A method for publishing a privileged attorney-client communication message in response to a request for accessing a data object, such as a data file, in an attorney-client database. The method utilizes a computer system that includes a server having computer software, a database coupled to the server, and distributed nodes coupled to the server. The server checks to determine if the requested access should be blocked for a data security reason, such as failure of a logon check or lack of access permission relating to the sender of the request for access. If the requested access is not blocked for a security reason, the computer software determines whether the requested data object includes a privileged communication between an attorney and a client as determined, for example, by prior input from the attorney. If such privileged communication exists within the requested data object, the computer software determines whether a privileged communication message should be published at the node. A privileged communication message warns the user at the node that the user is about to view privileged attorney-client communication and should abandon the request if not authorized to view the attorney-client communication. If the user elects not to abandon the request, the user is given access to the requested data object.