Hi
@1barkeb it's not a silly question! We don't look for legal w/e, so you don't need to wait. You can nclude the upcoming work experience, and under the description simply write "Work placement will start on x December 2023 for x weeks/days" - you don't need to complete the section if you haven't had the experience yet.
Yes, you can mention the other firm in the why law section, however, it does still need to be relevant to
Willkie. We expect candidates to have attended open days etc at other firms, so it's completely fine.
I would say just submit the app when you are 100% happy with it - you are not at any disadvantage submitting it close to, or on, deadline day.