# OpenAI launches Astra for Law to compete in legal tech

> OpenAI releases a specialized AI tool built for law firms, with 26 new plugins and 40% better legal research accuracy than its general model.
- Title: OpenAI launches Astra for Law to compete in legal tech
- Summary: OpenAI releases a specialized AI tool built for law firms, with 26 new plugins and 40% better legal research accuracy than its general model. OpenAI is…
- Keywords: openai, astra for law, gpt-6 astra, legal technology, law firms, artificial intelligence, legal research, chatgpt, legal tech market, anthropic claude, business, finance
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openai-targets-legal-tech-market-with-astra-for-law
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-18T19:44:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, astra for law, gpt-6 astra, legal technology, law firms, artificial intelligence, legal research, chatgpt, legal tech market, anthropic claude, business, finance
## OpenAI launches Astra for Law
OpenAI released a specialized AI foundation for law firms and legal tech companies. Astra for Law combines GPT-6 Astra with settings, tools and context tailored for professional legal work.
## 26 new plugins for legal workflows
OpenAI added 26 ecosystem plugins that connect ChatGPT to specialized tools used by law firms. Users can customize Astra for Law to fit their specific needs.
## 40% more accurate legal research
Astra for Law was 40% more accurate than GPT-6 Astra using web search alone. It found 24% more reference cases and retrieved 54% more relevant passages from court opinions.
## Rollout through trusted access first
OpenAI will initially offer Astra for Law to selected law firms through Trusted Access in ChatGPT and Codex. The company will soon add the product to its API.
## Legal tech funding surges past $2.4 billion
In the first nine months of 2025, funding to legal technology startups surpassed $2.4 billion. AI systems are now embedded in law firms handling research, contracting, compliance and billing.
## Anthropic competes with Claude for Law
Rival AI company Anthropic added 20 Model Context Protocol connectors and 12 plugins for legal work to Claude in May. Legal professionals are Anthropic's most engaged users across knowledge work functions.

> legal professionals have become the most engaged Claude Cowork users of any knowledge-work function
## Key takeaway

OpenAI is making a serious push into legal technology with a purpose-built AI product that outperforms its general-purpose model on legal tasks.