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N O RT H C A RO L I NASTATE BARThe 2022Lawyer’s HandbookEthics Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-1Index to Ethics Opinions . . . . . . . . . . .10-308Administrative Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1Continuing Legal Education (CLE) . . . . . . .5-22Discipline and Disability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1Fee Dispute Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Gen. Stat. Chapter 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1IOLTA Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-1Rules of Professional Conduct . . . . . . .9-1Rules Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-80IOLTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Legal Specialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-31Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1Paralegal Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1Professional Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1The North Carolina State Bar Lawyer’sHandbook 2022 (Abridged)An official publication of the North Carolina State Barcontaining the most frequently referenced rules of theNorth Carolina State Bar, annotated Rules of ProfessionalConduct, all ethics opinions adopted under the Rules andSuperseded (1985) Rules, and trust account guidelines.
State Bar ContactsNorth Carolina State BarPO Box 25908Raleigh, NC 27611-5908(919) 828-4620Address ChangesKelly Beck kbeck@ncbar.govBeth McLamb bmclamb@ncbar.govPhillip McWilliams pmcwilliams@ncbar.govAdministrationAlice Neece Mine amine@ncbar.govPeter Bolac pbolac@ncbar.govMartha Fletcher mfletcher@ncbar.govEthics/Professional Responsibility(answers inquiries about lawyer’s own conduct)Ethicsadvice@ncbar.govNichole McLaughlin nmclaughlin@ncbar.govSuzanne Lever slever@ncbar.govBrian Oten boten@ncbar.govFee Dispute Resolution ProgramLee Ramos lramos@ncbar.govKerri Bianchi kbianchi@ncbar.govLee Ramos lramos@ncbar.govSylvia Santana ssantana@ncbar.govCertificates of Good StandingKelly Beck kbeck@ncbar.govBeth McLamb bmclamb@ncbar.govPhillip McWilliams pmcwilliams@ncbar.govClient Security Fund (reimbursement for clientvictims of lawyer theft)Lori Brooks lbrooks@ncbar.govRobert Powell rpowell@ncbar.govContinuing Legal EducationDebra Holland dholland@ncbar.govJoe Latona jlatona@ncbar.govEmily Oakes eoakes@ncbar.govLori Nicolicchia lnicolicchia@ncbar.govDisciplinary Hearing Commission (DHC and finaldisciplinary orders)Dottie Miani dmiani@ncbar.govDistrict Bar LiaisonNichole McLaughlin nmclaughlin@ncbar.govKatherine Jean kjean@ncbar.govHeather Pattle hpattle@ncbar.govParalegal CertificationJoy Belk jbelk@ncbar.govAaliyah Pierce apierce@ncbar.govSheila Saucier ssaucier@ncbar.govBrian Oten boten@ncbar.govProfessional Organization RegistrationsPhillip McWilliams pmcwilliams@ncbar.govGrievanceHeather Pattle hpattle@ncbar.govPro Hac Vice RegistrationKelly Beck kbeck@ncbar.govInvestigationsAttorney-Client Assistance Program (receivescomplaints from clients)Office of Counsel (legal department)Joseph J. Commisso jcommisso@ncbar.govPublications - Media Kits and OrdersIOLTA (Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts)(919) 828-0477(919) 821-9168 (Fax)PO Box 25996Raleigh, NC 27611-5996General email: iolta@ncbar.govColleen Bishop cbishop@ncbar.govDan Labarca dlabarca@ncbar.govMary Irvine mirvine@ncbar.govClaire Mills cmills@ncbar.govLawyer Assistance Program (a confidentialprogram)Robynn Moraites Robynn@nclap.orgNicole Ellington Nicole@nclap.orgCandace Hoffman Candace@nclap.orgCathy Killian Cathy@nclap.orgDelia Brown Delia@nclap.orgSusie Taylor Susie@nclap.orgRaleigh Office: (919) 719-9269Charlotte Office: (704) 503-9695nclap.orgJennifer Duncan jduncan@ncbar.govDiane Melching dmelching@ncbar.govSpecializationDenise Mullen dmullen@ncbar.govLanice Heidbrink lheidbrink@ncbar.govSheila Saucier ssaucier@ncbar.govBrian Oten boten@ncbar.govStudent Practice Certificates (for 3rd year lawstudents)Dottie Miani dmiani@ncbar.govAlice Neece Mine amine@ncbar.govTrust Account Random AuditsAnne Parkin aparkin@ncbar.govTrust Account Random Audit CorrectionsLeanor Hodge lhodge@ncbar.govJeff Lundgren jlundgren@ncbar.govTrust Account Support/ComplianceLeanor Hodge lhodge@ncbar.govLori Garner lgarner@ncbar.govElizabeth Myers emyers@ncbar.govLegislative Affairs/Media InquiriesPeter Bolac pbolac@ncbar.govUnauthorized Practice of LawDavid Johnson djohnson@ncbar.govMembership RecordsTammy Jackson tjackson@ncbar.govState Bar OfficersDarrin D. Jordan - PresidentA. Todd Brown - Vice-PresidentAlice Neece Mine - Secretary/TreasurerWhitley & Jordan305 North Main StreetSalisbury, NC 28144(704) 637-1111Hunton Andrews Kurth101 S. Tryon Street, Suite 3500Charlotte, NC 28280(704) 378-4727PO Box 25908Raleigh, NC 27611-5908(919) 828-4620Marcia Armstrong - President-ElectBarbara R. Christy - Past-PresidentThe Armstrong Law Firm, PAPO Box 27Smithfield, NC 27577(919) 934-1575Schell Bray PLLC1500 Renaissance Plaza230 N. Elm St., PO Box 21847Greensboro, NC 27420(336) 370-8800Visit the State Bar Online at ncbar.govpage 3
Selected Provisions from the Rules of the North Carolina State BarTable of ContentsSection .0300 Permanent Relinquishment of Membership in the . . . . . . .State Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 84:Attorneys-at-Law: SelectedStatutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G.S. Chap. 84§ 84-2.1.§ 84-2.2.§ 84-4.§ 84-4.1.§ 84-4.2.§ 84-5.§ 84-5.1§ 84-7.1.§ 84-8.§ 84-10.1.§ 84-15.§ 84-16.§ 84-17.§ 84-18.§ 84-18.1.§ 84-19.§ 84-21.§ 84-22.§ 84-23.§ 84-28.§ 84-28.1.§ 84-28.2.§ 84-29.§ 84-30.§ 84-32.§ 84-32.1.§ 84-34.§ 84-34.2.§ 84-36.§ 84-37.