Houlihan Lokey SA 2026 Megathread

Hey guys! 

I wanted to start a thread for HL SA 2026 as I haven't seen one out yet. Apps for RX (which is what I'm focusing on) opened back in early Dec but I've heard they only start reviewing them in January. Anyone heard anything about first rounds? 

Appreciate any insights, and good luck everyone! 

167 Comments
 

Do u know if it’s in waves? Last year they were still having super days in mid to late February. I’d imagine timeline’s moved up but not by THAT much in one year 

 

Did you guys do any chats? I reached out but they said I should direct all conversation to HR or something

 

How long did it take people to hear back after the introductory call for Rx NY?

 

Has anyone had an Rx first round? What was it like, what did they ask?

 
Most Helpful

It's peak recruiting season, so I’m assuming you’ve already built a solid foundation with M&A technicals at least over the past few weeks. When it comes to preparing for RX-specific interviews, first check out the Sell Side Handbook for an intro to basic RX technicals.

For more advanced material, I used Restructuring Interviews (the website) guides and Capital Interview Experts. Keep in mind the Restructuring Interviews guides generally require 2/3 weeks of dedicated study to cover thoroughly since its a ton of content. If you're in a time crunch, which I assume you are, I would check out Capital Interview Experts since they have actual RX questions from HL and you can also practice with the EVR, PJT, and MOE RX questions - if you can do those questions without looking at the answers by the time of your interview, you are in a very good spot.

For your HL RX interview expect classic theoretical RX questions such as "what are the 4 major steps in Chapter 11?" and also advanced bond math questions. One that I remember being asked that was also in the CIE guides was “you have $1B in unsecured debt trading at 30 cents on the dollar. The company issues a debt swap for $600M trading at 60 cents on the dollar. What is the gain or loss on this trade?”

The calculation for this would be:

$1B * 0.3 = $300M (Initial Debt Value)
$600M * 0.6 = $360M (New Debt Value)
Gain = $360M - $300M = $60M

Last thing - make sure you practice your behaviorals. At the end of the day the technicals are a check in the box and there will be multiple people that get every technical right but behavorials are where you can stand out

 

Did a 1st round for LA consumer retail & industrials, haven't been rejected but also didn't get superday, are they still coming out with them? 

 

Anyone hear back for Transaction Advisory Services or specifically the DVC role? Haven't heard for R1 or anything but applied Feb 02

 

Anyone know when the NYC Capital Markets Superday would be out? Had R1 and haven't heard back yet and can't find much online.

 

embezzzlement123

same, are there no r2?

not too sure, I think it would go straight to superday but i don't know anyone who has gotten it yet. j gonna wait and hope for the best. 

 

I did a 1st round and its been a week and haven't heard anything back for Chicago, was wondering if anyone knew the turnaround time since interview i thought went well

 

What does Capital Markets even do? Is it a good team (culture, pay, exits)?

 

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