1B.0114 Proceedings Before the Disciplinary Hearing Commission: General Rules Applicable to All Proceedings

(a) Applicable Procedure - Except where specific procedures are provided by these rules, pleadings and proceedings before a hearing panel will conform as nearly as practicable with the requirements of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and for trial of nonjury civil cases in the superior courts. Any specific procedure set out in these rules controls, and where specific procedures are set out in these rules, the Rules of Civil Procedure will be supplemental only.

(b) Continuances - The chairperson of the hearing panel may continue any hearing for good cause shown. After a hearing has commenced, continuances will only be granted pursuant to Rule .0116(b) of this Subchapter.

(c) Appearance By or For the Defendant - The defendant may appear pro se or may be represented by counsel. The defendant may not act pro se if he or she is represented by counsel.

(1) Pro Se Defendant’s Address - When a defendant appears in on his or her own behalf in a proceeding, the defendant defendant’s email address and mailing address of record with the North Carolina State Bar, and the defendant’s email address and mailing address of record with the General Court of Justice pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 84-39, will be presumptively valid for will file with the clerk, with proof of delivery of a copy to the counsel, an address at which any notice or other written communication required to be served upon the defendant may be sent, if such address differs from the address on record with the State Bar’s membership department. If a defendant desires to use different contact information for service and communication during the proceeding, the defendant must file with the clerk, with proof of delivery of a copy to the counsel, a notice of updated contact information containing a valid email address and mailing address that the defendant consents to be sufficient for all service and communication during the proceeding.

(2) Notice of Appearance

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