“Practice law” defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1Exemption and additional requirements for Web site . . . . . .providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1Persons other than members of State Bar prohibitedfrom practicing law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1Limited practice of out-of-state attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1Summary revocation of permission grantedout-of-state attorneys to practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2Prohibition as to practice of law by corporation . . . . .1-2Rendering of legal services by certain nonprofitcorporations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2Legal clinics of law schools and certain law students and . . .lawyers excepted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Punishment for violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Private cause of action for the unauthorized . . . . . . . . . . . . .practice of law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Creation of North Carolina State Bar as an agencyof the State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Membership and privileges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3Terms, election and appointment of councilors . . . . . . .1-4Membership and fees of district bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4Judicial districts definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4Organization of Council; publication of rules,regulations and bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4Officers and committees of the North CarolinaState Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4Powers of Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4Discipline and disbarment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5Disciplinary hearing commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5Persons immune from suit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Evidence and witnesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Rights of accused person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Records and judgements and their effect; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .restoration of licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Confidentiality of records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Membership fees and list of members . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7Specific statutory authority for certain fees . . . . . . . . . . .1-7Inherent powers of courts unaffected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7State Bar may investigate and enjoinunauthorized activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7.0301.0302.0303Section .0500 Meetings of the North Carolina State Bar . . . . . . . . . . .2-3.0501.0502.0503.0504.0505Annual Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3Special Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3Notice of Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Parlimentary Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Section .0600 Meetings of the Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4.0601.0602.0603.0604.0605.0606Regular Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Special and Emergency Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Notice of Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Manner of Meeting of Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Parliamentary Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Section .0700 Standing Committees of the Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4.0701Standing Committees and Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4Section .0800 Election and Appointment of State Bar Councilors . . . . e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5Election - When Held; Notice; Nominations . . . . . . . . .2-6Election - Voting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6Procedures Governing Elections by Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6Election and Appointment of State Bar Councilors . . . . .2-6Procedures Governing Early Voting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6Bylaws Providing for Geographical Rotation orDivision of Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6Section .0900 Organization of the Judicial District Bars . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6.0901.0902.0903Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6Annual Membership Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Fiscal Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Section .1000 Model Bylaws For Use by Judicial District Bars . . . . . . .2-727 NCAC Chapter 1Subchapter A: Organization of the North CarolinaState Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Subchap. 1ASection .0200 Membership - Annual Membership Fees . . . . . . . . . . .2-2.0201.0202.0203.0204Effect of Relinquishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3Conditions for Relinquishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3Allegations of Misconduct Received by the State Bar On or . . .After the Date of Relinquishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3Classes of Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2Register of Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2Annual Membership Fees; When Due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2Good Standing Definition and Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1010.1011.1012.1013Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Authority and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7Councilor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8Annual Membership Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8District Bar Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8Prohibited Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9Board of Directors or Executive Committee . . . . . . . . . .2-9Amendment of the Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10Selection of Nominees for District Court Judge . . . . . .2-10For a complete listing of all Rules of the State Bar, see page 11-10page 4
