I would not even consider a male therapist so my view is skewed. However, I would want to know about his modality and how he envisaged short term work with deep and difficult issues like abandonment which have become forefront due to the circumstances. I would want to know his stance on my deal-breaker issues. For example, I will only work with a female therapist who is a feminist or at least female-centred - you might have your own fundamentals, my example obviously doesn't apply in this instance. I would want to check out his alliance - what conflict is there between him being your therapist and also a (close?) colleague of L? Is he capable of staying with your frame of reference and not leaving it to consider L. He is likely to give a flippant answer about this, but I would really push him on it because I don't think it's as easy as is often claimed.

Overall, I think you should really consider if you want to work with him. Just because L has recommended him, it doesn't mean he will be right for you. I think you are in danger of following her direction because of how you feel about her. This is about him and his suitability. I would also be looking at other options (including no therapist at all).