3/31/2025

Shelby Stack, 2024-2025 Wolcott Fellow at the Delaware Supreme Court

Widener University Delaware Law School’s location and leading reputation in the corporate capital of the world places its students at the epicenter of opportunity.

Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment and direct connections to the First State’s thriving business and legal communities. Among its many experiential learning opportunities is the Wolcott Fellowship Program, a prestigious clerkship with members of Delaware's Supreme Court and Court of Chancery.

The distinguished program offers academic credit, a scholarship, and valuable practical experience. Originally designed for five selected students, this year the program grew to seven students and is set to expand to ten next year with placements equally split between the Delaware Supreme Court, the state’s highest court with a reputation for excellence, and the Delaware Court of Chancery, the nationally renowned court of equity.

Expansion of the program to the Court of Chancery has allowed third-year students like Autumn Mueller and Kristin Cunningham the opportunity to build on previous hands-on learning opportunities and deepen their legal expertise through the busy docket.

“Mastering civil procedure and knowing the stage of litigation are important for shaping how you draft opinions and present your work to judges effectively," Cunningham said.

The students share an office at the courthouse and collaborate to refine their writing, a critical skill in the legal field.

"The program has shown me just how valuable it is to understand and adapt to the unique writing styles of both the judge I’m working with and the one I’m presenting to," Mueller said.

The highly sought-after externship experience began at Delaware Law in 1988 and is one of the most distinctive programs of its kind in the nation. Named after Josiah Oliver Wolcott, who was deeply entrenched in the Delaware law community at the turn of the 20th century, the program honors his legacy by providing third-year law students with unparalleled access to practical experience and mentorship within state’s most esteemed courts.

The university’s commitment to academic excellence and strong ties with Delaware's judiciary has not only cemented the Wolcott Fellowship as a standout feature of Delaware Law but also elevates the school’s reputation as a leader in legal education and practical training.

Kristin Cunningham (left) and Autumn Mueller (right), 2024-2025 Wolcott Fellows at the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Fellowship eligibility requires students to be in the top 15 percent of their class and demonstrate consistent academic excellence throughout their studies. For many students, like Shelby Stack, the journey to become a Wolcott Fellow starts in year one.

Stack first heard about the program at a reception honoring first semester dean’s list students. After being conditionally admitted to Delaware Law through the Trial Admissions Program, Stack earned a coveted placement in the program at the Delaware Supreme Court.

“I just keep getting better. Each semester, I continue to improve,” Stack said. “Be open to feedback and stay adaptable—this program can propel you forward in ways you never imagined.”

The program’s expansion is the result of collaborative relationships between university leadership, including Dean Todd Clark, and the justices and vice chancellors serving in the state’s highest courts. While Clark’s engagement with Delaware’s legal community has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Wolcott Fellowship Program, he says the courts’ commitment to mentorship and the students’ dedication to the highest standards are the foundations of its success.

“The program owes its success to the knowledge imparted by the justices, magistrates and vice chancellors and the relentless effort and determination of the students,” Clark said.

Learn more about the Wolcott Fellowship Program and all experiential learning opportunities at Widener University’s Delaware Law School.