Security Done Right: OpenClaw for Attorney-Client Privilege

By Irfad Imtiaz, Director of Technology at My Legal Academy

Every other article in this series has been about what OpenClaw can do for your firm. This one is about what it shouldn't do — and how to protect what matters most.

Law firms handle privileged information. Attorney-client communications are sacred. One security mistake can destroy client trust, invite malpractice claims, and end careers.

This isn't fear-mongering. It's reality. And OpenClaw, configured properly, can be more secure than most alternatives. Configured poorly, it's a liability.

TL;DR: OpenClaw runs on your infrastructure, which is inherently more secure than SaaS alternatives for privileged data. The risks are: AI provider data handling, ClawHub malicious skills (which we avoid), and misconfiguration. Address these three, and OpenClaw is safe for legal practice.

The Security Landscape

Where Traditional AI Fails

When you use ChatGPT, your prompts go to OpenAI's servers. When you use Claude, they go to Anthropic. Every "AI for Lawyers" SaaS routes your data through their infrastructure.

For general business use, this is fine. For privileged attorney-client communications, it raises questions:

• Who can access this data?
• Is it stored? For how long?
• Could it be used for AI training?
• Is it subject to subpoena on the vendor's end?

Most AI providers say they don't train on enterprise data. Most say they delete conversations after 30 days. But "most say" isn't the same as "provably guarantee."

Where OpenClaw Differs

OpenClaw runs on your infrastructure. Your Railway server. Your data.

Client conversations don't pass through OpenClaw's company (there isn't one in the traditional sense — it's open source). They flow:

Client → Your Server (OpenClaw) → AI Provider → Your Server → Client

The AI provider (Anthropic/Google/etc.) sees the conversation content for processing, but your server is the hub. You control storage. You control retention. You control access.

This architecture is fundamentally more defensible than centralized SaaS.

Risk 1: AI Provider Data Handling

The AI has to see the conversation to respond. This is unavoidable. How do you minimize exposure?

Antigravity/Google

Google's Antigravity data handling commitments:

• Data used only for generating responses
• Not used for training
• Deleted after request completion (no persistent storage)

Google has strong GDPR and privacy infrastructure. Not perfect, but better than most.

Anthropic Claude (Direct API)

Anthropic's privacy policy:

• API traffic not used for training (by default)
• Can request zero data retention
• SOC 2 Type II certified

For maximum security, use Anthropic's enterprise tier with explicit data processing agreement.

Self-Hosted Models

Maximum privacy option: run models locally using tools like Ollama. No data leaves your infrastructure.

Trade-off: Lower model quality than Claude/GPT-4. Requires technical expertise.

Practical Recommendation

For most law firms, Antigravity or Anthropic API is sufficient. The AI sees conversation content during processing, but doesn't store or train on it. This is acceptable for intake conversations.

For highly sensitive matters (active litigation, M&A, criminal defense strategy), consider:

• Not using AI for that specific communication
• Using self-hosted models
• Limiting what information enters AI conversations

Risk 2: ClawHub and Malicious Skills

In early 2026, security researchers found 341 malicious skills in ClawHub, OpenClaw's skill marketplace. These skills were stealing API keys, credentials, and user data.

The number has since grown to nearly 900 identified malicious packages.

Why This Happened

ClawHub is open by default — anyone can publish skills. Similar to npm or PyPI, the ecosystem grew faster than security measures could keep up.

Our Protection: Don't Use ClawHub

The Railway deployment method in this series doesn't use ClawHub skills at all. We configure OpenClaw directly through SOUL.md and environment variables.

If you're not installing third-party skills, you're not vulnerable to malicious skills.

Rule: Never install ClawHub skills unless you've personally audited the code. For law firm deployments, this effectively means never installing ClawHub skills.

If You Must Use Skills

If you absolutely need a ClawHub skill:

1. Review the source code on GitHub
2. Check the publisher's reputation
3. Look for security audits
4. Test in a sandbox environment first
5. Monitor behavior after installation

Most firms won't need this. The core OpenClaw + MCP integrations handle 95% of use cases.

