References
The following select attorney client references are a sample of our past results and valued relationships.
★★★★★
“When I was first introduced to Stephen, I was at a large, white-shoe New York law firm. I wasn't yet ready to leave, but I was interested in at least hearing what else was out there. The thing that separates Stephen from others in the legal recruiting industry is that he never pushed me to do anything until I was comfortable. Instead, over many months we developed a close relationship (really a friendship) and he gave me insight into other law firms that might be a better fit.
Once I was ready to start applying elsewhere, Stephen was an immense help during the process as he spent hours talking to me on the phone about every angle of the firms to which I was applying and the nuances between what on the surface seemed like similar firms. Given his professional background, Stephen is uniquely placed to advise on law firm moves and their deep connections at some of the most sought-after law firms made a huge difference.
Stephen became a trusted friend and advisor and gave me great insight that made me feel prepared and confident for my interviews. I ended up at a law firm where I am much happier and more invested and Stephen deserves a great deal of credit for that. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in having a conversation about a potential move.”
— Gunderson Corporate Associate
“The Damato team did an exemplary job helping me with a lateral move and geographical relocation from New York to Texas. Gabby was my primary point of contact, who skillfully ran the hiring process with several law firms and helped me negotiate some strong offers. She was always responsive, organized and did all the heavy lifting on logistics, which was paramount for me as I continued to work at my prior firm.
Gabby and Stephen leveraged their wealth of cross-jurisdictional knowledge to help me develop a targeted list of firms in my destination city based on similarities to my prior firm and my practice focus. From our initial conversations to accepting an offer, Gabby and Stephen always kept my career goals top of mind and focused on finding me the right fit rather than securing a referral.
I highly recommend Damato Search Group to anyone considering a move – even if that move may be several months or potentially a year down the line. Their team is very experienced and goes above and beyond to ensure the right fit, and their approach is patient, strategic and genuinely caring.”
— Kirkland & Ellis M&A/PE Partner
“The Damato team will guide you through it all, from early ‘feeler’ calls months in advance of making anything even remotely resembling a concrete decision to lateral, through objective guidance for your applications (specific insight into partners he knows, interview styles, etc.) based on what your goals are, leveraging their contacts to work for you, and giving you an unbiased sounding board when the offers inevitably roll in—they crush it.
I’ve already recommended them to several colleagues/friends who have inquired, and will continue to do so. To top it all off, they’re great people and will remain close contacts, even if just to grab a dinner when in town.”
— Orrick Tech Companies Group Associate
“I could not speak more highly of my experience with Damato. From our first call to the signing of my offer letter, they guided me through the process and were available to answer any and all questions. The Damato team initially took the time to discuss the overall M&A lateral market with me, at which point I decided to stick with my then current firm. I received no hard sell from them and they offered to be a resource moving forward.
Months later I reached back out to Damato and they helped me put together a list of firms that aligned with my interests and long-term goals (both personal and professional). The Damato team’s experience working in top firms allows them to understand the finer distinctions between firms and practice areas, which carries over into the pragmatic and thoughtful advice that they provide.
The Damato team is enthusiastic, diligent and knowledgeable. I recommend their services to all.”
— Fenwick M&A Associate
“Damato was exactly what I was looking for in my lateral search. I was looking for someone with the experience and industry knowledge to guide me throughout the process, and they were extremely helpful each step of the way. Whether it involves identifying potential firms, fine tuning my CV, or preparing for interviews, I would highly recommend Damato Search Group to anyone who is looking for a career change!”
— Fenwick Emerging Companies Associate
“After having connected with a handful of recruiters, I can comfortably say that my experience with Gabby far surpassed them all. Not only did she help me land exactly the type of position I wanted, but she was also receptive to and willing to help with my much more narrowly focused and personal questions. Navigating the process from start to finish with Gabby was approachable and thorough — a welcomed but stark contrast to the way many Biglaw recruiters function.”
