Ethics

The Digital Dark Web Underworld Mysteries: A Lawyer’s Sanctuary in Elysium or Sentence in Tartarus?

November 6, 2020

Despite its name, reputation, and association as the criminal underworld alluding to Greek mythology, the Dark Web has multiple layers of purposes utilized by civilians in different roles. ...[Continue Reading]

Words matter: Overcoming discrimination with dignity in how we discuss mental illness

September 27, 2019

The notion of being “politically correct” has been in the spotlight for a substantial period of time, consistently generating an ever-expanding list of terms that are better excluded from polite conversation. I’m sure we can all think of words and phrases that were perfectly acceptable, ...[Continue Reading]

Personal ties blur ethical lines on Pennsylvania Avenue

June 19, 2017

While President Trump previously issued an executive order holding members of the Trump administration to high ethical standards, numerous waivers of the order have raised ethical concerns of their own. ...[Continue Reading]

Pop-ups from hell: the compromise of client confidentiality in the age of cyber attacks

May 22, 2017

As an intense malware virus has continued to wreak havoc on computer systems internationally, concerns have been raised as to the protection of client files within various organizations. ...[Continue Reading]

The rise of Avvo may cause a rise in ethics issues in North Carolina

February 15, 2016

A new, popular, lawyer rating and legal services website may cause ethical issues with attorneys in North Carolina and issues similar to that of the North Carolina State Bar’s problem with LegalZoom. ...[Continue Reading]

Brendan Dassey’s interrogation brings attention to false juvenile confessions

January 25, 2016

Juveniles are psychologically susceptible to being coerced into false confessions and yet there are few safeguards in place to prevent these confessions. ...[Continue Reading]

Judge Giving Option of Giving a Pint of Blood or Paying a Fine: Ethical or Improper?

November 9, 2015

Is it permissible for a judge to require someone found guilty to either pay the fee or give a pint of blood? ...[Continue Reading]

Racial Justice Act Case Attorneys Admonished But Not Further Disciplined for Actions in Presenting Misleading Affidavits

September 28, 2015

The North Carolina State Bar ruled that Gretchen Engel, an attorney who participated in the first case heard under the Racial Justice Act, did not violate the Rules of Processional Conduct for attorneys. A complaint was filed anonymously against Engel charging her with providing inaccurate ...[Continue Reading]

Lawyer Charged with Raping Client

September 21, 2015

While sexual relations are rarely appropriate, even when permitted by the Rules of Professional Responsibility, raping one’s client is an atrocity so against the integrity of the legal profession, it is unlikely a lawyer charged with raping his client will prevail with the State Bar. ...[Continue Reading]

Checks and balances for the medical profession

July 20, 2015

Michigan oncologist sentenced to forty-five years in prison for defrauding hundreds of cancer patients ...[Continue Reading]

Can Video Depositions Be Shared With Anyone, Anywhere, at Any Time?

July 20, 2015

The Ethics Committee of the North Carolina State Bar should address limits and guidelines to sharing video deposition testimony. ...[Continue Reading]

LegalZoom Challenges the North Carolina State Bar’s Decision to Not Approve Their Prepaid Legal Services

June 22, 2015

LegalZoom sues the North Carolina State Bar in an antitrust lawsuit for refusing to register it’sits do-it-yourself legal documents as prepaid legal plans marketed to individuals and small business in North Carolina. ...[Continue Reading]

Hearts break. Ears close. Justice waits.

May 13, 2015

A unique glimpse into the prosecution of child abuse and the experience for a child witness. ...[Continue Reading]

2.23.15 Suspension [Buncombe County]

April 30, 2015

Clarke Wittstruck failed on multiple occasions to maintain, manage, and handle client funds. Wittstruck neglected client matters and communications, which caused his clients to suffer legal consequences, such as arrest. He changed the handling of his firm, and in the transition period, operated ...[Continue Reading]

02.20.15 Suspension [Carteret County]

April 30, 2015

James Thompson, III, mishandled client funds and allowed non-attorney staff to prepare documents and write checks for closings, resulting in irregularities which harmed clients. These irregularities resulted in clients’ failure to collect earnest money deposits, unreasonable closing costs to ...[Continue Reading]

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