Testimonials | Our Legal Consultants
Here are just some of the comments Ablethorpe Recruitment Legal Consultants have received from clients and candidates…
We are extremely proud of the reputation of Ablethorpe Legal Recruitment’s consultants Stuart Ablethorpe, Antonia Ordon and Sally Westh!
Stuart was great at understanding where I wanted to progress my career and provided wonderful guidance throughout the recruitment process. Stuart was knowledgeable, easy to connect with and provided helpful advice all throughout. I would highly recommend future candidates to engage with Stuart’s expertise.
Jonathan Kwong, Lawyer, Law Squared
Stuart has been an amazing support with my recent transition into a new role. I found Stuart to be highly professional, responsive and personable. Stuart took the time to understand my career aspirations, gave me excellent advice, was quick to put me forward for a suitable role and was proactive in keeping me informed throughout the recruitment process. Stuart and his team has been such a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend Stuart and Ablethorpe Recruitment to my legal colleagues should they wish to progress in their career!
Shin Guan, Lawyer, Steinepreis Paganin Lawyers and Consultants
I have just completed my 6 months’ probation at Bupa and I couldn’t be happier, the time has flown by and I cannot thank Sally and Stuart at Ablethorpe enough for finding this job for me! The process, communication and service has been above and beyond all expectations, the job is the perfect fit for me. I have used recruitment agencies for jobs in the past and always been left disappointed but the experience with Sally and Stuart has completely changed my perspective. I would certainly recommend them to anyone looking for a new job!
Carly Hughes, Board Secretary, BUPA
Sophie assisted me in early 2019, when I was searching for a new role in corporate law in what were trying market conditions. Sophie first discussed with me, at length, my career aspirations and where I wanted to be in 5 years time. She then went out and, through her perseverance and hard work, was able to secure several interviews for me with firms which aligned with my long term career aspirations. The rest was up to me.
I found Sophie to be a highly professional, competent and tireless worker who was of constant support to me throughout the entire recruitment process – which is all you can ask of your recruiter. Ultimately, I was able to secure the perfect next role for my career through Sophie, so I would recommend her services to anyone.
Paul Collins, Lawyer, Clarendon Lawyers
I highly commend Stuart Ablethorpe as a legal consultant and recruitment expert. Stuart placed me in my first in-house role which provided me with the opportunity to progress to my current international General Counsel role. Stuart is a world class recruitment professional who gives each assignment his personal touch treating each client as a ‘celebrity’.
Stretch Kontelj OAM, Global Legal Counsel, Specsavers
Sophie and Antonia were extremely helpful in the process of understanding the opportunities that were available to me based on my experience and what was in the market. They provided assistance at every step of the hiring process, from my CV, interviewing tips to navigating some of the challenges that arise when looking and deciding for a change. Sophie was great to deal with, was very personable, patient and understanding of my own circumstances throughout the whole process. I certainly found Sophie to be a massive help as a great intermediary between myself and potential employers’ HR. Without a doubt, the opportunity I have would not have arisen or been on my radar without the brilliant service by the team from Ablethorpe – I would recommend to anyone looking for a change in their career to have a chat to them.
Tax Lawyer, Melbourne
Thank you to Sally and Stuart for helping me secure this amazing opportunity. I would definitely recommend Ablethorpe Recruitment.
Tom Slevin, Solicitor, Allens
Sophie was great to work with and was really supportive throughout my process of securing an in house role. Thanks again for all your help!
Elisa Chew, Legal Counsel, UNIQLO Australia
We were very pleased with the service we received from Ablethorpe, the calibre of candidates you put through and the process you followed. I am very grateful for your patience with us (not an easy brief I know!) and for putting together such a comprehensive shortlist at such short notice. If we do need to restart the search or look for other legal professionals, I would not hesitate to call you.
Emma Pollard, General Manager, People and Sustainability, Coronado Curragh Pty Ltd
Thank you Ablethorpe Recruitment! Never in my mind did I expect to secure a position within one month coming from overseas. Stuart definitely has his fingers on the pulse and knows exactly where and how to showcase my CV. I will certainly recommend Ablethorpe Recruitment to everyone as the first consultant and recruiter of choice. Thank you very much Stuart for all your help.
David Ong, Solicitor, HSF
Sophie, thank you for reigniting my faith in the recruitment industry! Your ability to understand my experience, requirements and the type of organisation I wanted to work for allowed you to find the perfect role for me. I would recommend Sophie to any prospective candidate or employer.
Elle Jones, In-House Counsel @ Eightcap
Stuart was extremely helpful and prompt at responding to me. Within a week of me contacting him he had 3 interviews arranged for me with suitable employers. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the industry which really assisted me to decide where I wanted to work.
Kierra Krumdieck, Associate, Maddocks
Sophie and Antonia were extremely professional and proactive in helping me gain a new position. They took the time to provide feedback and assistance to make the experience a comfortable and positive one. I would definitely recommend the services of Ablethorpe Recruitment.
Lawyer, Private Practice (Melbourne)
I would highly recommend Ablethorpe Recruitment as it is one of the few recruitment companies that manages its client’s requirements with absolute professionalism and provides valuable insights into the legal recruitment industry. I received sound advice from Stuart Ablethorpe throughout my job searching and secured interviews with top-class employers as a result. Stuart provided me with tips on my CV and interview skills which I found very useful. I would highly recommend Ablethorpe Recruitment as it is one of the stand-out recruitment companies for providing excellent advice and having the job-seeker’s best interest at the forefront of it’s service.
Rosalind Deane, Solicitor, Eversheds Sutherland (Australian employer Gilbert + Tobin)
Stuart and the team at Ablethorpe Recruitment were honest, professional and helpful during my interview and resignation process. Stuart gave well reasoned advice about making a good career move for me and my skills. Stuart and Kyle both made time to discuss the process at each stage with me, and I am so grateful for having their support. Thanks again for all your help!