Risk 3: Misconfiguration

The most common security risk is human error: misconfiguring OpenClaw to expose data or take inappropriate actions.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Public Web Interface If your OpenClaw web interface is publicly accessible without authentication, anyone can access your configuration and conversation logs.

Fix: Enable authentication. Use a strong admin password. Consider restricting access to specific IPs.

Mistake 2: Overly Permissive SOUL.md A SOUL.md that allows OpenClaw to discuss case details, share client information, or give legal advice creates liability.

Fix: Use the templates from Article 6. Include explicit prohibitions. Test edge cases.

Mistake 3: Auto-Send Without Review Configuring OpenClaw to automatically send emails or post responses without human review risks errors going public.

Fix: Start with human-in-the-loop approval. Only enable auto-send for low-risk, routine messages after extensive testing.

Mistake 4: Excessive Permissions Giving OpenClaw access to systems it doesn't need (full email access, admin CRM rights, etc.) expands the blast radius of any potential issue.

Fix: Principle of least privilege. Only grant access OpenClaw needs for its specific tasks.

Mistake 5: No Logging Without logs, you can't detect problems or audit what happened.

Fix: Enable comprehensive logging. Review logs weekly. Set alerts for anomalies.

Protecting Attorney-Client Privilege

The core question: can communications through OpenClaw maintain privilege?

The Analysis

Attorney-client privilege typically requires:

1. Communication between attorney and client
2. For purpose of legal advice
3. Intended to be confidential
4. Actually kept confidential

OpenClaw adds complexity: a third party (the AI/server) is involved.

Key Considerations

Infrastructure Control OpenClaw runs on your server. You're not sharing infrastructure with other clients (unlike SaaS). This supports confidentiality claims.

AI Processing The AI provider processes content but (under current policies) doesn't store or share it. This is similar to using cloud-based document storage or encrypted email — third-party processing that's generally accepted.

Disclosure Risk The biggest risk to privilege is accidental disclosure — OpenClaw sharing information it shouldn't. This is a configuration issue, not a technical one. Proper SOUL.md solves this.

Practical Guidance

For initial intake (pre-engagement):

• These conversations may not yet be privileged anyway
• OpenClaw involvement is low-risk
• Standard configuration is fine

For post-engagement client communication:

• Consider whether AI involvement is necessary
• Limit what information flows through OpenClaw
• Use OpenClaw for logistics (scheduling, reminders) not substance

For highly sensitive matters:

• Don't route through AI
• Keep OpenClaw out of that communication chain
• Use direct, encrypted channels

Ethics Opinion

I'm not providing legal advice (I'm a technologist, not an attorney). Before deploying OpenClaw for privileged communications, consider consulting your state bar's ethics hotline or an ethics attorney.

My observations:

• Most bars haven't specifically addressed AI agents
• Cloud computing guidance generally allows third-party processing with reasonable security
• The trend is toward accepting AI tools with appropriate safeguards

But specific bar rules vary. Get local guidance.

Security Configuration Checklist

Before going live, verify:

Authentication

• Admin interface requires strong password
• Password isn't shared or stored in plain text
• Consider two-factor authentication if available
• Session timeout is configured

Access Control

• Only necessary staff have admin access
• OpenClaw only has access to required systems (principle of least privilege)
• MCP integrations use minimum required permissions
• IP restrictions if feasible

Data Handling

• Conversation logs have appropriate retention period
• Logs are stored securely
• Backup process exists
• Data deletion process exists for when needed

SOUL.md Security

• Explicit prohibitions on sharing confidential info
• Clear rules about what not to discuss
• Tested edge cases
• Regular review scheduled

Monitoring

• Logging enabled
• Alerts configured for anomalies
• Weekly log review scheduled
• Incident response plan exists

Updates

• OpenClaw update process defined
• Security patches tracked
• Railway/hosting security maintained

Incident Response

If something goes wrong, have a plan:

Level 1: Minor Misconfiguration

OpenClaw gives an inappropriate response, no client harm

1. Identify the issue
2. Update SOUL.md or configuration
3. Test fix
4. Document and move on

Level 2: Data Exposure Risk

OpenClaw may have shared information it shouldn't

1. Immediately disable the channel/feature
2. Review conversation logs
3. Assess what was exposed and to whom
4. Notify affected parties if required
5. Fix configuration
6. Document incident
7. Consider whether further reporting required

