OpenAI states that Astra for Law is built with the Legal Search Index, tailored instructions for legal analysis and writing and GPT-6 Astra. OpenAI says the index can search US case law, statutes, regulations, court rules and administrative decisions from over 230 million pages, with new ones being added every day.

OpenAI claims the system can assist attorneys with case study research, structuring arguments, drafting terms, evaluating documents and pinpointing vulnerabilities in legal cases. The company is also allowing firms to integrate its specialist software with their existing expertise and knowledge.

Selected companies will have controls for confidential clients, while OpenAI says it will share them with companies that use the service. The company claims its API offering doesn't retain data, and ChatGPT Enterprise usage isn't subject to human review by default. OpenAI also announced it is collaborating with Latham & Watkins on issues such as information permissions, ethical walls, client instructions and firm oversight. OpenAI's own legal guidance stresses that lawyers should review the model's answers and cited sources before relying on them.

OpenAI is not the only one going into the legal arena. Reuters reported that since January, Anthropic has been developing tools for lawyers, and Google has been broadening its AI services for the legal industry. Reuters announced the introduction of Thomson 1.0 in August, an AI model that is based on Thomson Reuters' legal research content.

Pragya Singha Roy

Pragya is a Technology reporter with over four years of experience in digital media and content writing. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has covered a wide range of stories spanning space, smartphones, gadgets, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the ways technology is transforming everyday life. She focuses on breaking down complex technology and science developments into clear, engaging, and reader-friendly stories, with a keen interest in emerging trends and their real-world impact. Before joining her current newsroom, Pragya worked with News9Live, where she covered the technology beat extensively, reporting on smartphones, consumer technology, AI, space and science, while also contributing to video and visual content. Her experience includes breaking news, explainers, SEO-driven stories, product coverage, interviews, unboxing videos and live event reporting. She has also covered major technology and AI events, giving her experience in both newsroom and on-ground reporting. Beyond journalism, Pragya is an avid gamer and a passionate reader of fiction. She enjoys exploring immersive worlds through games and books, with a particular interest in stories that offer new perspectives, ideas, and experiences.