Team
Team
Meet the EG Legal team
We’re more than a legal recruitment agency
Created for legal professionals
by legal professionals
Created for legal professionals
by legal professionals
Tom Eckardt
Co-Founder
Tom began his career at several prestigious law firms in London, specializing in corporate M&A. While working at one of the UK’s top-tier firms, he discovered his passion for helping lawyers with strategic career planning and transitions. Leveraging his extensive experience and connections in both the UK and Sydney, he co-founded Eckardt Guanlao (EG Consulting) in 2016.
With over 10 years of experience, Tom is a firm believer in the principle that honesty is the best policy. He is dedicated to providing candidates and clients with enduring, insightful advice
Tom Eckardt
Co-Founder
Tom Eckardt
Co-Founder
Tom started his career working at various law firms in London within the corporate M&A sector. Whilst working in one of the UK’s top tier law firms, he decided to leave his law job and help lawyers with strategic career planning and moves. The experience and connections he developed in the UK and Sydney led him to co-found Eckardt Gunlao, (EG Legal), alongside Luke in 2016.
With 10+ years of experience, he believes honesty is the best policy. Tom is committed to providing both candidate and clients with long-lasting career advice.
Helen Winstanley
Consultant
Helen Winstanley
Consultant
Helen studied Law at Sheffield University, UK. After graduating, her travel itch took over, with her journey ending in Sydney. She soon realised the Northern Beaches life was for her. Helen worked as a commercial litigation Paralegal for both Clayton Utz and Clifford Change before making the transition into recruitment.
She’s focused on building long-term relationships with lawyers and combines her knowledge of the legal space with a real understanding of each career need.
Helen Winstanley
Senior Consultant – Qualified Legal
Helen studied Law at Sheffield University, UK. After graduating, her travel itch took over, with her journey ending in Sydney. She soon realised the Northern Beaches life was for her. Helen worked as a commercial litigation Paralegal for both Clayton Utz and Clifford Chance before making the transition into recruitment.
She’s focused on building long-term relationships with lawyers and combines her knowledge of the legal space with a real understanding of each career need.
Pia Ali
Consultant
Pia Ali
Senior Consultant – Legal Support
Pia started her career journey in Real Estate Consulting. However, having found a real passion for connecting with people and wanting to help people find and explore their passion she made the move into recruitment. While Pia is extremely passionate about getting the best for her clients and candidates she is equally as passionate about good food and good wine due to her Italian ancestry.
Pia will go above and beyond for her candidates and clients and she will work hard to get the best result for both.
Jodie Allen
Consultant
Jodie Allen
Consultant – Legal Support
Jodie comes with 8+ years of experience in the legal field, having worked as a legal secretary in both Australia and the UK across many practice areas. Now she is using her unique hands-on experience to match legal support professionals with their ideal positions.
Dedicating time to thoroughly understand the needs of both candidates and clients, ensuring the perfect fit for everyone involved.
Chantal Denham
Candidate Manager, Legal Support
Chantal Denham
Candidate Manager – Legal Support
Chantal is a results-driven recruitment professional with over a decade of experience spanning legal, IT, education, and public sector recruitment. Passionate about connecting top talent with the right opportunities, she has built a strong track record in candidate management, stakeholder engagement, and full-cycle recruitment.
As a Candidate Manager at EG Consulting, she is ensuring seamless placements by understanding both client and candidate needs. Her previous roles have included senior recruitment positions across global firms, where she successfully managed staffing solutions for high-profile organisations across Australia, the UK, and the Middle East.
Chantal has extensive experience in legal, IT, education, and public sector recruitment, having worked with law firms, government agencies, multinational corporations, and educational institutions.
Her ability to build lasting relationships, streamline hiring processes, and provide strategic workforce solutions has earned her a reputation as a trusted recruiter in the industry.
Beyond recruitment, she enjoys fund raising, being by the beach and volunteering at her local surf lifesaving club.
