A Challenge To Disciplinary Systems Everywhere
I continue to be more than impressed by the transparency of the North Carolina State Bar.
The Office of Counsel generates both annual and quarterly reports on its work in disability, disciplinary, unauthorized practice of law and litigation involving the State Bar.
In many places (such as my own home turf) these responsibilities are widely distributed and administered separately.
North Carolina persuades me of the wisdom of unification of these functions.
From the July 2016 quarterly report
GRIEVANCES
In 2010, 1317 grievance files were opened. In 2011, 1499 grievance files were opened. In 2012, 1239 grievance files were opened. In 2013, 1205 grievance files were opened. In 2014, 1222 grievance files were opened. In 2015, 1331 grievance files were opened. Since January 1, 790 grievance files have been opened.
ATTORNEY CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The ACAP staff responded to 3,078 phone calls from members of the public and contacted 710 lawyers in an effort to resolve concerns expressed by clients. Staff also responded to 422 emails and 494 letters from inmates.
There were 146 requests for fee dispute resolution filed during the quarter. One hundred-thirteen files were assigned to the two State Bar facilitators. The remaining 33 files were sent to district bar committees.
The report also contains highly-readable summaries of each matter that is informative without excessive legalese.
For example in the completed cases category
Jennifer N. Foster – 14 DHC 7
It was alleged that Foster, of Asheville, used expletives before a state court magistrate. The Court of Appeals reversed her contempt conviction. Hearing was delayed awaiting a ruling in Foster’s federal court lawsuit against the magistrate and others, which was dismissed in March. After the hearing on July 8, the DHC announced its decision to impose a two year suspension stayed on numerous conditions.
Why is North Carolina such a leader in this area?
Whatever drives it, it should be bottled and distributed nationally. (Mike Frisch)