Strong MDs
Lean deal teams
Lots of responsibility on junior staff
High pay (street base with upper end bonuses)
Lots of client exposure at all levels
Cons
Some complacent, unmotivated seniors who lack initiative to win new business
Unwillingness to cull deadweight amongst junior ranks
Less receptive to PE recruiting
Somewhat understaffed
Ok. Difficult working environment at times. People are OK once you get used to them. Decent deal flow for a small group. Would probably do it again.
Cons
Comp is significantly below street. Very high turnover. Abrasive leadership, unclear direction within broader Willis group. Unclear whether investment banking model within an insurance brokerage is sustainable.