Sullivan & Cromwell and OpenAI Launch AI Analyzer to Spot Draft Agreement Issues

Sullivan & Cromwell has partnered with OpenAI to develop Agreement Analyzer, a specialized artificial intelligence tool aimed at reviewing legal contracts. According to research published by OpenAI, this collaboration brings specific legal expertise into the automated review process. The tool is designed to scan draft agreements and identify potential issues, offering a new approach to contract management for firms that rely on rapid and accurate legal analysis. This development touches organizations that manage high volumes of contractual documentation and seek to streamline their legal operations through technology.

By the numbers

• One major law firm, Sullivan & Cromwell, partnered on this development.
• One technology provider, OpenAI, contributed the underlying AI capabilities.
• One specific tool, Agreement Analyzer, was created for this purpose.

What the figures mean

The collaboration between a top-tier law firm and a leading AI developer highlights the growing integration of artificial intelligence in professional services. By combining Sullivan & Cromwell’s legal knowledge with OpenAI’s technical infrastructure, the resulting tool aims to enhance the efficiency of contract review. This suggests that legal departments may increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions to handle routine analysis, allowing human lawyers to focus on complex strategic decisions. The single tool represents a targeted application rather than a broad platform shift, focusing specifically on identifying issues in draft agreements.

What should you do?

Organizations should assess their current contract management workflows to determine where AI assistance could reduce manual review time. Legal teams usually need to validate AI outputs against established compliance standards before full adoption. Check whether existing data privacy policies allow for the processing of sensitive contractual information through external AI tools. Ensure that stakeholders understand the limitations of automated analysis and maintain human oversight for final approvals. Communication between legal, IT, and compliance departments is essential to manage expectations and risks associated with new technologies.

Operational impact

Teams usually begin by mapping current contract review processes to identify bottlenecks where automation could help. Check whether your organization has clear guidelines for using AI in legal contexts. Determine who inside the organization needs to be informed about new tools, typically including legal counsel, IT security, and compliance officers. Establish protocols for verifying AI-generated insights to ensure accuracy. Monitor supplier relationships to ensure that any third-party AI services meet your data security and confidentiality requirements. Regular reviews of these processes help maintain operational integrity while adopting new technologies.

What to do and how to stay safe: OpenAI

• Review internal policies regarding the use of AI tools in legal and compliance workflows.
• Verify that any AI solutions used for contract review comply with data privacy regulations.
• Establish a process for human verification of AI-identified issues in legal documents.
• Train legal staff on the capabilities and limitations of new AI-driven review tools.

Step-by-step guide: Shadow AI Explained: 8 Questions Answered for Secure Operations

General security guidance from the BitShield News newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Agreement Analyzer?

It is an AI tool developed by Sullivan & Cromwell and OpenAI to identify issues in draft agreements.

Who developed this tool?

Sullivan & Cromwell developed it in collaboration with OpenAI, according to OpenAI’s published research.

What is the primary function of this tool?

The tool is designed to identify potential issues within draft legal agreements.