The Pros and Cons of Working in a Full Service Firm vs Small Firm in New Zealand

In New Zealand’s legal industry, the question of whether to join a full service or specialist firm often arises at key career junctions. You’ll likely face this decision after admission, during post-review season, or when reassessing your long-term goals.

Both environments offer compelling benefits, but they also come with trade-offs that can significantly shape your experience, development, and career trajectory.

So, how do you decide where you belong? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Full Service Firms: Structure, Scale, and Specialisation

✅ Pros of a Full Service Firm:

High-Profile Work:

Full service firms frequently lead major transactions, litigation, and advisory matters, so you may contribute to headline-making M&A deals, large infrastructure projects, or complex regulatory advice.

Cross-Team Collaboration:

Because work flows across practice groups, you’ll gain exposure to broader matters through internal referrals and multi-disciplinary teams.

Job Security Through Flexibility:

When markets shift, firms often reallocate resources, so commercial lawyers may be seconded to litigation teams to maintain utilisation and job stability.

Structured Training and Development:

Full service firms invest heavily in professional development, and you can expect clear pathways, CPD support, formal mentoring, and secondments.

Reputation and Resources:

A role in a well-known firm boosts your CV, and you’ll benefit from advanced research tools, specialist support teams, and strong internal systems.

International Opportunities:

Global firm networks and secondments can open doors abroad, especially if you’re planning a move to London, Sydney, or other legal hubs.

⚠️ Cons of a Full Service Firm:

Longer Hours, Less Control:
Larger deals often come with unpredictable hours, and you may have limited say over your workload or work-life balance.

Narrower Scope of Work:

Because roles are usually highly specialised, you may feel boxed in if you value variety across practice areas.

More Hierarchy, Less Influence:

Full service firms have layered decision-making structures, so your autonomy and influence may be limited early in your career.

Slower Path to Partnership:

Due to increased competition and internal politics, your path to partnership may take longer. Even as a partner, your influence may be diluted within seniority-based hierarchies.

Limited Client Exposure:

Client contact is often restricted in your first few years, so you may spend more time drafting in the background than actively advising or engaging clients.

Boutique Firms: Flexibility, Exposure, and Autonomy

✅ Pros of a Boutique Firm:

Hands-On Experience:

In boutique firms, you often manage matters end-to-end, so you’re more likely to meet clients directly and appear in court earlier.

Broader Practice Exposure:

Because smaller firms usually offer a mix of work, they’re ideal if you haven’t yet settled on a speciality.

Work-Life Balance:

While not guaranteed, many boutique firms offer greater flexibility and fewer bureaucratic hurdles, so they may better accommodate your needs outside of work.

Less Politics, More Influence:

With flatter structures, your voice often carries more weight, and you’re usually closer to strategic decisions.

Greater Flexibility and Personalisation:

Smaller firms often tailor their approach to the individual, so you’ll find more autonomy in day-to-day tasks and professional development planning.

⚠️ Cons of a Boutique Firm:

Limited Training and Support:

Because structured CPD and mentoring are less common, your learning often relies on initiative, observation, and trial and error.

Lower Salary Ceiling (Initially):

Although some boutique firms pay well, early-stage salary progression is usually stronger in full service firms.

Fewer International Links:

If your long-term goal is to work overseas, boutique firms may lack the brand recognition or global networks to support that path.

What Matters Most: Your Priorities

There’s no universally “better” option, because the right choice depends on your goals, values, and working style.

Reflect on what matters most to you, and seek advice from us, your trusted recruitment professionals. Your priorities will naturally shift as your career progresses, so it’s wise to reassess them regularly.  Many lawyers move between firm types as their careers progress, and there’s no harm in changing direction.

Many lawyers move between firm sizes throughout their careers. The key is to identify where you’ll gain the most valuable experience right now and which environment best supports your long-term growth.

If you have any questions or want further discussion about how  working with  Tyler Wren will add to your job search and career development as well as your salary (get our  guide here).

Get in touch with the team at Tyler Wren to find the right recruiter for you. Or download our latest salary guides here. Receive a referral voucher when you refer a friend to Tyler Wren.

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