Connect WhatsApp, Email & Slack to OpenClaw

By Irfad Imtiaz, Director of Technology at My Legal Academy

In Article 4, you deployed a working OpenClaw instance. It's running, it's thinking, it's ready.

But it's also deaf.

Right now, your OpenClaw can only respond to test messages you send through its web interface. It has no connection to the outside world — no way to hear from clients, no way to monitor your inbox, no way to be useful.

This article fixes that. We'll connect OpenClaw to the channels your clients actually use.

TL;DR: WhatsApp is the highest-impact channel for most law firms — connect it first. Email is essential for monitoring opposing counsel and court notifications. Slack is useful for internal team coordination. Each channel takes 10-15 minutes to set up through OpenClaw's web interface.

Understanding Channels

OpenClaw communicates through "channels" — integrations that let it send and receive messages from external services. Each channel adapter handles the specific protocol for that service.

Available channels:

• WhatsApp (via WhatsApp Web bridge)
• Email (Gmail, Outlook, or generic IMAP/SMTP)
• Slack
• Telegram
• Discord
• Microsoft Teams
• SMS (via Twilio)
• iMessage (via BlueBubbles — Mac required)
• Website chat widget

You don't need all of them. For most law firms, I recommend starting with WhatsApp + Email. Add others as needed.

Channel 1: WhatsApp (Highest Priority)

WhatsApp is where your clients are. In my experience, 60-70% of after-hours law firm inquiries come through WhatsApp. If you only connect one channel, make it this one.

How WhatsApp Integration Works

OpenClaw connects to WhatsApp through WhatsApp Web — the same technology that lets you use WhatsApp in your browser. Your phone stays the "primary" device, and OpenClaw acts as another connected device.

Requirements:

• An active WhatsApp account (your firm's number)
• The phone with WhatsApp must stay online and connected to internet
• First-time setup requires scanning a QR code

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Access Channel Configuration

1. Log into your OpenClaw web interface
2. Navigate to "Channels" or "Integrations"
3. Find "WhatsApp" and click "Configure" or "Connect"

Step 2: Generate QR Code

1. Click "Generate QR Code" or "Link Device"
2. A QR code will appear on screen
3. This code is time-limited (usually 60 seconds) — have your phone ready

Step 3: Scan from Your Phone

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device
3. Scan the QR code displayed in OpenClaw
4. Wait for connection confirmation

Step 4: Verify Connection

1. OpenClaw will show "WhatsApp Connected" status
2. Send a test WhatsApp message to your firm's number
3. Check that OpenClaw receives and responds to it

WhatsApp Best Practices

Use a Dedicated Business Number

Don't use a personal WhatsApp account. Get a dedicated number for the firm. This keeps things clean and lets multiple people manage the account if needed.

WhatsApp Business is even better — it allows a business profile, auto-replies, and other features. OpenClaw works with both regular WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business.

Keep the Phone Active

Your phone must stay connected to the internet for OpenClaw to work. If your phone dies, goes offline, or the WhatsApp app gets force-closed, OpenClaw loses connection.

Practical solution: Keep a dedicated phone plugged in at the office, connected to WiFi, with WhatsApp open. Some firms use an old phone specifically for this purpose.

Handle Connection Drops

WhatsApp connections occasionally drop (phone restarts, app updates, etc.). When this happens, you'll need to re-scan the QR code.

OpenClaw can notify you when connection drops. Configure alerts to go to your email or Slack.

Channel 2: Email (Essential for Legal Practice)

Email is non-negotiable for law firms. Opposing counsel, courts, and many clients still communicate primarily through email.

What OpenClaw Can Do with Email

• Monitor inbox for new messages
• Auto-respond to common inquiries
• Summarize long threads
• Flag urgent messages for immediate attention
• Draft responses (with or without auto-send)

Setting Up Gmail

If your firm uses Gmail or Google Workspace:

Step 1: Enable API Access

1. Go to console.cloud.google.com
2. Create a new project (or select existing)
3. Enable the Gmail API
4. Create OAuth 2.0 credentials
5. Download the credentials JSON file

Step 2: Configure in OpenClaw

1. In OpenClaw web interface, go to Channels → Email → Gmail
2. Upload or paste your credentials JSON
3. Click "Authorize"
4. Complete the Google OAuth flow (you'll be redirected to Google, then back)
5. Verify connection shows "Connected"

Step 3: Configure Monitoring Rules

Decide what OpenClaw should do with emails:

• All emails: OpenClaw monitors everything (high volume, use carefully)
• New contacts only: Only respond to first-time emailers (good for intake)
• Specific senders: Monitor emails from certain addresses (opposing counsel, courts)
• Keywords: Monitor emails containing specific words ("urgent," "deadline," case names)

I recommend starting with "New contacts only" for intake, then adding specific sender monitoring for opposing counsel.

