New York Director

Stefano Barbagallo

New York

About Stefano Barbagallo

Stefano Barbagallo is a former BigLaw attorney and a Director at Sonder’s New York office, where he specializes in recruiting top-tier associates and partners for the city's most prestigious law firms. With deep expertise in private equity, funds, and secondaries, Stef brings first-hand insight into the demands of New York’s elite legal market.

Originally from Australia, he began his legal career at a leading firm before making the move to New York, where he practiced at two of the largest and most respected firms in the city. This experience gives him a unique ability to understand what top firms are looking for and how to guide lawyers toward long-term, strategic career moves within the highly competitive New York landscape.

Stef has successfully placed candidates across the major U.S. markets, but his primary focus remains New York—where his extensive network, market knowledge, and consultative approach have made him a trusted advisor to lawyers and law firms alike. At Sonder, he is committed to building strong, lasting relationships and delivering results that align with both client needs and candidate aspirations.

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Contact Details

OFfice

New York

Phone

(+1) 646 921 2196

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbarbagallo/

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Testimonials

"Stefano is extremely knowledgeable on the funds and secondaries industry and was professional and responsive throughout the lateral process. I highly recommend him for his exceptional ability to match candidates to top funds and secondaries opportunities." - Associate (Funds)

"Stef was a pleasure to work with and demonstrated a strong knowledge of the NY legal market and opportunities within the real estate space. Stef was always available, patient and offered perfect advice when it came to negotiation. " - Associate (Real Estate)

"Stefano provides considered and strategic advice and maintains an open line of communication throughout the process. He is a pleasure to work with and is in a league of his own—so much so that he placed me twice at two different global powerhouses. " - Associate (Funds)

"Working with Stefano has been truly incredible. From the moment we first spoke, the process was extremely smooth, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my new role. Stefano is excellent at what he does, and I would recommend him to anyone looking to make a move. " - Associate (Private Equity)

"My experience working with Stefano was fantastic. He was very responsive and achieved a quick result in a challenging lateral market. His understanding of my practice was beneficial, which sets him apart from other recruiters. If you are looking for a recruiter who is professional and knowledgeable about the market, you can't go wrong with Stefano." - Associate (Funds)

"Stefano is the person you want in your corner. He helped me navigate a completely new legal market with passion and grace. He was available, day or night, to talk me through any concerns. I truly believe I would not have received over-market offers from multiple firms were it not for Stefano and his ability to advocate for his candidates." - Senior Associate (M&A)

"As a Canadian-trained lawyer, Stefano was an invaluable source of information and guidance during my lateral move to New York. Throughout the process, he was responsive, resourceful, and attentive to both my communicated goals and additional opportunities that might fit my profile. I especially appreciated the ease with which he was able to handle my unique case as a foreign trained lawyer with an unconventional background. " - Associate (M&A)

"Stefano helped me quickly identify market opportunities I wasn’t aware of. In addition, his personal experience in my practice area (investment funds) was an asset to my search process, and I felt like we were working as a cohesive team to land me the perfect new position. I truly valued his support, advice and transparency throughout the entire process." - Associate (Private Funds)

"Sonder helped me find a position at a firm where I think I’ll be very happy. Throughout the process, Stefano displayed an in-depth knowledge of the New York legal market and was extremely responsive. Stefano also made a keen effort to understand what I bring to the table and what I was looking for in a firm, and he understood which opportunities would be a good fit. " - Associate - Multinational Law Firm | New York

"Stefano is the person you want in your corner. He helped me navigate a completely new legal market with passion and grace. He was available, day or night, to talk me through any concerns. I truly believe I would not have received over-market offers from multiple firms were it not for Sonder/Stefano and his ability to advocate for his candidates. " - Associate (Private Equity)

""As a Canadian-trained lawyer, Stefano at Sonder was an invaluable source of information and guidance during my lateral move to New York. Throughout the process, he was responsive, resourceful, and attentive to both my communicated goals and additional opportunities that might fit my profile. I especially appreciated the ease with which he was able to handle my unique case as a foreign trained lawyer with an unconventional background."" - Associate (M&A)