— Kirkland & Ellis Investment Funds Associate
“Damato Search Group is exceptional. Their email was the only one I responded to after a flood of cold recruiter outreach. It was obvious that they took the time to understand me, my background, and what would be the best fit in a new firm. They’re responsive, knowledgeable and empathetic.
Regardless of where you are in the process, I highly recommend speaking to Damato about your career. With their help and guidance I was able to land a job at my dream firm far sooner than I ever would have imagined.”
— Gunderson Corporate Associate
“Throughout my job search, Damato was a constantly encouraging confidant who always clearly had my best interests in mind. Their approach was consistently thoughtful and strategic, and they were able to intuit what I was looking for in a way that other recruiters couldn’t. Ultimately they helped me find what I consider to be a dream job and the process was as smooth as could be with Damato in the driver’s seat. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
— Morrison & Foerster Fund Finance Associate
“Stephen was immensely helpful in my job search. Not only did he help me think through what made sense as a next step in my career, he did so patiently and enthusiastically over the course of many months, becoming a trusted confidant and friend. Once I began applying to jobs, he coached me through the interview process and was responsive to my questions and goals. I highly recommend Stephen to all, even if you’re not necessarily looking to make a transition. A conversation with him could lead to something unexpected and rewarding!”
— Gunderson Tax Associate
“Many recruiters mass solicit potential candidates without understanding the person they are talking to. The Damato team truly sets themselves apart from the pack with their ability and desire to understand the candidate and effectively craft a job search with such candidate in mind. Furthermore, Damato has a deep understanding of the market and the recruiting process. They were highly communicative and a great help throughout my lateraling process. I highly recommend speaking with them.”
— Pillsbury Corporate Associate
“If you’re looking for a recruiter who will thoughtfully and strategically guide you through the lateral recruiting process, then Stephen is your guy. A good friend of mine recommended Stephen to me after I mentioned to her that I wanted to lateral to a firm that was a ‘better fit’—both professionally and culturally. Stephen helped me find that firm.
Whether it’s talking you through your career goals, playing point guard to facilitate interviews and second-looks, or helping negotiate your compensation package, Stephen’s the guy you want in your corner. I could not more highly recommend Stephen as a legal recruiter, especially in the corporate and transactional space.”
— Goodwin Life Sciences Associate
“I've worked with many different legal recruiters and none compare to Stephen. Working with Stephen felt like working with a friend who happened to be a legal recruiter, and an effective one at that - not only will Stephen get you the job you want through his connections and interview preparation, he'll also be a pleasure to work with throughout the process. I can't recommend him enough!”
— Goodwin Tech Transactions Associate
“Stephen is a wonderfully talented and conscientious recruiter. He is unique in that, rather than sending every opportunity under the sun to place you as quickly as possible, he takes the time to get to know you and develops a personalized strategy for finding the right long-term fit. His thoughtful, practical, and honesty advice as well as his quick response time was very much appreciated. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking to explore the legal market.”
— Fried Frank M&A/PE Associate
“Stephen is hands down the best recruiter I have ever worked with. From my first conversation with Stephen, it was very clear he took a different approach than the rest. When he recommended firms to me, he either placed others at the firm and connected me with those individuals or could provide me with the background I needed on the firm to properly evaluate it.
Stephen was able to advise me on how to become a competitive candidate and coach me on how to effectively communicate my reasons for wanting to lateral in interviews. Most importantly, he communicates with you throughout the entire process. From reviewing and editing my resume to make it stand out, coaching me in preparation for interviews, negotiating on my behalf in terms of signing bonuses, and lastly making himself available to help you weigh your options, he is fully present at every stage.
It's clear he is incredibly invested and honest with you throughout the process because he actually cares about making sure you find the right fit. He really goes above and beyond. I owe so much credit to him and I really cannot recommend Stephen enough.”
— Alston & Bird Privacy and Cybersecurity Associate