Construction Claims and Disputes Career Change | Should You Join a Large or a Small Firm?
Posted by Nilam Modhwadia, Recruitment Consultant on Monday, January 13, 2025
The Construction Claims and Disputes sector offers an interesting array of opportunities for professionals specialising in this industry. The choice between working for a small firm or a large organisation can significantly influence your career trajectory, daily work life, and overall satisfaction. Each option comes with distinct advantages and challenges that can cater to individual career aspirations. In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the pros and cons of working in both small and large firms within this niche industry.
Advantages of working for a large firm
Access to resources
Larger firms tend to have more robust resources at their disposal. This includes larger support teams from admin staff, marketing teams, HR to consultants and analysts who can reduce the burden of workload and provide critical assistance throughout. Larger firms also have access to advanced software tools and modern technology, which can streamline complex tasks and improve the quality of deliverables. In fact, some large consulting firms such as Ankura state that they have their own generative AI tools aiming to boost worker efficiency and assist with file management. A greater access to comprehensive training and development programs is another advantage, offering employees continuous learning opportunities to enhance their skill set and ultimately progress well in their career.
Structured Career Development
Another benefit of working at a larger consultancy is the presence of structured career development pathways. These organisations often have well-defined frameworks for progression, making it easier to map out your long-term career trajectory. Unlike smaller firms, where career advancement may be less formalised or dependent on ad hoc opportunities, larger consultancies provide clarity and transparency in how you can grow within the company. This can be particularly valuable if you’re looking for a long-term career trajectory with clear goals and a solid support network to help you get there.
Stronger Brand Recognition
Generally, larger firms are more well-known locally and globally and often have extensive networks and prestigious clients. Strong brand recognition ensures that the firm is often the first choice for high-stakes or complex disputes. Employees benefit by gaining experience on challenging, prestigious cases that enhance their professional skills. Being associated with a well-recognised firm also boosts personal credibility and can also help with business development opportunities.
Disadvantages of working for a large firm
Less Individual Recognition
In larger firms, it can be challenging to stand out. Employees may feel like they are just one part of a much larger machine, which can create a sense of anonymity and reduce the visibility of their contributions. Large firms hold a diverse pool of talented professionals, leading to a competitive atmosphere where employees must strive for recognition, promotions, and to win work. In this environment, individual accomplishments can sometimes be overlooked, making it more difficult to stand out despite strong performance. As such, large firms may not be suited for those looking to be a large fish in a small pond.
Bureaucracy and Rigid Processes
Larger firms adopt hierarchical structures and formalised procedures and whilst these features offer advantages in terms of organisation and stability, they can also introduce challenges that impact the speed and flexibility of day-to-day operations. Due to the multiple layers of management and approval processes in large firms, decisions often require input or sign-off from several levels of authority. This rigid organisational structure means employees have less autonomy, which can be frustrating for those who like to take a pro-active approach.
Limited Flexibility
And because of rigid processes, there is far less flexibility on numerous matters. Larger firms tend to have strict salary bandings and standardised pay scales for each role or seniority level. Moreover, in a big firm with fixed pay bands, employees typically have little room for salary negotiation, even when taking on more responsibilities. The organisation’s HR policies and budget constraints can be an issue for those who expect compensation to scale with their increasing contributions. If the salary bands aren’t adjusted quickly enough to reflect market conditions, where demand for quantum and delay expertise is high, professionals in these roles may feel underpaid, leading to retention issues. With formal processes, policies, and a larger team to manage, larger firms tend to offer less flexibility in terms of work hours, decision-making, and workplace culture. If you’re someone who values autonomy or a more casual work environment, this could be a downside.
Advantages of working for a small firm
Flexibility
Smaller firms are often less rigid in their structures, allowing employees to contribute ideas and influence decision-making, with direct communication with seniors. This can be particularly appealing for ambitious professionals who want to make an impact and help shape the firm's future. Furthermore, boutique firms, with fewer constraints on banding, offer a more flexible and often rewarding approach to compensation, which can be especially beneficial for high performers who want their contributions recognised through pay.
Impact and Visibility
The collaborative and intimate environment in smaller firms allows individual contributions to be more visible. Furthermore, you will receive the opportunity to take on a wider variety of tasks, including greater client interaction and visibility. Since the team is smaller, you may also find yourself involved in almost every stage, increasing your responsibilities and pushing you further and aiding your career advancement.
Career Advancement
Speaking of career advancement, smaller consultancies tend to have fewer hierarchical layers, which can translate into faster career progression. With fewer employees, there is less competition and often fewer formal barriers to promotion, allowing you to climb the ranks more quickly. You may also be given leadership opportunities at an earlier stage, which can significantly boost your professional growth.
Disadvantages of working for a small firm
Lack of resources
Smaller firms often operate with tighter budgets and fewer technological resources than their larger counterparts. For instance, a limited access to advanced technology, fewer administrative resources and analytical support which could lead to employees having to wear multiple hats. Without the resources to streamline processes, employees may face a slowdown and inefficiencies in their workflows.
Less structured career path
The absence of formal training and structured development programs can affect the depth and breadth of skills acquired during this accelerated growth. While employees may advance rapidly, they might lack exposure to comprehensive industry best practices or advanced methodologies, which could impact their ability to sustain long-term career progression or transition seamlessly into larger organisations or specialised roles.
Limited Client Base
A limited client base is a significant disadvantage for smaller expert witness firms as it creates vulnerabilities in business stability and growth. With fewer clients, these firms are heavily reliant on retaining existing relationships, making them more susceptible to revenue fluctuations if a key client is lost. This narrow scope often limits the diversity of projects they handle, restricting opportunities for employees to broaden their expertise.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to which type of expert witness firm is better. As a job seeker, the key is to choose an environment that aligns with your career goals and personal preferences. Whether you’re drawn to a larger firm for its global exposure, and structured career development, or prefer the specialised focus, autonomy, and close-knit culture of a smaller firm, it’s essential to prioritise what matters most to you.
When contemplating a career move, it’s important to remember that the size of the firm is just one of many factors to consider. Equally significant is the type of work that interests you—whether that’s claims, expert witness services, project advisory, or a blend of these areas. Another crucial consideration in this industry is the expert(s) you’ll be working alongside. Their reputation in the market and working style can greatly influence your learning experience and career growth. After all, you’ll want to ensure you’re learning from the very best!
Get in touch with Maxim Recruitment to help you choose the right firm, tailored to your needs and career goals.
You can also explore our Quantum and Delay Jobs here.
Nilam is a Recruitment Consultant based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK. She supports the team with researching, headhunting, shortlisting, and interviewing valuable construction industry candidates, to place them in premium construction jobs with our market-leading UK and international clients.