84-32.1. Confidentiality of records.
(a) All documents, papers, letters, recordings, electronic records, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristic, in the possession of the State Bar or its staff, employees, legal counsel, councilors, and Grievance Committee advisory members concerning any investigation, inquiry, complaint, disability, or disciplinary matter in connection with the State Bar Grievance Committee, the State Bar's Trust Accounting Supervisory Program, or any audit of an attorney trust account shall not be considered public records within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.
(b) All documents, papers, letters, recordings, electronic records, or other documentary materials containing or reflecting the deliberations of the Disciplinary Hearing Commission in disciplinary or disability matters shall not be considered public records within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any record, paper, or other document containing information collected and compiled by or on behalf of the State Bar that is admitted as evidence in any hearing before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission, or any court or tribunal, shall be a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes unless it is admitted into evidence under seal by order of the Disciplinary Hearing Commission, or the court or tribunal in which the proceeding is held.
(d) All documents, papers, letters, recordings, electronic records, or other documentary materials in the possession of the State Bar or its staff, employees, legal counsel, and Lawyer Assistance Program volunteers, relating in any way to a member's participation or prospective participation in the Lawyer Assistance Program, including, but not limited to, any medical, counseling, substance abuse, or mental health records, shall not be considered public records within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. Neither the State Bar nor any person acting under the authority of the State Bar or of the Lawyer Assistance Program shall be required to produce or testify regarding the contents or existence of such documents. (2011-267, s. 5.)
Structure North Carolina General Statutes
North Carolina General Statutes
Article 4 - North Carolina State Bar.
§ 84-15 - Creation of North Carolina State Bar as an agency of the State.
§ 84-16 - Membership and privileges.
§ 84-18 - Terms, election and appointment of councilors.
§ 84-18.1 - Membership and fees of district bars.
§ 84-19 - Judicial districts definition.
§ 84-20 - Compensation of councilors.
§ 84-21 - Organization of Council; publication of rules, regulations and bylaws.
§ 84-22 - Officers and committees of the North Carolina State Bar.
§ 84-23.1 - Prepaid legal services.
§ 84-24 - Admission to practice.
§ 84-26 - Expenses of Board of Law Examiners.
§ 84-28 - Discipline and disbarment.
§ 84-28.1 - Disciplinary hearing commission.
§ 84-28.2 - Persons immune from suit.
§ 84-29 - Evidence and witnesses.
§ 84-30 - Rights of accused person.
§ 84-31 - Counsel; investigators; powers; compensation.
§ 84-32 - Records and judgments and their effect; restoration of licenses.
§ 84-32.1 - Confidentiality of records.
§ 84-33 - Annual and special meetings.
§ 84-34 - Membership fees and list of members.
§ 84-34.1 - Deposits of the North Carolina State Bar.
§ 84-34.2 - Specific statutory authority for certain fees.
§ 84-35 - Saving as to North Carolina Bar Association.
§ 84-36 - Inherent powers of courts unaffected.
§ 84-36.1 - Clerks of court to certify orders.
§ 84-37 - State Bar may investigate and enjoin unauthorized activities.
§ 84-38 - Solicitation of retainer or contract for legal services prohibited; division of fees.