All those hired through the PDLG participate in two required programs before work begins. The first is a writing program which will include a seminar (available by audio or video-conference for those too far from Philadelphia to participate in person) in late March combined with one-on-one writing mentoring to be completed before starting work. The second is an orientation session held by the PDLG in early May, after exams end at all participating schools but before summer jobs begin. This orientation program is designed to acquaint the participants with the general expectations of the employers, the nature of the work and the legal environment in which it gets done. It is essential that all students arrange to participate in both programs. Long distance participation is possible in some situations.
The PDLG hosts several other seminars during the summer. All summer clerks who obtained their jobs through the PDLG program are requested to participate unless a job related activity conflicts with the seminar.
In the past, the PDLG orientation session and summer seminars included topics such as key things to know about working at a firm, law firm finance, writing and assignment skills, working for or within a corporate law department, dealing with difficult situations, interviewing techniques (for law firms and other legal jobs) and how to make use of the summer experience in career planning. In addition, there is a session on mentoring and networking - how to find and work with a mentor and how to begin to build a network. This program is held in advance of a networking event that gives PDLG summer program participants and alums the chance to meet lawyers and recruiters in our member firms and law departments.
On the 2L Summer Screening Interviews page, please replace the text with:
Those hired through the PDLG Program may be entitled to choose screening interviews for summer 2L jobs with a set number of law firms that hire through the PDLG Program each year. These interviews would be similar to on campus interviews, and may be held as part of a firm's on campus interviewing, or may be held at the law firm. There are no 2L jobs available just for PDLG students and no PDLG participating firm is required to hire for the 2L summer - the screening interview is merely a way to assure that our students get a chance to meet with the firms and demonstrate what they have accomplished and why they would be valuable 2L summer associates. The firm decisions would be based on an overall review of the candidate's qualifications and the firms hiring plans.
