Ex Parte Communications

(a) During Disciplinary or Disability Proceedings. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this rule, upon the initiation of a disciplinary or disability proceeding, no member of the Commission shall engage in ex parte communications with the Respondent, Respondent’s counsel, Commission Counsel, or witness regarding the facts or merits of the proceeding. (b) Administrative and Procedural Matters. Commission members may communicate with the Executive Director, Commission Counsel, and 20 TOC Rule 15 Commission staff with respect to procedural and administrative matters involved in a disciplinary or disability proceeding as may be required in these rules. Upon consent of the Respondent, or the Respondent’s counsel, if any, the Commission Counsel may also communicate with the presiding Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson regarding administrative and procedural motions submitted on consent of the parties during the course of a disciplinary or disability proceeding. History Note. 374 N.C. 960; 386 N.C. 974.