OpenAI launches Astra for Law in US: What Sam Altman's new AI tool means for lawyers

OpenAI has launched Astra for Law, a legal-focused version of GPT-6 Astra designed to assist with research, document analysis and drafting. The system combines AI with US case law, statutes, regulations and legal workflows, with selected law firms getting early access.

Sam Altman's OpenAI has expanded into the legal AI game with Astra for Law, a specialized version of its GPT-6 model. Announced on 17 September, the platform is designed to assist law firms and legal technology companies with research, legal analysis, drafting and other document-based activities. However, Astra for Law is currently limited to the US market, both in terms of availability and its legal search index. Selected US law firms will initially be able to access ChatGPT and Codex via OpenAI's Trusted Access programme, the company said.

The launch marks OpenAI's latest push into the legal technology market, where AI companies are competing to win business from law firms and corporate legal departments. Rivals Google and Anthropic have also expanded their offerings for legal professionals in recent months, Reuters reported. OpenAI said Astra for Law combines its Astra model with an index of US case law, statutes, regulations, and legal instructions, reported Reuters.

Legal research gets a dedicated AI search layer

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 also said its work with the nonprofit ‘Free Law Project’, which operates CourtListener, brings a collection covering more than 99.9% of published US precedential case law into the research experience.

Pragya Singha Roy