Future Proofing Your Firm’s Legacy: Data-Driven Succession & Client-Lawyer Matching for Continuity of Service

Written By Suzanne Donnels

Most law firms recognize the importance of succession planning, yet many still approach it as a retirement issue rather than a client retention strategy. The reality is that clients often have strong relationships with individual lawyers, and without a thoughtful transition plan, those relationships can weaken over time.

In this webinar, Mark Howe and Suzanne Donnels discuss how firms can take a more proactive, data-driven approach to succession planning. Topics include identifying at-risk client relationships, involving clients in the transition process, and using relationship intelligence, personality matching, and AI-powered insights to help determine the best successor for key accounts.

The discussion also explores the cultural and compensation challenges that can make succession planning difficult, along with practical strategies for building support through pilot programs and demonstrating early successes. Whether your firm has 20 lawyers or 2,000, even a handful of well-executed transitions can strengthen client loyalty, protect revenue, and leave a lasting legacy.

Watch the full webinar to learn how data, technology, and intentional relationship-building can help create seamless client transitions and long-term success. Brought to you by the LMA Canada Prairies region.

Suzanne Donnels

Suzanne Donnels is a global marketing and communications strategist, fractional CMO, and technologist with more than three decades of experience in legal marketing and business development. She has served as Chief Marketing Officer for numerous international law firms in Canada and the United States, leading initiatives that align marketing, client development, and technology to drive measurable growth. Working at the intersection of strategy, BD, and emerging AI capabilities, Suzanne helps law firms and legal tech providers modernize their approach to client engagement. She also conducts client interviews to uncover insights that strengthen relationships and inform strategic planning.

https://donnels.com
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