Our article in this Journal one year ago was prompted by questions from Member Firms about the propriety of using the Internet to communicate with clients. That is, all forms of lawyer communications are vulnerable to theft. Law firm employees can be corrupted and caused to steal documents left on desks or in unlocked drawers. Offices can be bugged. High powered microphones can hear voices through thick walls.
Some people can read lips.
The list is endless. Thus, no communication is secure if someone is willing to violate criminal laws to get the information. Internet messages can be encrypted. Telephone transmissions can be scrambled. Bugs will not work in rooms whose walls are lined with lead.