Sarah Broome, Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright
Thank you so much for all that you’ve done to land me this role. It was such a pleasure working with you both. The service provided was exceptional.
Minh Williamson, Legal Counsel, Multiplex
I am thoroughly enjoying a new role in a new area of law – aged care – that I’ve been very keen to explore for some time, and I have Stuart to thank for this. Not only did he alert me to the opportunity, he also provided great advice and assistance along the way. I am immensely grateful.
Elaine Fabris, In-House Lawyer, BUPA
Sophie was very proactive in suggesting roles that were suited to my requirements and understood what I was ultimately after in my first career move as a solicitor. I was not in a rush to make a move and waited until the right role came along. When this happened I quickly found myself having an interview. In the lead up to the interview and then job offer negotiations, both Sophie and Stuart were very personable, professional and discreet. I will recommend Sophie and Ablethorpe Recruitment to any of my colleagues and friends seeking a new role in the legal market.
Litigation Lawyer, Private Practice
Thanks again for all your support in securing the role, it’s been a pleasure working with your team.
Carmen, In-House Lawyer, Fast Retailing
Sophie was at all times not only a delight to work with but totally professional and reliable. Her well-informed advice and guidance were much appreciated and it was incredibly reassuring to deal with someone who kept me informed and always lived up to what she promised in terms of timing of updates, etc. I will certainly be recommending her to any of my friends and colleagues who require the services of a recruitment consultant.
Jennifer Butler, Practice Support Lawyer, Hall & Wilcox
Sophie was really great to work with and helped guide me through the process seamlessly. She communicated well with me and answered all my questions. I am grateful for Sophie’s assistance in helping me secure this great opportunity. I would definitely recommend her services.
Property Lawyer, major mid tier client
Antonia was professional, discreet, and, most importantly, motivated to convince me to make an extremely positive career move which I was hesitant about. She also negotiated a salary that far exceeded my expectations. I have already recommended her to a number of colleagues and will continue to do so.
Lawyer, Private Practice
Antonia Ordon provided a wonderful service. She is enthusiastic, responsive, very professional, knowledgeable and gave me an excellent preparation for my two interviews and I feel I owe my job to her!
In-House Legal Counsel
Stuart and Antonia were a great team and made the whole interview/recruitment process a great experience for me. I will definitely recommend Ablethorpe Recruitment to any friends looking for the next step in their careers.
Joanne Ottaway, Lawyer, Private Practice
Stuart Ablethorpe of Ablethorpe Recruitment recently assisted me move into a new role. Stuart went above and beyond that of any other recruiter I’ve used in the past. He is responsive, experienced and honest. He gave me useful advice and feedback on my CV and on my presentation skills. He listened to what I had to say then gave me honest and personalised advice about what to expect from the process and how to decide which career would be the best fit for me. I highly recommend Stuart to any employer or employee looking for a recruiter.
Mary Ryan – Legal Advisor (In-House)
Stuart is a no nonsense recruiter who is very easy to deal with. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to a potential candidate or law firm.
Michael Hazell, Principal Lawyer – Litigation and Dispute Resolution, M+K (Macpherson Kelley Lawyers)
Current Board Member of the AFL Players Association Player Agents Board
Stuart Ablethorpe and his team had a strong understanding of firms in the legal services market and was able to quickly match me to a position in a firm which I think is an excellent fit.
Nisha Pereira, Lawyer, CIE Legal
Stuart has a strong understanding of the legal market (both private practice and in house), is very accommodating and easy to deal with and, most importantly, has consistently put forward candidates that are suited to our business (relative to other recruiters).
Mark Dessi – Partner at Hall & Wilcox
Stuart is a fantastic legal recruiter. In particular, it is Stuart’s honesty, the breadth and depth of his knowledge of both the private practice and in house legal markets in Australia and the useful / practical career and other advice which he has been able to offer me, since I have known him, which separates him from other people in his industry.
Craig Brook – Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects Lawyer
Stuart is an expert recruiter who not only knows the legal industry inside and out, but is very personable to deal with. Stuart understands his clients’ wants and needs, and does not rest until they are met.
Sam Chadwick – General Manager – Hyundai A-League
Stuart does a great job in meeting our needs and is typically responsive and pragmatic with his advice and outcomes. One to recommend definitely!
Michael Helmer – General Counsel & Company Secretary at NEXTDC.
From the very beginning of my job hunt to the day I signed a contract for a fantastic role Sophie found for me, she was flexible, easy to contact, did exactly what she said she was going to do and was very transparent. Sophie is a real professional and I would recommend her to anyone.
Rosa Hughes, Startups Lawyer, LUNA
I found Stuart professional and knowledgeable in the role, company requirements and my requirements. By matching our requirements he managed to get optimal results.
Vijay Rao – General Manager, Global Technology Services at IBM.
Stu was a ‘lifeline’ for me in the Melbourne legal work market when I returned from London. Straight talking, well connected and a man of his word, I recommend Stuart as one of the best recruiters I’ve dealt with for candidates and employers.
Shaun Bell – General Counsel, Risk and Compliance Officer, Company Secretary – South East Asia and Pacific at Bureau Veritas.
Stuart and the Team are consumate professionals, being a first time user we were delighted with the experience and will use Ablethorpe in the future.
Client – Private Company
Just wanted to pass on some feedback of how impressed I was with Sophie during the process. If I consider making a move again, she will be the first person I contact.
Nicholas Elliot, Insurance Litigation Solicitor

If you would like to add your testimonial to this page, please email kyle@ablethorpe.com