Data-Driven Succession Planning: Leveraging Data and AI to Future-Proof Client Relationships

In this episode of The Legal BD Corner, host Ed Lovatt sits down with Suzanne Donnels, former Chief BD & Marketing Officer at Davies and now founder of her own consultancy, to explore how law firms can move beyond “gut feel” and use data and AI to make succession planning a true driver of client confidence and growth.

Together, they discuss:

• Why succession isn’t just about “who’s next”—but about building trust long before transitions happen
• How to harness CRM, billing, matter management, and client feedback data to spot risks and opportunities
• The role of AI in mapping relationship chemistry, personality fit, and future-proofing key accounts
• The political and cultural challenges inside firms—and how CMOs can lead with evidence, not just intuition
• Why succession planning doubles as talent development and can even reduce associate attrition

Suzanne shares candid insights from her years in leadership and her new consulting practice, showing how firms can replace random acts of BD with intentional, data-informed strategies that protect client trust and build stronger benches for the future.

This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for CMOs, BD leaders, and firm partners who want to turn succession planning from a scramble into a strategic advantage.

Meet Suzanne

Suzanne Donnels is a legal business development strategist and former Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer at Davies. She now advises law firms and legal tech providers on succession planning, client growth, and innovation—helping them harness data and AI to strengthen relationships and future-proof their businesses.