Professional & Business Services

A Few Key Employers 

• The Bonadio Group
• First Ascent
• Gunnip & Company LLP
• Richards Layton & Finger
• Potter Anderson 

Did You Know?  

Of the Fortune 500 — the 500 largest corporations in the United States based on revenue — 68% are incorporated in Delaware. 

Introduction 

Delaware is known globally as one of the best places to do business, thanks to its business-friendly policies and a highly respected legal community. The Court of Chancery, a court where internal business disputes are litigated, is essentially unique to Delaware, and is highly respected in the business world. Major companies like Walmart, McDonald’s and Disney have relied on the court’s expertise. 

As a result, the law is one of Delaware’s most desirable professions, along with other professional services (such as accounting and marketing) for the many companies that do business here.  

Legal 

Entry into the legal profession may seem daunting, considering the expense and time of a legal degree. However, there is also demand for professionals with much lower barriers of entry, such as paralegals. Here is a closer look at some professions: 

• Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates: Magistrates and magistrate judges may preside over trials, rule on objections and make decision on cases. However, as they are not judges, they do not sign court orders. 
• Lawyers
• Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators and Hearing Officers: These professionals usually work for government agencies and decide cases of compensation or discrimination.
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Both paralegals and legal assistants assist lawyers with their duties, for example by performing administrative tasks or research.  

Outlook and Pay 

Sources: Delaware Department of Labor, onetonline.org 

Salary data is national. Note that pay can vary considerably based on location, experience level and training. Note that the minimum education requirement is stated here and that some positions/employers may have different requirements. 

Key: A= associate degree, P = PhD or professional degree 

Accounting 

Like lawyers, accountants in Delaware are in high demand, and significant growth is projected for accountants and auditors by 2032. At the same time, the barrier of entry for accountancy is somewhat lower, as the starting requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Related professions include budget analysts, who help public and private organizations plan their finances, and tax preparers. 

Outlook and Pay  

Sources: Delaware Department of Labor, onetonline.org 

Salary data is national. Note that pay can vary considerably based on location, experience level and training. Note that the minimum education requirement is stated here and that some positions/employers may have different requirements. 

For tax preparers, no 2022 state-level employment data were available. Numbers for this profession are from 2020 (with projected employment for 2030). 

Key: B = bachelor’s degree, H = high school 

Advertising/Marketing/PR 

The creation of marketing and PR content, advertising and design assets is another important component within the business services sector. It encompasses professions as diverse as editor, graphic designer, sales agent and marketing specialist.  

Outlook and Pay in Delaware 

Sources: Delaware Department of Labor, onetonline.org 

Salary data is national. Note that pay can vary considerably based on location, experience level and training. Note that the minimum education requirement is stated here and that some positions/employers may have different requirements. 

Key: B = bachelor’s degree, H = high school 

Where to Get the Skills  

Vo-Tech Options
Marketing Today! Pathway 

This Pathway focuses on how marketing is evolving in the digital age and how companies can be successful by implementing marketing strategies. Learn more at delawarepathways.org/pathways/marketing-today. Another available Pathway is focused on graphic design and digital publishing. Learn more at delawarepathways.org/pathways/digital-communication-technology.

Also take a look at the courses offered by Delaware’s three vocational-technical school districts:

College Options

Law schools in Delaware include:

Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting are offered at:

Graduate degrees and post-graduate certificates are also available.

Associate Degree in Communications at Delaware Technical Community College 

This program uses a combination of hands-on experience, industry-standard technology and the dynamic application of theory to prepare students for the ever-changing communications field. Learn more at dtcc.edu/academics/programs-study/communications. 

Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing at Goldey-Beacom College 

This program blends basic marketing principles with the latest digital strategies and analytics. The curriculum is based on consultation with Fortune 500 companies and successful startups to identify and incorporate vital, in-demand skills. Learn more at gbc.edu/academics/programs/digital-marketing.

Bachelor of Science in Management (Marketing Concentration) at Delaware State University 

The marketing concentration within Delaware State’s Management degree focuses on strategic planning and the development of systems to make businesses successful. Learn more at business.desu.edu/departments/business-administration/management-bs.

Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Wilmington University 

Embracing a skills-based approach, Wilmington University’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing prepares students to apply advanced marketing strategies and analytics, integrated communications and the latest marketing technology to meet organizational goals in roles such as marketing analyst, public relations professional, digital marketing specialist or marketing manager. Find program details at wilmu.edu/business/ 
marketing.aspx.