OpenAI takes its AI fight with Anthropic to Big Law

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman inside Oakland's federal courthouse on May 12, 2026.

Josh Edelson / AFP via Getty Images OpenAI launched Astra for Law to target the legal industry with advanced AI tools for lawyers.

OpenAI aims to outpace its biggest rival, Anthropic, with tailored AI legal solutions.

OpenAI is collaborating with legal tech firms to add its latest Astra model into Harvey and Legora.

OpenAI is taking its seat at the counsel table.

On Thursday, the company announced Astra for Law, its long-awaited offering for legal work.

Lawyers have already become ChatGPT power users , but the new launch brings plugin tools, a way to search legal cases more effectively, and custom model tweaks that will help others build on the tech.

As OpenAI prepares for its initial public offering, it's making a play at customers in specific industries.

The legal launch marks yet another sector where OpenAI is pouring investment in its bid to become the go-to destination for AI work tools.

Last week, the company unveiled ChatGPT for Financial Services , aimed at Wall Street customers.

It has also launched industry-specific products for teachers, clinicians, life sciences researchers, and the personal health and finance sectors.

OpenAI's launch lines up in many ways with a legal release from Anthropic , its chief rival, back in May.

Both releases featured a spate of integrations, though OpenAI is also tailoring its model specifically for legal work by embedding it with tools and tweaking its settings.

"You win by focusing on the customer and not the competition," said Jason Boehmig, who leads legal product at OpenAI, at a press briefing.