Hi everyone!
We have put together a list of law firms that are currently accepting applications for open days and insight schemes (including those aimed at first-year students). These events are a great way to learn more about individual firms and ask questions, and are particularly valuable if you are planning to apply via the direct training contract route.
(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows) LAST EDITED: Friday 7th August 2026
Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2026/27
We will continue to update this thread throughout the 2026-27 application cycle as more firms open their applications, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest opportunities.
You can find the Vacation Scheme Deadlines thread here: Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2026-27.
Best of luck with your applications!
We have put together a list of law firms that are currently accepting applications for open days and insight schemes (including those aimed at first-year students). These events are a great way to learn more about individual firms and ask questions, and are particularly valuable if you are planning to apply via the direct training contract route.
(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows) LAST EDITED: Friday 7th August 2026
Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2026/27
| Name | Opening Date | Closing Date | Event Date | Additional Comments |
| Simpson Thacher (July Open Day) | 18 June 2026 | 1 July 2026 | 22 July 2026 | CLOSED |
| Simpson Thacher (August Open Day) | 18 June 2026 | 26 July 2026 | 12 August 2026 | CLOSED |
| Simpson Thacher (September Open Day) | 18 June 2026 | 30 August 2026 | 21 September 2026 | Find more information here |
| Simpson Thacher (October Open Day) | 18 June 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 7 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| A&O Shearman (London Open Day) | 3 August 2026 | 31 August 2026 | 17 September 2026 | Find more information here |
| JMW (October A-Level and First Year Insight Scheme - Manchester) | 24 August 2026 | 20 September 2026 | 26, 27, 29, and 30 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Jones Day (Open Evening 1) | 13 August 2026 | 27 August 2026 | 27 August 2026 | Find more information here |
| Covington (CovInsights Programme) | 28 August 2026 | 12 March 2027 | 7 - 8 April 2027 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (IP Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 1 October 2026 | 15 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (Social Mobility Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 1 October 2026 | 20 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Latham & Watkins (October Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 11 October 2026 | 28 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (MyPlus Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 27 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (Black Talent Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 29 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (IRIS Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 3 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (Disputes Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 23 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Latham & Watkins (November Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 18 October 2026 | 5 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Latham & Watkins (LGBTQ+ Lawyers Group Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 25 October 2026 | 12 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Latham & Watkins (Black Lawyers Group Open Day) | 1 September 2026 | 1 November 2026 | 26 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Latham & Watkins (First Year Scheme) | 1 September 2026 | 31 January 2027 | 30 March - 1 April 2027 | Find more information here |
| Gibson Dunn First Year Insight Day (In-Person) | 1 September 2026 | 12 February 2027 | 18 March 2027 | Find more information here |
| Gibson Dunn First Year Insight Day (Virtual) | 1 September 2026 | 12 February 2027 | 25 March 2027 | Find more information here |
| Milbank (Traditional Track) | 3 September 2026 | 1 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Milbank (Leveraged Finance Track) | 3 September 2026 | 1 October 2026 | 21 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| Bristows (Virtual IP Workshop) | 7 September 2026 | 16 October 2026 | 18 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Bristows (In-Person IP Workshop) | 7 September 2026 | 16 October 2026 | 24 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Bristows (STEM IP Workshop) | 7 September 2026 | 23 October 2026 | 9 December 2026 | Find more information here |
| Bristows (First Year IP Workshop) | 7 September 2026 | 14 May 2027 | 11 June 2027 | Find more information here |
| Trowers & Hamlins (London Office Graduate Insight Day) | 1 October 2026 | 9 November 2026 | 17 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Trowers & Hamlins (Birmingham Office Graduate Insight Day) | 1 October 2026 | 17 November 2026 | 26 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Trowers & Hamlins (Manchester Office Graduate Insight Day) | 1 October 2026 | 23 November 2026 | 1 December 2026 | Find more information here |
| Trowers & Hamlins (Exeter Office Graduate Insight Day) | 1 October 2026 | 25 November 2026 | 3 December 2026 | Find more information here |
| Mayer Brown (First Year Virtual Insight Session) | 1 October 2026 | 31 January 2027 | 21 April 2027 | Find more information here |
| Slaughter and May (Spring Open Days) | 5 October 2026 | 6 January 2027 | N/A | Find more information here |
| Jones Day (Open Evening 2) | 8 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 | Find more information here |
| JMW (February A-Level and First Year Insight Scheme - Manchester) | 19 October 2026 | 22 November 2026 | 15, 16, 18, and 19 February 2027 | Find more information here |
| Jones Day (Open Evening 3) | 28 October 2026 | 11 November 2026 | 11 November 2026 | Find more information here |
| Ashfords (Virtual Insight Afternoon) | 1 November 2026 | 24 February 2027 | 25 February 2027 | Find more information here |
| Macfarlanes (First Year Insight Scheme) | 2 November 2026 | 15 January 2027 | 28 June - 2 July 2027 | Find more information here |
| Ashfords (Exeter First Year Insight Day) | 1 December 2026 | 8 February 2027 | 16 March 2027 | Find more information here |
| Ashfords (Bristol First Year Insight Day) | 1 December 2026 | 8 February 2027 | 18 March 2027 | Find more information here |
| Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (First Year Workshops) | 1 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 | Workshop 1: 31 March - 1 April 2027 Workshop 2: 7 - 8 April 2027 | Find more information here |
We will continue to update this thread throughout the 2026-27 application cycle as more firms open their applications, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest opportunities.
You can find the Vacation Scheme Deadlines thread here: Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2026-27.
Best of luck with your applications!
Last edited:
