diff --git a/ietf/mailtrigger/models.py b/ietf/mailtrigger/models.py
index b971ed991..c1b1dedb3 100644
--- a/ietf/mailtrigger/models.py
+++ b/ietf/mailtrigger/models.py
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ class Recipient(models.Model):
         addrs = []
         if 'doc' in kwargs:
             doc=kwargs['doc']
-            if doc.group.features.acts_like_wg:
+            if doc.group and doc.group.features.acts_like_wg:
                 if doc.group.list_email:
                     addrs.append(doc.group.list_email)
         return addrs