Setting Up Outlook/Microsoft 365

If your firm uses Outlook:

Step 1: Enable API Access

1. Go to portal.azure.com
2. Navigate to Azure Active Directory → App registrations
3. Register a new application
4. Add Microsoft Graph API permissions (Mail.Read, Mail.Send)
5. Create a client secret
6. Note the Application ID and Secret

Step 2: Configure in OpenClaw

1. In OpenClaw, go to Channels → Email → Outlook
2. Enter your Application ID and Client Secret
3. Click "Authorize"
4. Complete the Microsoft OAuth flow
5. Verify connection

The process is similar to Gmail, just with Microsoft's interface.

Email Best Practices

Don't Auto-Send Everything

I strongly recommend not configuring OpenClaw to auto-send email responses, at least initially. Email is permanent — mistakes are embarrassing and potentially harmful.

Instead, configure OpenClaw to:

1. Draft responses
2. Save them in an "Awaiting Approval" folder
3. Notify you when drafts are ready
4. Let you review and send manually

Once you trust OpenClaw's responses after a few weeks of review, you can enable auto-send for routine messages.

Monitor, Don't Replace

OpenClaw should monitor your email inbox for important messages and alert you. It shouldn't replace your normal email workflow (at least not initially).

Configure alerts for:

• Emails from opposing counsel
• Emails containing "deadline," "hearing," or "motion"
• Emails from court addresses (@courts.gov, etc.)
• New client inquiries

Set Response Expectations

If OpenClaw auto-responds to inquiries, the response should set appropriate expectations:

"Thank you for contacting [Firm Name]. An attorney or staff member will respond during business hours. For urgent matters, please call [number]."

Don't promise immediate attorney response unless you can deliver.

Channel 3: Slack (Internal Team)

If your team uses Slack for internal communication, OpenClaw can be a helpful team member.

What OpenClaw Can Do in Slack

• Respond to questions from your team
• Post alerts when urgent matters arise
• Summarize client communications
• Manage tasks and reminders
• Answer questions about cases (when integrated with your CRM)

Setting Up Slack

Step 1: Create a Slack App

1. Go to api.slack.com/apps
2. Click "Create New App"
3. Choose "From scratch"
4. Name it (e.g., "OpenClaw Assistant")
5. Select your workspace

Step 2: Configure Permissions

1. In your app settings, go to OAuth & Permissions
2. Add these scopes:
   • chat:write (send messages)
   • channels:read (see channels)
   • channels:history (read messages)
   • app_mentions:read (respond when @mentioned)
3. Install the app to your workspace
4. Copy the Bot User OAuth Token

Step 3: Configure in OpenClaw

1. In OpenClaw, go to Channels → Slack
2. Paste your Bot User OAuth Token
3. Select which channels OpenClaw should monitor
4. Verify connection

Step 4: Invite OpenClaw to Channels

In Slack, invite your OpenClaw bot to the channels it should access:

/invite @OpenClaw

Slack Best Practices

Create a Dedicated Channel

Create a #openclaw or #ai-assistant channel specifically for interacting with OpenClaw. This keeps AI conversations separate from human discussions.

Use @Mentions for Clarity

Configure OpenClaw to only respond when @mentioned. This prevents it from interjecting in every conversation.

Alert Channel

Create a #alerts channel where OpenClaw posts urgent notifications — new client inquiries, opposing counsel emails, missed calls, etc. This centralizes important updates.

Channel 4: Website Chat Widget

If you want OpenClaw to answer visitors on your firm's website:

Setting Up the Widget

Step 1: Generate Embed Code

1. In OpenClaw, go to Channels → Website Widget
2. Configure appearance (colors, position, welcome message)
3. Copy the generated embed code

Step 2: Add to Your Website

Paste the embed code before the closing </body> tag on your website pages.

