Who We Are
The North Carolina State Bar was created in 1933 by the North Carolina General Assembly as the government agency responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in North Carolina. The State Bar currently regulates over 35,000 licensed lawyers. Protection of the public and protection of our system of justice are the objectives of regulation.
The North Carolina State Bar is governed by the State Bar Council. The council is comprised of 59 lawyers elected by the lawyers in their home communities, three nonlawyer members whom the governor appoints to represent the public’s interests, and four officers elected by the members of the council to provide leadership. The daily operations of the State Bar are carried out by a staff of over 90 lawyers and nonlawyers.
What We Do for The Public
The key regulatory responsibility of the State Bar is the investigation and prosecution of lawyers who violate the State Bar’s code of ethics for lawyers. On this website you can find information about what to do if you're having a dispute with a lawyer, learn how to file a complaint against a lawyer, and can search past disciplinary actions against lawyers.
In addition to lawyer discipline and resolving disputes, the State Bar can assist with finding a lawyer, help if your lawyer is suddenly missing or unavailable, help prevent the practice of law by people who are not licensed, and offer advice to North Carolina's servicemembers and their families.
What We Do for Lawyers
In addition to lawyer discipline, the State Bar’s regulatory activities include: promoting the competency of lawyers and paralegals; adopting the code of ethics for lawyers (known as “The Rules of Professional Conduct”); counseling lawyers on how to follow the Rules; offering planning and self-help tools; and advancing the administration of justice.
We Are Not the North Carolina Bar Association
The North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina Bar Association are separate and distinct organizations. The State Bar is a government agency. All licensed North Carolina lawyers must be members of the State Bar. The North Carolina Bar Association is a non-governmental, voluntary, professional organization that lawyers may join, but they are not required to do so to practice law in North Carolina. The Bar Association provides programs and services that promote the legal profession, assist its lawyer-members, and advance the administration of justice.
Where We Are
The main office of the State Bar is located in downtown Raleigh, at 217 E. Edenton Street, near the appellate court houses and other government buildings, and there is ample public parking nearby.
Important Notice
The North Carolina State Bar has recently launched a redesigned website to improve accessibility and navigation. If you experience any broken links or access errors, you may submit website feedback at: webmaster@ncbar.gov