I caught up with Stefano Barbagallo to unearth what a move from biglaw to legal recruitment was like for him. Including why he moved, why recruitment and why others should consider it if they are looking for a change of pace.
Stef joined Sonder in January 2022, leaving his role as a practicing attorney. He made a big move, heading into a different world, placing his faith in Sonder to provide him with a platform to succeed.
Read the interview below to understand how the transition has been for Stefano.
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Why did you decide to leave law and how did you get into recruitment?
SB: When I realised I enjoyed mentoring juniors and talking to clients more than doing the actual legal work, I knew I was on the wrong path. I was still thrilled by the art of a transaction and had some friends in recruitment who enjoyed it. So, I did some due diligence, met with Kevin (Sonder’s Director), and the wider team at Sonder, and the rest is history.
How was the transition from practising attorney to recruitment?
SB: While I had some good industry knowledge because I'd been studying or working in law since 2010, the Sonder team helped get me up to speed in the recruitment space, breaking down their clients and skills and attributes to look for in potential candidates. After that it was all quite seamless. Having the ability to relate to candidates, discuss work and provide advice on the market has helped tremendously.
What do you enjoy about recruitment?
SB: Having worked in Biglaw, and previously at a top-tier firm in Australia, the thing I now enjoy most is having control over my day and my work - and meeting new people constantly. I genuinely enjoy chatting to all my clients and candidates and building a rapport with them. It feels like you're running your own business, so there is risk, but it allows you to be creative and entrepreneurial, and there really is no glass ceiling.
What's it like working for commission over salary?
SB: It makes waking up every morning more exciting. Sure, there's more risk, and you'll take the good with the bad. But personally, I think it makes me more driven.
How quickly does it take to earn money?
SB: A great author once wrote - "absolute success is luck, and relative success is choices and habits". If you work hard, have the right attitude and put in the hours, the money can come pretty quickly, but give yourself a good 12-24 months to get up to speed properly. However, I say you're only as good as your last deal, so you better keep running on that treadmill.
How's the work-life balance?
SB: We work hard, and we do work long hours, but nothing in comparison to what I was used to. The best part is now you really get to celebrate the wins, so the balance is good!
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In Oct 2022, Stef was promoted to Principal Consultant in our New York office. A huge achievement in such a short space of time. Stef has very successfully implemented his skills and attributes as lawyer and applied them to recruitment and a career at Sonder, including:
- People skills
- Attention to detail
- Research and planning
- Commitment
- Responsiveness
- Negotiation
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Organisation and planning
If you think a move into recruitment would complement your personality and skills, please get in touch to learn more about opportunities at Sonder.
