Joe Biden’s career is largely defined by his extensive time in politics, but before entering the world of Washington D.C., his professional journey began in the legal field. Understanding President Biden’s early career as a lawyer provides context to his approach to public service and his understanding of the American legal system.
Biden’s formal legal education culminated in 1968 when he earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Syracuse University School of Law. While his academic performance placed him 76th out of a class of 85, this degree was the foundational step for his admission to the Delaware Bar in 1969. This achievement officially marked the start of Joe Biden’s career as an attorney.
Initially, Biden’s foray into law involved a brief period at a corporate law firm. However, his career trajectory shifted when he chose to become a public defender in Delaware. During this time, a significant portion of his clientele were African Americans residing in Wilmington. This experience as a public defender exposed Biden to the realities of the legal system from a different perspective, working directly with individuals navigating legal challenges.
President Joe Biden speaking to supporters in Pennsylvania, highlighting his career transition from law to politics.
However, Joe Biden’s direct engagement with legal practice was relatively short-lived. His entry into politics began with his election to the New Castle County Council in 1970. Just two years later, in 1972, at the young age of 29, Biden achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the U.S. Senate representing Delaware. This pivotal moment effectively transitioned him from practicing law to a career in national politics, and he has not actively practiced law since his senatorial election.
While his full-time legal career ended with his entry into the Senate, Biden maintained connections to the legal field in different capacities. In 1991, he became an adjunct professor at Widener University Delaware Law School. In this role, he occasionally lectured on constitutional law, sharing his insights with aspiring legal professionals, although he never held a position as a full-time professor. Later, after his vice presidency, Biden was appointed as Benjamin Franklin Presidential Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. Between 2017 and 2019, he received significant compensation from the university for this role, which primarily involved public appearances and engagements rather than regular teaching duties, focusing on areas like diplomacy, foreign policy, and national security.
In conclusion, Joe Biden indeed holds a law degree and was admitted to the bar, practicing law briefly, most notably as a public defender. However, his career path diverged into politics early on, leading to a long and prominent career in public service rather than in the legal profession. While he has held academic positions related to law, his primary identity and impact have been shaped by his political roles, culminating in his presidency.
