Overview
Level: Senior Associate
Move: California Boutique → Elite Californian Firm
Practice Area: M&A
Location: California
Offers: 2 (California and New York)
The Candidate’s Journey
Stefano Barbagallo, our Principal Consultant in New York, was approached by an Australian M&A lawyer based in California. Her goal was to find a new role in California, prioritizing a firm that offered clear learning and development opportunities with a path to partnership. Additionally, she sought a firm with a supportive culture and work/life balance, which would allow her to enjoy her new life in the U.S.
The Process
The challenge for this lawyer was that she already had an offer from a top New York firm, requiring her to pass the New York bar and relocate to the East Coast. While New York represented the biggest legal market in the U.S., she had concerns about whether it would align with her desired lifestyle and career development.
Stefano used his network to connect her with partners at firms in California that matched her requirements. She quickly entered the interview process with one firm in the area. After receiving two offers, one in California and the other in New York, Stefano helped her evaluate both options. By examining lifestyle elements, such as rental prices, weather, and culture, she determined that California was the best fit for her long-term career and personal life.
Her top-tier experience allowed her to leverage both offers and ultimately choose an elite Californian firm that met all her goals, including a clear path to partnership. Stefano’s guidance helped her make an informed decision that prioritized both her career and lifestyle.
Recruiter Insight
"It was a great pleasure to work with this candidate and help her find the ideal role that fit her goals." — Stefano Barbagallo, Principal Consultant
If you're contemplating a career change, contact us at info@sonderconsultants.com for personalized guidance and support.
*As part of our candidate-consultant confidentiality, we have kept this candidate’s information private while sharing her inspiring story.