Section .1200 Filing Papers with and Serving the North CarolinaState Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10.1201Section .0200 Rules Governing Judicial DistrictGrievance Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20When Papers Are Filed Under These Rulesand Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10.0201 Organization of Judicial District Grievance Committees . . .3-20.0202 Jurisdiction and Authority of DistrictGrievance Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21.0203 Meetings of the District Grievance Committees . . . . . . . .3-21.0204 Procedure Upon Institution of a Grievance . . . . . . . . . . .3-22.0205 Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22.0206 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23.0207 Conflicts of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23.0208 Letter to Complainant Where Local Grievance AllegesFee Dispute Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23.0209 Letter to Complainant Where Local Grievance AllegesFee Dispute and Other Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23.0210 Letter to Complainant/Respondent Where DistrictCommittee Recommends Finding of No Probable Cause . .3-23.0211 Letter to Respondent Where District CommitteeRecommends Finding of Probable Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24.0212 Letter to Complainant Where District CommitteeRecommends Finding of Probable Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24.0213 Letter to Complainant Acknowledging Grievance . . . . . .3-24.0214 Letter to Investigating Attorney Assigning Grievance . . . .3-24.0215 Letter to Complainant from Investigating Attorney . . . . .3-24.0216 Letter of Notice to Respondent Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-25.0217 Letter Transmitting Completed File to North CarolinaState Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-25Section .1400 Rulemaking Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10.1401.1402.1403Publication for Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10Review by the Executive Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10Action by the Council and Review by the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Carolina Supreme Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10Subchapter B: Discipline and Disability Rules. . . .Subchap. 1BSection .0100 Discipline and Disability of 0129.0130.0131.0132.0133.0134.0135. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1Procedure for Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2State Bar Council: Powers and Duties in.Discipline and Disability Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3Chairperson of the Grievance Committee: Powers.and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3Grievance Committee: Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3Counsel: Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Chairperson of the Hearing Commission:Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Hearing Panel: Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Secretary: Powers and Duties in Disciplineand Disability Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5Grievances: Form and Filing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5Investigations: Initial Determination; Notice andResponse; Committee Referrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5Proceedings Before the Grievance Committee . . . . . . . . . .3-6Proceedings Before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission:General Rules Applicable to All Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8Proceedings Before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission:Pleadings and Prehearing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8Proceedings Before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission:Formal Hearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10Proceedings Before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission:Posttrial Motions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11Proceedings Before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission:Stayed Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11Effect of a Finding of Guilt in Any Criminal Case . . . . . .3-12Reciprocal Discipline & Disability Proceedings . . . . . . . . .3-12Surrender of License While Under Investigation . . . . . . .3-13Disability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13Enforcement of Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14Notice to Member of Action and Dismissal . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14Notice to Complainant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15Appointment of Counsel to Protect Client’s Interests. .When Attorney Disappears, Dies, or is Transferred toDisability Inactive Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15Imposition of Discipline; Findings of Incapacity orDisability; Notice to Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15Obligations of Disbarred or Suspended Attorneys . . . . . .3-15Reinstatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16Address of Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18Disqualification Due to Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18Trust Accounts; Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19Disciplinary Amnesty in Illicit Drug Use Cases . . . . . . . .3-19Noncompliance Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19Subchapter C: Rules Governing the Boardof Law Examiners and the Training ofLaw Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subchap. 1CSection .0100 Rules Governing the Board of Law Examiners and theTraining of Law Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1.0101.0102.0103.0104.0105Election . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1Examination of Applicants for License . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1Admission to Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1Approval of Rules and Regulations of Board ofLaw Examiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1Approval of Law Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1Section .0200 Rules Governing Practical Training of Law Students . . . 0210Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2Form and Duration of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2Supervision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3Use of Student's Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3Student Practice Placements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4Relationship of Law School and Clinics; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Responsibility Upon Departure of Supervising Attorney or . .Closure of Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4Pro Bono Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4Subchapter D: Rules of the Standing Committees of theNorth Carolina State Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Subchap. 1DSection .0100 Procedures for Ruling on Questions of Legal Ethics . . .5-4page 5.0101.0102.0103.0104.0105Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4Informal Ethics Advisories and Ethics Advisories . . . . . . . . .5-5Formal Ethics Opinions and Ethics Decisions . . . . . . . . . . .5-5Procedures for Meetings of the Ethics Committee . . . . . . . .5-5
