly advanced the ideals of citizen participation and community accomplishment, thus reflecting high honor on both country and profession. The YLS identifies a member of the YLS deserving of the Young Lawyer’s Leadership Award and presents a nomination for consideration by the DSBA Awards Committee. To suggest a YLS member for consideration by the YLS, please contact any of the current YLS Officers.
- Christopher W. White Access to Justice Awards (formerly known as the Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards): Historically, the YLS seeks to identify individuals or entities deserving of any Christopher W. White Access to Justice Awards. To the extent said people are identified, YLS will present a nomination for one or more such awards for consideration by the DSBA Awards Committee for a ceremony in October.
- DSBA Awards (Awarded in December): Historically, the YLS seeks to identify individuals or entities deserving of any other DSBA Awards. Annually, to the extent said people are identified, YLS will present a nomination for one or more such awards for consideration by the DSBA Awards Committee.
Volunteer with the Young Lawyers Section
The YLS welcomes volunteers interested in helping with its events and projects. Volunteering with the Section provides excellent networking opportunities and is a great service to the bar. To volunteer or learn how to get involved, please contact any of the current Officers.
*Check this page often for the most up-to-date information regarding Section events and initiatives!*
For information regarding Sections, please contact LaTonya Tucker, Director of Bar Services and Membership.Changes to the Section’s webpage must be sent to arooney@dsba.org.
LINKS
The Survival Guide may be found here.
“You’re on Mute” links and further information from May issue of the DSBA Journal – CLICK HERE.