Picture this: you’ve just signed up for a brand-new AI tool. The demos were seamless, the sales cycle smooth, and you’re optimistic about widespread adoption across your company.
Then something goes wrong.
The tool doesn’t perform as expected. Maybe the “smooth as butter” calibration turns out to require PhD-level expertise. Perhaps the promised features that were “just around the corner” aren’t even scheduled for development. Or worse, the tool’s outputs are riddled with hallucinations, making it unusable for its intended purpose.
These scenarios are not theoretical. They’ve happened to us and to many of our clients. In the rush to adopt new technology, we’ve seen companies promise remarkable results and deliver only disappointment.
At Zeidler Group, we are a law firm rooted in investment funds law that also develops and delivers AI-powered solutions for legal and regulatory workflows. Over the years, we’ve evaluated many AI vendors and have come to understand what separates reliable providers from those who fall short.
The following are four areas we focus on when evaluating potential technology partners. This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive, but it has served as a solid framework when assessing new opportunities.
Does the company have a proven track record of success with this AI tool?
Do they have a proven track record beyond this specific product?
How long has the company been operating?
Have they secured funding, and at what stage?
One of our primary concerns with any software vendor, especially AI providers, is sustainability. A vendor might change your processes drastically and then vanish if their business model fails. Companies with a longer operating history and multiple tools typically signal more stability and a stronger commitment to long-term partnerships.
At Zeidler Group, we have seen the value of long-term relationships built on trust and continuity. As a law firm specializing in investment funds, even our AI offerings are developed with a lawyer in the loop. That level of professional oversight provides our clients with confidence that we are here to stay and support them through every phase.
Are the testimonials linked to real individuals?
Do the endorsements come from a range of companies, not just major brands?
Will the vendor arrange a meeting with a current client?
It’s common for vendors to highlight logos of large companies, but in reality, the tool may have been trialed by just one employee in those firms. While big names can add credibility, we look for specific feedback from users within organizations and prefer vendors willing to arrange direct conversations with current clients.
We prioritize transparency. Whether we are delivering legal services or technology solutions, we believe in showcasing real results and verifiable references. That is how trust is built.
How did you discover the tool?
Was it through your own research or did the company reach out?
If it was outreach, was the communication personalized or generic?
Is there coverage in relevant industry publications?
While we remain open to vendors who find us through ads or cold outreach, the best partnerships often originate through industry recommendations or credible publications. Impersonal, mass-marketed tools rarely offer the level of depth we seek. If we do encounter a promising product via cold outreach, we make a point of validating it through secondary research.
Our approach is similar. When introducing our own AI-powered tools, we rely on targeted industry communications and established relationships within the investment funds community. We believe in solving real problems, not pushing generic tech.
Can you identify the people behind the product?
Do they have relevant experience in the industry?
Is there a history of successful product delivery?
Are they moving from one trend to another?
Are they still hiring foundational team members?
We gain confidence when leadership teams have deep knowledge of the domain they serve. It is also critical that vendors show a long-term commitment to their product. If a vendor moved from Web3 to NFTs and now to generative AI, and they are still hiring for foundational roles, that raises concerns about focus and product maturity.
At Zeidler Group, our leadership comes from a strong foundation in investment fund law. Our integration of AI is guided by legal expertise and strategic intent. It is never about chasing trends, but always about enhancing our clients’ legal workflows with precision and care.
There are many questions you can ask when considering an AI technology vendor. The key is to gather as much information as possible before committing.
If you are exploring AI tools or want to learn more about how we combine legal expertise with emerging technologies, Zeidler Group is here to guide you. We help clients navigate the complexities of AI adoption with practical legal insight and a commitment to delivering solutions that work. Reach out to start the conversation.
