Summaries of Orders by Quarter

Kevin L. Wingate of Raleigh was convicted by a jury of one count of first-degree statutory sex offense, a class B1 felony, and four counts of indecent liberties with a child, a class F felony. Wingate surrendered his license and was disbarred by the Wake County Superior Court.

Mark A. Key of Lillington was suspended by the DHC in 2023 for various misconduct including tax-related crimes, mortgage fraud, and false statements in connection with a disciplinary investigation. The case was heard on remand after the court of appeals vacated the suspension originally imposed. After receiving additional evidence regarding appropriate discipline, the DHC imposed the same discipline (five-year suspension with opportunity to seek a stay after three years upon compliance with conditions) as the original hearing panel.

Nicolle T. Phair of Sanford misled the court during her representation of a criminal defendant by having a stranger pretend to be her client when her client’s case was called for trial. Phair also engaged in contempt of court, did not act with diligence, and prejudiced the administration of justice when she failed to return to an afternoon session of court as directly ordered by the court, resulting in unnecessary continuances for clients who remained in jail. The DHC entered a consent order suspending Phair for three years with the ability to seek a stay after six months.

Karen S. Biernacki of Rowan County failed to comply with two grievance investigations and failed to respond to the DHC’s Order to Show Cause. The DHC entered an order suspending Biernacki’s license until she demonstrates that she has complied with the investigations.

Three Grievance Review Panels were conducted this quarter.

Joseph Eric Altman of Rockingham was censured by the Grievance Committee for failing to promptly notify opposing counsel and his client about a scheduling conflict for the date of a noticed deposition and not seeking a court order to delay the deposition. In addition, Altman failed to inform his client that a motion for sanctions, which was later granted, had been filed against her for failure to timely respond to discovery and not attending the noticed deposition.

Trevor D. Brandt of Wake Forest was reprimanded by the Grievance Committee for disbursing entrusted funds related to a real estate transaction to himself and his client after the court entered an order prohibiting transfer of those funds, and for misrepresentations made to opposing counsel concerning the funds.

Fletcher L. Hartsell Jr. of Concord surrendered his law license and was disbarred by the State Bar Council in October 2018 due to state and federal convictions for fraud in his solicitation, use, and tax reporting of campaign contributions. After a July 2024 hearing, the DHC recommended that Hartsell be reinstated. Hartsell’s petition was considered and denied by the council at its January 2025 meeting.

Juan A. Arreola of Wilson was transferred to disability inactive status by consent order entered by the chair of the Grievance Committee.

Janet H. McLamb of Chapel Hill was transferred to disability inactive status by consent order entered by the chair of the Grievance Committee.

Stanford K. Clontz of Asheville was transferred to disability inactive status by consent order entered by the chair of the Grievance Committee.

L. Ragan Dudley of Mooresville was transferred to disability inactive status by consent order entered by the chair of the Grievance Committee.

Ronnie P. King of Roxboro was transferred to disability inactive status by order of the DHC.