On-premises for legal is not a good business
The author reflects on their experience attempting to create a company focused on offline AI for legal applications. After conducting market research and speaking with lawyers, they found the idea was met with negative or indifferent responses. Ultimately, the author views the decision to abandon the project as a success, having gained valuable insights and experience in the process.
- ▪The author spoke to around 15 lawyers who expressed negative or indifferent attitudes towards the business idea.
- ▪Despite initial disappointment, the author now sees the decision to kill the idea as a success.
- ▪AI tools significantly sped up the author's process, but human conversations were crucial for decision making.
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On-premises for legal is not a good business May 25, 2026 AI disclaimer. The writing on this page is mine. The essay below, "Invalidating a business idea...." was originally written March 17, 2026. Opus gave me a few rounds of feedback on it. All the text emitted was from my keyboard though. I tried to build a company called Curtilage. It was intended to be offline AI for legal. As I reflect, I'm most impressed by the generosity of folks I spoke to. I called lawyers and startup folks within my circle, and also people I don't know, warm intros, and said "Hey. I'm working on this idea. I don't have anything to sell. Will you talk to me about your AI tools? Will you talk to me about your process?" I expected people to be mean. It's uncomfortable to reach out, as an engineer and introvert.
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