Candidate: Associate (Class of 2021)
Practice Area: Funds / Secondaries
Location: New York → Texas (Houston)
Recruiter: Stefano Barbagallo
The Move
In July 2025, Stefano Barbagallo, helped a Class of 2021 associate make a strategic move from a top-tier New York funds team to a leading U.S. law firm in Texas.
With experience spanning fund formation and secondaries, the associate wanted to relocate closer to family—without sacrificing quality of work, compensation, or career prospects. Stefano’s technical background in private equity and funds allowed him to assess the market quickly and position her for the right opportunity.
This move highlights the growing appeal of top-tier legal roles in secondary markets like Texas, where elite firms continue to build out their funds capabilities.
Background
The associate was referred to Stefano by a previously placed candidate. At the time, she was already working with another recruiter on a potential West Coast move. However, that strategy focused narrowly on fund formation roles and failed to reflect her growing secondaries expertise—limiting her options.
Recognizing this gap, Stefano stayed in close contact. When she later decided she wanted to relocate to Texas, he mapped out the market, identified firms with active secondaries needs, and created a targeted search strategy designed to showcase the full scope of her experience.
The Process
Because she had already been submitted to several firms in another region, Stefano took a careful, repositioning approach:
- Highlighting her New York training and high-value secondaries work
- Reframing her candidacy around her relocation motivations
- Engaging firms directly to manage perceptions and secure interviews
Her experience advising top-tier sponsors on secondaries transactions made her a strong candidate, and the process moved quickly. She ultimately chose to negotiate additional time off between roles rather than a signing bonus, prioritizing balance during the transition.
The Outcome
The associate will join the funds team of a major U.S. law firm in Texas, working closely with its New York office while enjoying the benefits of lower living costs and proximity to family. The move allows her to maintain exposure to the same quality of work and clients—without compromising on career progression.
Reflections from Stefano Barbagallo
“Having worked in private funds myself, I could see right away that her secondaries experience was being underplayed. Lawyers in this space want clarity, not sales tactics—they want to know the market, the options, and where they’ll be properly understood. That’s where I try to add value.”
Key Takeaways for Funds Lawyers Considering a Move
- Secondaries work is highly sought after—especially when combined with strong fund formation training.
- Relocation doesn’t mean compromise. In markets like Texas, you can maintain access to top-tier work while improving cost of living and quality of life.
- Specialist recruiters matter. When your recruiter understands your practice area, the market, and the timing—it makes all the difference.
If you’re a funds or secondaries associate considering your next move—within New York or across the U.S.—connect with Stefano Barbagallo for expert, practical guidance.
📩 Get in touch for a confidential conversation.
