diff --git a/logical/plugin/grpc_backend_client.go b/logical/plugin/grpc_backend_client.go
index 8e584d778d3f..7df90837d1c3 100644
--- a/logical/plugin/grpc_backend_client.go
+++ b/logical/plugin/grpc_backend_client.go
@@ -73,12 +73,15 @@ func (b *backendGRPCPluginClient) HandleRequest(ctx context.Context, req *logica
 }
 
 func (b *backendGRPCPluginClient) SpecialPaths() *logical.Paths {
-	// Timeout the connection
 	reply, err := b.client.SpecialPaths(b.doneCtx, &pb.Empty{})
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil
 	}
 
+	if reply.Paths == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
 	return &logical.Paths{
 		Root:            reply.Paths.Root,
 		Unauthenticated: reply.Paths.Unauthenticated,