(This presentation is a Continuing Legal Education Course for NC bar admitted attorneys. ) As a newly-licensed attorney in North Carolina, understanding the role of professional responsibility is paramount. As you enter the field of law, it is important to comprehend the preparation needed to avoid a potential malpractice lawsuit, or grievance filing by a client. The new attorney professionalism requirements warrant a clear and concise awareness of professionalism, law office management, and professional responsibility. Attorney Precious L. Vines covers basic ethical guidelines, as outlined in the North Carolina Rules of Professional Responsibility, North Carolina General Statutes, and the North Carolina Administrative Code. In addition, she discusses the dynamics of marketing, social media, and virtual communications practices. Presentation can be found at: https://www.lawline.com/course/north-carolina-ethics-tracking-best-professional-practices

1. North Carolina Ethics:
Tracking Best Professional Practices
Attorney Precious L. Vines, MSHS
July 15, 2015

2.  Bio Information
 Program Overview
Introduction

3.  Objectives
 Resources
Introduction (cont.)

4.  Regulatory Framework
 Membership
 Dues
 Good Standing
NC State Bar

5.  Regulatory Framework
 Membership
 Dues
Judicial Bar Districts

6.  Definition
 Guiding Principles
Professionalism

7.  Client Rights and Responsibilities
 Best Practices
 Resources
Professionalism (cont.)

8.  Rule of Professional Conduct-8.3
 Exception: Rule of Professional Conduct-1.6
 Rule of Professional Conduct-8.4
Professional Misconduct

9.  Hypothetical Scenario
 2007 Formal Ethics Opinion 2
Professional Misconduct (cont.)

10.  Requirement of Disclosure
 Items to Remember
Professional Misconduct (cont.)

11.  Best Practices
 Resources
Professional Misconduct (cont.)

12.  Overview of the Fee Dispute Resolution Program
 Steps in responding to a dispute
 Applicable Rules of Professional Conduct
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry

13.  Best Practices
 Resources
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

14.  Overview of the Grievance Committee
 Common grievances filed
 Grievances that are not investigated
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

15.  Steps taken when filing a grievance
 Responding to grievance filed
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

16.  Applicable timeline
 Deadlines to remember
 Items to remember
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

17.  Statistics on grievances filed
 Cost of grievances filed
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

18.  Administrative fees
 Applicable regulatory framework
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

19.  Items to remind clients
 Alternatives to grievances filed
 Tips on avoiding grievances
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

20.  Best Practices
 Resources
Responding to NC State Bar Inquiry
(cont.)

21.  Rule of Professional Conduct-7.1
 Rule of Professional Conduct-7.2
Marketing a Law Practice

22.  Rule of Professional Conduct-7.3
 Rule of Professional Conduct-7.5
Marketing a Law Practice (cont.)

23.  Applicable Ethics Opinion Notes
Marketing a Law Practice (cont.)

24.  Best Practices
 Resources
Marketing a Law Practice (cont.)

25.  Important Reminders
 Applicable Rules of Professional Responsibility
Virtual Communication

26.  Best Practices
 Resources
Virtual Communication (cont.)

27.  Attorney responsibility
 Leaving comments
 Disclaimer required
Social Media Usage

28.  Best Practices
 Resources
Social Media Usage (cont.)

29.  Best practice tips for newly licensed attorneys
 Best practice tip for solo practicing attorneys
Summary

30.  American Bar Association (www.americanbar.org)
 Legal Aid of NC-Pro Bono Service (www.legalaidnc.org)
 NC State Bar (www.ncbar.gov)
 NC State Bar Association (www.ncbar.org)
Resources