Section .0200 Procedures for the Authorized Practice Committee . . . . n .1300 Rules Governing the Administration of the Plan for Interest onLawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6State Bar Council - Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6Chairperson of the Authorized PracticeCommittee - Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6Authorized Practice Committee - Powers and Duties . . . .5-6Counsel - Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6Suing for Injunctive Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1320.1321Section .0600 Rules Governing the Lawyer Assistance Program . . . . . 0620.0621.0622.0623Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Operational Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Size of Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Appointment of Members; When; Removal . . . . . . . . . .5-7Term of Office and Succession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Appointment of Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Appointment of Vice-Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Source of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Powers and Duties of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Regional Chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Suspension for Impairment, Reinstatement . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Consensual Inactive Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Agents of the State Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Judicial Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Rehabilitation Contracts for Lawyers Impaired bySubstance Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Evaluations for Substance Abuse, Alcoholism,and/or other Chemical Addictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Grounds for Compelling an Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Failure to Comply with an Order Compellingan Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Section .1400 Rules Governing the Administration of theClient Security Fund of the North Carolina State Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . .1420Section .0700 Procedures for Fee Dispute Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . Purpose and Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Coordinator of Fee Dispute Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Selection of Facilitators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Powers and Duties of the Vice-Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Processing Requests for Fee Dispute Resolution . . . . . . . .5-10Settlement Conference Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11Purpose; Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19Jurisdiction: Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Operational Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Size of Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Lay Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Appointment of Members; When; Removal . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Term of Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Staggered Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Succession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Appointment of Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Appointment of Vice-Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Source of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Fiscal Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Appropriate Uses of the Client Security Fund . . . . . . . . .5-21Applications for Reimbursement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21Processing Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22Subrogation for Reimbursement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22Authority Reserved by the Supreme Court . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22Section .1500 Rules Governing the Administration of theContinuing Legal Education Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22Section .0900 Procedures for Administrative Committee . . . . . . . . .5-11.0901 Transfer to Inactive Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11.0902 Reinstatement from Inactive Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12.0903 Suspension for Failure to Fulfill Obligations of . . . . . . . . . . . . .Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13.0904 Reinstatement from Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-14.0905 Pro Bono Practice by Out of State Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15Section .1000 Rules Governing Reinstatement Hearings Before theAdministrative Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16.1001.1002Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Jurisdiction: Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Operational Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Size of Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Lay Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Appointment of Members; When; Removal . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Term of Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Staggered Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Succession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Appointment of Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Appointment of Vice-Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Source of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.17Fiscal Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18IOLTA Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18Comparability Requirements for IOLTA Accounts . . . . . .5-19Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19Noncompliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19Severability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19Reinstatement Hearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16Review and Order of Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16page 6.1501
Hunton Andrews Kurth 101 S. Tryon Street, Suite 3500 Charlotte, NC 28280 (704) 378-4727 Barbara R. Christy - Past-President Schell Bray PLLC . Cathy Killian Cathy@nclap.org Delia Brown Delia@nclap.org Susie Taylor Susie@nclap.org Raleigh Office: (919) 719-9269 Charlotte Office: (704) 503-9695
