Hack Attack On North Carolina Bar
The October 2019 quarterly report of the North Carolina State Bar notes
In the ransomware attack, the Office of Counsel lost all data that was entered into its case management system, Practice Master, after May 3. As a result, OOC cannot currently provide the grievance statistics ordinarily included in this report but expects to be able to do so in the January 2020 quarterly report.
Highlights
Daniel Flint – 19 DHC 4
Flint, of Charlotte, was found guilty by a jury in federal court in California of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, a felony. The State Bar sought an order of interim suspension based upon the conviction. Flint filed a lawsuit against the State Bar and the DHC in Mecklenburg County Superior Court seeking to enjoin the DHC from entering an interim suspension before he was sentenced. The court dismissed his lawsuit. Flint has now been sentenced to fourteen months in prison. The DHC entered an interim suspension on October 11. The DHC complaint has not been filed.
A reinstatement matter
James Walter Smith – 19 BCR 4
In 1982, Smith surrendered his license and was disbarred by the Council after he was convicted of armed bank robbery. He withdrew his petition for reinstatement after the State Bar took his deposition.
Pending
David B. Hefferon – 19 DHC 11
It is alleged that Hefferon, of Charlotte, provided legal services to a client who was homeless, vulnerable, and at risk of losing custody of her child. Hefferon paid for hotel rooms before the client’s court dates and, on at least one occasion, visited her in the hotel room bringing alcohol for them to share. Hefferon admitted that he kissed the client and touched her breast. Hearing has not been scheduled.
Gregory A. Newman – 19 DHC 14
It is alleged that Newman, District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 42, falsely represented to the court that the victim of an alleged sexual assault had been notified of a plea and made false representations to the State Bar about the underlying criminal case. Hearing has not been scheduled.
(Mike Frisch)