If you use WordPress, there are plugins that let you paste code snippets into specific locations.

If you use Webflow, Squarespace, or similar, they have "Custom Code" sections in settings.

Step 3: Test

Visit your website and verify the chat widget appears. Send a test message and confirm OpenClaw responds.

Widget Best Practices

Clear AI Disclosure

Your widget should clearly indicate it's an AI assistant, not a human. Something like:

"Hi! I'm [Firm Name]'s AI assistant. I can answer common questions and help you schedule a consultation. How can I help today?"

Handoff to Humans

Configure the widget to offer human handoff for complex issues:

"This seems like something an attorney should address directly. Would you like to schedule a call, or should I have someone reach out to you?"

Business Hours Awareness

Configure different behaviors for during/after hours:

• During hours: "I can connect you with someone right now"
• After hours: "Our team will follow up tomorrow. Can I get some information in the meantime?"

Channel Priority for Law Firms

If you're wondering what order to set up channels:

Priority 1: WhatsApp + Email

These cover 90%+ of client communications. WhatsApp for real-time intake, email for formal correspondence and monitoring.

Priority 2: Website Chat

Converts website visitors who aren't ready to call. Captures leads that would otherwise bounce.

Priority 3: Slack (if your team uses it)

Internal efficiency. Helps the team interact with OpenClaw without switching tools.

Priority 4: Others

SMS (via Twilio), Telegram, Discord, Teams, iMessage — only if your clients actually use these channels.

Testing Your Channel Setup

After connecting each channel, test the complete flow:

Test 1: Inbound Message

Send a message through the channel (WhatsApp, email, etc.) as if you were a potential client. Verify:

• OpenClaw receives the message
• OpenClaw responds appropriately
• The response follows your SOUL.md guidelines
• Response time is acceptable (under 60 seconds)

Test 2: Edge Cases

Test messages that might confuse the AI:

• "Can you give me legal advice about my case?"
• "Are you a real person?"
• "I need to speak to a lawyer immediately"
• "What are your fees?"

Verify OpenClaw handles these correctly (redirects, declines, offers human handoff).

Test 3: After-Hours

If possible, test at night or on a weekend. Verify:

• OpenClaw is still running (not sleeping due to Railway free tier)
• Response time is consistent
• After-hours messaging is appropriate

Troubleshooting Channel Issues

WhatsApp Won't Connect

Cause: Phone not ready, QR code expired, or WhatsApp session conflict.

Fix:

1. Make sure WhatsApp on your phone is open and updated
2. Regenerate QR code and scan quickly (within 60 seconds)
3. If another device is linked, unlink it first (Settings → Linked Devices)

WhatsApp Disconnects Frequently

Cause: Phone goes offline, app updates, or battery saver closes WhatsApp.

Fix:

• Keep phone plugged in and connected to WiFi
• Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp
• Consider a dedicated phone for WhatsApp connection

Email Authorization Failed

Cause: OAuth credentials incorrect, or permissions not granted.

Fix:

1. Verify your credentials JSON/secrets are correct
2. Ensure all required API permissions are enabled
3. Re-authorize from scratch

Slack Not Responding

Cause: Bot not in channel, or not configured to respond.

Fix:

1. Invite bot to channel: /invite @OpenClaw
2. Check if bot requires @mention to respond
3. Verify OAuth token is valid

Widget Not Appearing

Cause: Embed code not on page, or JavaScript blocked.

Fix:

1. View page source and verify embed code is present
2. Check browser console for JavaScript errors
3. Ensure ad blockers aren't blocking the widget

Series Navigation

This is Article 5 of The Zero-Terminal OpenClaw Framework.

1. What Is OpenClaw? — The complete introduction
2. OpenClaw vs ChatGPT vs Copilot — Which AI for your firm
3. How OpenClaw Costs $0/Month — The Antigravity setup
4. Deploy in 15 Minutes — Railway template walkthrough
5. Connect Your Channels — You are here
6. SOUL.md Mastery — Legal compliance templates
7. 20 Automations Every Firm Needs — Practical use cases
8. The MCP Playbook — CRM and tool integrations
9. Token Optimization — Running efficiently with Kimi K2.5
10. Security Done Right — Attorney-client privilege

← Previous: Deploy in 15 Minutes

Next →: SOUL.md Mastery