Dates: August 2025
Practice Area: Financial Institutions (FIG)
Location: New York
Consultant: Dom Duchesne
Candidate Profiles
- Class of 2020 FIG Associate – Moved from a Band 3 FIG-M&A to a Band 2 FIG-M&A team
- Class of 2022 FIG Associate – Moved from a global firm with Band 1 FIG team to a peer firm with a leading bank regulatory bench
In July and August 2025, Sonder Consultants facilitated two strategic associate placements within Financial Institutions Groups at top firms in New York. Both were led by Dom Duchesne, a former finance lawyer whose understanding of the technical and regulatory nuances across banking and finance enabled high-impact, targeted introductions.
Dom identified a clear need for talent within the FIG space after analysing top-tier firm dynamics and key market developments across finance. This practice area is often overlooked by recruiters, with candidates frequently approached about roles misaligned with their expertise. In several cases, Dom was the only recruiter to successfully introduce a suitable FIG associate.
The Associates
Class of 2020 Associate
An experienced FIG associate with a strong reputation in both regulatory and transactional matters. After a competitive process involving multiple firms, they joined a team recognized for its long-standing client base and strong pipeline. The process was smooth, with efficient negotiations led by Dom and seamless onboarding. In addition to securing a non-prorated year-end bonus (despite joining mid-year), they also received a $25,000 signing bonus—a reflection of both market demand and Dom’s ability to negotiate standout packages.
Class of 2022 Associate
Initially focused on a single target firm, this associate expanded their search after delays. Dom identified a better-aligned opportunity at a firm investing significantly in its FIG group—offering the right balance of mentorship, exposure, and long-term runway. After several rounds, they accepted an offer well-matched to their goals. Importantly, they too received a non-prorated year-end bonus, demonstrating the strength of the negotiations even at the junior level.
The Approach
Dom brings more than market access—he brings subject-matter fluency. As a former banking and finance lawyer, he understands FIG at a granular level: how teams are structured, what experience matters, and how to assess opportunities beyond a job description. Candidates consistently cite the value of working with someone who understands the substance of their practice.
How Dom works:
- Informed Search Strategy: Every outreach is based on real mandates and known team needs—never mass distributed.
- Legal-Led Conversations: Dom understands the language of your practice and what makes a move viable.
- Proactive Timing: He tracks hiring cycles, partner moves, and internal shifts—often surfacing roles before they're public.
- Consistent Support: From first conversation to final offer, Dom stays close—managing timing, competing offers, and personal goals with clarity and discretion.
Candidate Experience
“Dom had an excellent understanding of my niche practice area, which made my process as easy as it could be. He was communicative and available, but effectively managed firm interactions to protect and advocate for me as necessary. I’ve already recommended him to others and will continue to do so.” – Class of 2022 FIG Associate
Key Takeaways
- FIG teams are hiring—particularly mid-levels with strong technical grounding and institutional client experience. Strategic lateral moves remain a priority across the market.
- Precision matters—In a specialized space like FIG, working with a recruiter who understands your practice is the difference between a generic intro and the right opportunity.
- Negotiated packages can exceed expectations—with non-prorated year-end bonuses secured for both placements (despite summer start dates) and a $25k signing bonus for the Class of 2020 associate.
👉 If you’re a FIG associate in New York considering your next move—or simply want insight from an expert—connect with Dom Duchesne for a confidential conversation.
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