Bar Programs

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

Visit the official Continuing Legal Education (CLE) website for the North Carolina State Bar.

Specialty Certification

The legal specialty certification program was established by the North Carolina State Bar to create standards for the certification of qualified North Carolina lawyers as specialists in designated areas of the law.

Paralegal Certification

The State Bar's voluntary paralegal certification program was created to establish standards for the certification of qualified individuals as "North Carolina Certified Paralegals." The program promotes both the proper utilization of paralegals by lawyers and the continuing education of paralegals.

Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA)

NC IOLTA is a non-profit program created by the NC State Bar that works with lawyers and banks across the state to collect net interest income generated from lawyers’ general, pooled trust accounts for the purpose of funding grants to providers of civil legal services for the indigent and programs that further the administration of justice.

Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP)

NC LAP is a service of the North Carolina State Bar that provides free, confidential assistance to lawyers, judges, and law students in addressing substance abuse, mental health issues, and other stressors that impair or may impair a lawyer's ability to practice law effectively.

Attorney-Client Assistance Program (ACAP)

If you are having a minor problem with your lawyer and don't want to file a complaint, the State Bar's Attorney-Client Assistance Program may be able to help. The Attorney-Client Assistance Program helps to resolve issues between clients and lawyers on an informal basis.

Client Security Fund

The Client Security Fund, established by the North Carolina Supreme Court, is administered by a board of trustees appointed by and subject to the oversight of the State Bar Council. Its purpose is to reimburse, in whole or in part, clients who have suffered financial loss as the result of dishonest conduct of lawyers.

Closing the Practice of a Deceased, Disabled, Disbarred, or Missing Lawyer

In April 2014 the State Bar Council adopted a policy affirming the State Bar's role in winding down the practice of a disabled, disappeared, disbarred, deceased, or otherwise unavailable attorney.

Distinguished Service Award

The John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award program honors current and retired members of the North Carolina State Bar throughout the state who have demonstrated exemplary service to the legal profession.

Fee Dispute Resolution Program

When a client disputes a fee, Rule 1.5(f) of the NC Rules of Professional Conduct requires the lawyer to notify the client of the State Bar's Fee Dispute Resolution Program and to participate in the program in good faith if the client chooses to do so. The lawyer's participation is mandatory but the resolution is not binding.

Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP)

The NC State Bar's Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel provides information, advice, and education on North Carolina law to military lawyers who are assigned to provide legal assistance to military personnel stationed in North Carolina.

Prepaid Legal Services

The North Carolina State Bar is charged with registering prepaid legal services plans in North Carolina. A prepaid plan must be registered with the North Carolina State Bar before it can operate in North Carolina and before a North Carolina licensed attorney can provide legal services to participants in the prepaid plan.

Unauthorized Practice of Law

Only active members of the North Carolina State Bar and professional corporations and professional limited liability companies properly registered and qualified as law firms are permitted to practice law in North Carolina. The State Bar and its Authorized Practice Committee protect the public from being unlawfully advised and represented in legal matters by unqualified persons.