Level 3: Security Breach

Unauthorized access to OpenClaw or underlying data

1. Take OpenClaw offline immediately
2. Change all passwords/API keys
3. Review access logs
4. Assess scope of breach
5. Engage security expertise if needed
6. Notify affected parties as required
7. Report to bar if required (check your rules)
8. Document everything

Most firms will never face Level 2 or 3 if configured properly. But having the plan prevents panic.

Security vs. Utility Trade-off

It's worth acknowledging: maximum security means minimum utility.

Most Secure: Don't use AI at all. Zero exposure.

Highly Secure: Use OpenClaw only for pre-engagement intake, with aggressive limits.

Balanced: Use OpenClaw for intake and logistics, with human review of sensitive communications.

Most Useful: Use OpenClaw for everything, with minimal restrictions.

Most firms should aim for "Balanced" — capturing the efficiency benefits while maintaining appropriate safeguards for privileged matters.

The Done-For-You Option

Security configuration requires attention to detail. If you're not confident about getting this right, or don't have time for it, there's an alternative.

I help law firms implement OpenClaw with security best practices built in. Proper authentication, least-privilege access, compliant SOUL.md, logging, and monitoring — configured correctly from day one.

Email me at irfad@mylegalacademy.com if you want someone to handle this properly while you focus on practicing law.

Series Complete

This is Article 10 — the final article in The Zero-Terminal OpenClaw Framework.

You've now learned everything you need to deploy, configure, and run OpenClaw for your law firm:

1. What Is OpenClaw? — The foundation
2. OpenClaw vs ChatGPT vs Copilot — Choosing the right tool
3. How OpenClaw Costs $0/Month — Free AI access
4. Deploy in 15 Minutes — Getting started
5. Connect Your Channels — WhatsApp, email, more
6. SOUL.md Mastery — Compliance and personality
7. 20 Automations Every Firm Needs — Practical value
8. The MCP Playbook — Tool integrations
9. Token Optimization — Cost efficiency
10. Security Done Right — You just read this

OpenClaw is one of the most exciting developments I've seen for law firm technology in years. The ability to have an autonomous AI assistant that handles intake, follow-up, and client communication — running 24/7 for essentially nothing — would have been science fiction five years ago.

It's real now. And it's getting better every week as the community grows.

Good luck with your implementation. If you have questions, reach out. I'm documenting everything I learn and I'm happy to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OpenClaw HIPAA compliant? OpenClaw itself is open-source software — compliance depends on how you deploy and configure it. Running on your own infrastructure with proper access controls, encryption, and audit logging can support HIPAA compliance. The AI provider matters too — Anthropic offers Business Associate Agreements for enterprise customers. Consult your compliance officer for specific requirements.

Can I use OpenClaw for privileged communications? For initial intake (pre-engagement), OpenClaw involvement is generally low-risk since privilege may not yet attach. For post-engagement communications, use OpenClaw for logistics (scheduling, reminders) rather than substantive case discussion. For highly sensitive matters, keep communications out of any AI system. When in doubt, consult your state bar's ethics guidance.

What about the ClawHub security issues? The Railway deployment method in this series doesn't use ClawHub skills at all. If you don't install third-party skills, you're not vulnerable to malicious skills. The malicious packages only affect users who actively install unvetted community skills. Our approach avoids this entirely.

Does the AI provider see my data? Yes — the AI must see conversation content to process it. However, major providers (Anthropic, Google) don't store API traffic or use it for training under their current policies. For maximum privacy, you can run local models through Ollama, though quality is lower than cloud models.

What should I do if OpenClaw sends something inappropriate? Immediately disable the problematic channel or feature. Review logs to understand what happened. Fix the SOUL.md configuration. Test the fix. Document the incident. For client-facing communications, always start with human-in-the-loop approval until you're confident in the configuration.

Series Navigation

This is Article 10 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 — WhatsApp, email, Slack
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 — You are here

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