Deep AI reasoning for complex legal matters
Parallel multi-source retrieval followed by deeper reasoning, with the sources it relied on listed under the answer. For when thoroughness is non-negotiable.
When should a solicitor use extended AI reasoning?
Use it when a question needs several sources weighed against each other rather than a quick answer. Writford's extended thinking retrieves across multiple authoritative UK sources for complex legal analysis, reasons through them at greater length, and lists the sources it relied on under the answer so you can check them.
- How is this different from a normal answer?
- A normal answer responds directly. Extended Thinking retrieves across several sources first, then gives the model more room to reason through them before it answers.
- Can I see how it reached the conclusion?
- You can see what it relied on: the sources are listed under the answer and the steps it took, such as the searches it ran, are shown with it. The model's own internal reasoning is not displayed. Extended Thinking gives the model more time to reason; it does not publish that reasoning.
- What is it best for?
- Complex or multi-jurisdictional matters where several authorities interact and the answer depends on how they are weighed.
- Does it produce something I can put on the file?
- It produces a structured memo with the sources consulted, suitable for partner review.
- Does it cost more?
- It does more retrieval and more reasoning, so it uses more of your monthly usage. It is opt-in per question for that reason.
Parallel retrieval across every authoritative UK source
Extended Thinking fires multiple simultaneous queries across legislation.gov.uk, SRA guidance, BAILII case law, CPR rules, and the wider web before it begins reasoning. It cross-references findings from all sources, identifying conflicts and gaps before synthesising a final answer.
- Parallel queries across legislation, case law, SRA and CPR simultaneously
- Cross-references findings to identify conflicts between sources
- Includes secondary commentary and professional guidance where relevant
- Flags sources it could not retrieve clearly in the output
- Full audit trail of every source consulted, available to export
The sources behind the answer, where you can check them
Extended Thinking spends more reasoning effort on the question before it answers. The model's internal working is not shown. What you get is what a reviewing partner needs: the sources it relied on, listed under the answer, the steps it took, and citations checked against the sources it actually retrieved.
- Sources relied on are listed under every answer
- A short trail of the steps taken, such as sources searched and documents read
- Spot gaps or assumptions before the output reaches the client
- Citations cross-checked against the sources actually retrieved
- More reasoning effort, not a transcript of the model's thinking
Structured legal memos ready for file
Extended Thinking is optimised to produce structured output, issue identification, applicable law, analysis, and recommendation sections, formatted for direct use in file notes, counsel instructions, or client advice letters. Export as Word or PDF with one click.
- Issue → Law → Analysis → Recommendation structure
- Numbered section headings aligned to UK legal memo convention
- Inline citations with source references preserved in Word export
- Ideal for counsel instructions, client advice, and board memos
- Works best with complex multi-issue matters: employment, corporate, property