Secure Communication with Clients - A Modern Approach

Attorney-client privilege is the cornerstone of legal representation. In today's digital world, protecting that privilege requires thoughtful implementation of secure communication practices.

The Problem with Traditional Communication

Many law firms still rely on:

• Standard email: Unencrypted, vulnerable to interception
• Phone calls: No documentation, hard to track
• Text messages: Insecure, easy to screenshot and share
• Fax: Outdated, sent to shared machines

These methods create security risks and compliance headaches.

What Makes Communication "Secure"?

Secure communication for legal purposes should include:

1. Encryption

All data should be encrypted:

• In transit: TLS/SSL encryption for all connections
• At rest: Encrypted database storage
• End-to-end: Optional for highly sensitive matters

2. Access Control

Only authorized parties should access communications:

// Example: Role-based access control
const canViewMessage = (user, message) => {
	return (
		user.id === message.senderId ||
		user.id === message.recipientId ||
		user.hasPermission('messages.view_all')
	);
};

3. Audit Logging

Every access should be logged:

Field	Description
Timestamp	When the action occurred
User	Who performed the action
Action	What they did (view, send, download)
Resource	Which message/document
IP Address	Where the request originated

4. Authentication

Strong authentication prevents unauthorized access:

• Password policies: Minimum length, complexity requirements
• Two-factor authentication: SMS, authenticator apps, or security keys
• Session management: Automatic timeouts, single session options

How MyLawyerLink Handles Security

MyLawyerLink was built with security as a core principle:

Secure Messaging

Our messaging system provides:

• TLS encryption for all connections
• Encrypted database storage
• Complete audit trail
• Role-based access control
• No messages stored on client devices

Secure Calling

Browser-based calling through MyLawyerLink:

• Encrypted voice connections
• Call recordings stored securely
• AI transcription with optional redaction
• Access controlled by case permissions

Document Security

Documents uploaded to MyLawyerLink:

• Virus scanned on upload
• Encrypted storage
• Versioning with full history
• Download/view logging

Compliance Considerations

Different jurisdictions have specific requirements:

ABA Model Rules

Rule 1.6 requires lawyers to "make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure" of client information.

State Bar Requirements

Many state bars have issued ethics opinions on:

• Cloud storage of client data
• Electronic communication with clients
• Use of AI in legal practice

Industry Standards

Consider compliance with:

• SOC 2 Type II: Security, availability, and confidentiality
• HIPAA: If handling health-related legal matters
• GDPR: For clients in the European Union

Best Practices Checklist

Implement these practices in your firm:

• Use encrypted communication platforms
• Enable two-factor authentication for all users
• Implement regular security training
• Review access logs monthly
• Create an incident response plan
• Document your security policies
• Conduct annual security assessments

The Bottom Line

Secure communication isn't just about technology—it's about protecting your clients and your practice. Modern tools like MyLawyerLink make it easier to implement robust security without sacrificing convenience.

Ready to upgrade your firm's communication security? Start your free trial and see how easy secure communication can be.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with your state bar for specific ethical requirements.