US Firms DIY Vacation Scheme: One Week of Curated London Office Resources

US firms in London operate differently from UK firms. The work is more concentrated, the culture is more transactional, and the expectation of commercial fluency from day one is higher. Candidates who understand this before they apply consistently write stronger applications and perform better in interviews.

This one-week DIY programme draws on publicly available resources from leading US firms with London offices, including webinars, insight sessions, and practical materials published for prospective applicants.

Working through it will help you:

• Understand how US firms in London operate — the deal types they focus on, the client base they serve, and how they differ from Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms
• Build commercial awareness relevant to US firm applications — leveraged finance, private equity, and high-end corporate transactions
• Generate interview material — specific observations and questions you can reference in applications and assessment centres
• Prepare for the culture and pace — what trainees at US firms describe about the day-to-day experience

Structured as a one-week plan with daily tasks and resources. Work through it at your own pace or follow the schedule.