Our Engagements
Three ways Gambit House works with in-house legal departments.
Each engagement addresses a different question about how the department operates — from a focused single-day review of internal rhythms to a multi-month strategic assessment of how the department is shaped and positioned.
Back to HomeOur Methodology
How we approach the work
Every Gambit House engagement begins with an honest assessment of what the department most needs to address. That is not always obvious at the outset — which is why the Diagnostic Review exists as a standalone engagement rather than as a preliminary stage to something larger.
The advisory work is focused on strategy and process: how the department is structured, how it sources and manages its outside advisors, what technology and knowledge management practices it uses, and how its internal reporting and planning rhythms are configured. The scope does not extend to the substantive legal matters the department handles.
Deliverables are written documents — not slide decks. A written memo disciplines the advisor to be precise and allows the general counsel to return to the document long after the engagement has concluded.
Diagnostic first
We understand the current operating shape before proposing any course of action
Written output
Every engagement ends with a substantive memo the department retains
Senior-led
The principal advisor leads and delivers — no handoff to junior staff
Fixed timeline
Scope, timeline, and fee are agreed before the work begins
Departmental Strategy Engagement
A multi-month strategy engagement supporting the general counsel or head of legal in shaping the department's structure, vendor relationships, internal-service model, and operating cadence. Covers strategy and process only — no advice on the substantive matters the department handles. Output includes a written strategy memo, a phased plan, and structured working sessions with the leadership team.
What is included
- Written strategy memo addressing structure, vendor relationships, internal-service model, and operating cadence
- Phased implementation plan with milestones and priority sequencing
- Structured working sessions with the general counsel and relevant members of the leadership team
- Advisory access throughout the engagement period for questions and interim thinking
- Confidentiality agreement and clear scope document before work begins
How it works
Introductory meeting to understand the department's situation and confirm scope
Review phase — structured sessions covering each dimension of the department's operating shape
Strategy development phase — drafting and refining the strategic direction with the general counsel
Delivery of written strategy memo and phased plan
Department Diagnostic Review
A focused diagnostic engagement reviewing the department's current operating shape — team composition, workflow, vendor mix, technology base, and stakeholder satisfaction — and producing a written diagnostic memo with structural observations. Useful before commissioning a wider strategy engagement, or as a standalone reflection during leadership transitions.
What is included
- Structured review sessions covering team composition, workflow patterns, vendor relationships, and technology base
- Stakeholder satisfaction assessment — how the department is perceived by the business it serves
- Written diagnostic memo with clear structural observations and identified areas for attention
- Recommendations on whether a wider strategy engagement would be warranted
How it works
Scoping call to understand the department's context and confirm the diagnostic focus
Review sessions — typically two to three structured meetings over two to three weeks
Delivery of written diagnostic memo with structural observations
Operating Cadence Workshop
A short engagement, typically a single working day, addressing the operating cadence of the department — how it plans, reviews, and reports its work internally — and producing a written cadence memo with observations. Built for departments looking to refresh their internal rhythms without commissioning a full review.
What is included
- A single-day structured workshop with the general counsel and relevant team members
- Review of current planning cycles, review meetings, and internal reporting practices
- Written cadence memo with observations and practical adjustments identified during the workshop
- Minimal disruption to ordinary operations — completed within a single working day at Gambit House's Admiralty office
How it works
Short pre-workshop call to understand the department's current cadence and focus the day appropriately
Single-day workshop — structured discussion of planning, review, and reporting practices with working outputs
Written cadence memo delivered within five working days of the workshop
Choosing the Right Engagement
Which engagement fits your situation?
The three engagements address different questions. The table below outlines the key features of each to help you identify which is most appropriate.
| Feature | Strategy Engagement | Diagnostic Review | Cadence Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Multi-month | 3–4 weeks | 1 day |
| Fee | HKD 7,800 | HKD 3,400 | HKD 980 |
| Written strategy memo | |||
| Written diagnostic memo | |||
| Written cadence memo | |||
| Vendor & technology review | |||
| Phased implementation plan |
Strategy Engagement is best for…
Departments undergoing significant change — new general counsel, business restructuring, expansion into new markets — where the operating shape needs to be rethought from first principles.
Diagnostic Review is best for…
Departments that want an honest external perspective on how they are currently operating before deciding whether — and how — to make changes.
Cadence Workshop is best for…
Departments where the structure is broadly sound but the internal rhythms of planning, review, and reporting have drifted or feel out of step with the current pace of the business.
Standards Across All Engagements
What every engagement includes
Confidentiality agreement
Signed before substantive discussion begins. Client identity and engagement details are not disclosed to any third party.
Written scope agreement
The engagement scope, timeline, and fixed fee are agreed in writing before work begins. No scope extension without explicit agreement.
Senior-led delivery
The principal advisor who agrees the scope leads and delivers the engagement. No delegation to junior staff.
Written deliverable
Every engagement produces a written memo that belongs to the client. The format is prose — not slide decks.
Strategy scope only
All engagements are confined to strategy and operations advisory. No legal advice is provided in any engagement.
PDPO-compliant data handling
Client materials are handled in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) and returned or destroyed on engagement conclusion.
Pricing
Fixed, published fees
All fees are inclusive of working sessions, written deliverables, and advisory access during the engagement period. There are no additional charges.
Operating Cadence Workshop
HKD 980
Per engagement
- Single-day workshop
- Written cadence memo
- Senior advisor facilitation
Diagnostic Review
HKD 3,400
Per engagement
- 3–4 week engagement
- Full operating-shape review
- Written diagnostic memo
- Recommendations on next steps
Strategy Engagement
HKD 7,800
Per engagement
- Multi-month engagement
- Written strategy memo
- Phased implementation plan
- Full working-session programme
Next Step
Not sure which engagement is right? Start with a conversation.
A short introductory call helps both parties understand whether there is a natural fit. There is no commitment attached to that conversation, and it is often the clearest way to identify which engagement — if any — addresses the department's actual situation.