BD that actually sticks.

We help lawyers build BD habits that work in real life — not just on training days.

The problem

Most BD support gives lawyers a framework and hopes for the best. A training day runs, people leave with good intentions, and six weeks later very little has changed. Not because the content was wrong. Because changing behaviour is harder than explaining it.

The problem is rarely skill. It is usually clarity, confidence, and the absence of a plan that is realistic enough to survive a busy week. BD slips not because lawyers do not care, but because nothing has been built to make it stick.

That is the gap GFC was built to close.

We do not go straight to tools and techniques. We start further back — with what is actually getting in the way. Then we build habits that are realistic enough to survive a busy week, and specific enough to make a difference.

Our approach

Mindset before method

BD does not fail because lawyers lack the skills. It usually fails because of what they believe about BD — and about themselves. We address that first: what is the real barrier, what does “enough” actually look like, and what would a realistic plan look like for this person at this stage.

Embedded, not delivered

We do not deliver and disappear. Whether we are running a training programme, supporting a coaching client, or working on a directories campaign, we are invested in whether the work actually changes something — not just whether the session went well. That means building in follow-through from the start.

Simplified, not scaled down

BD gets abandoned when it gets over-engineered. We have built our methodology — including frameworks like Minimum Viable BD Planning — around simplicity. A plan that is too complex to use in a busy week is not a plan. We help lawyers build something they will actually come back to.

Testimonials

“Gemma has become a crucial business partner, combining imagination, curiosity and insight with strategic vision and immensely effective execution skills. She has a rare ability to motivate team members at any levels of a project, and takes great care and responsibility (but always with a light touch) to get the job done, and done with flair, imagination and results.”

“Working with Gemma transformed our approach to making submissions to the legal directories. She made a world of difference to the firm’s submissions. We could not recommend her highly enough.”

“Gemma rapidly understands what needs to be done and then delivers it, always with charm and a sense of humour. She has a commercial focus and the intellectual agility to move smoothly between influencing strategic thinking and taking the practical steps for implementation.”

"Gemma and Meg provided a seamless blend of strategic and hands-on BD support. Their partnership gave us complete confidence and delivered real impact across our corporate and real estate teams. The feedback from our fee earners has been nothing but complementary, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them."

If BD is not working the way you want it to, let's talk about why.

Whether you are thinking about associate development, one-to-one coaching, directories support, or something more strategic — we work with a small number of firms at a time and it is worth a conversation sooner rather than later.

Meet the team

Gemma

Founder

Gemma is a former Legal 500 researcher and Business Development Manager with over ten years of experience running successful pitches, directory submissions, integrated campaigns, and managing global client relationships for both international and boutique firms in London. Prior to working in the legal sector Gemma studied law, journalism and marketing. Gemma left London to move to France four years ago, which is when GF Consulting was born.

Megan

BD & Marketing Advisor

Megan brings over seven years of experience gained in a Top 100 firm in Bristol where she was a Property Litigation Solicitor. In 2021, driven by her desire to travel more, Megan transitioned into the world of marketing and BD and became a freelance adviser, joining GF Consulting in June 2023. Megan’s unique perspective as a former solicitor equips her to understand and tackle the challenges faced by lawyers and law firms in the realm of BD and Marketing.

Olivia

BD & Marketing Executive

Olivia is a former Legal 500 researcher and BD & Marketing Executive, with over 10 years experience of working on pitches and marketing campaigns within asset management in London before switching over to the legal sector. Olivia studied law at university.