The Raleigh News & Observer is reporting that the State Bar has suspended new Chatham County Attorney Kevin Whiteheart, at least for now, over failure to report on time his legal continuing education hours. Mr. Whiteheart’s new job seems jinxed. He’s also in the middle of a dispute over what he says was a request by county commissioners that he “supplement” public records law. That effort has drawn criticism from legal experts and grassroots groups. Most interesting from the new story about his suspension is this piece of information that sheds light on the Chatham County hiring process and its apparent failure to check credentials.
County Manager Charlie Horne said the commissioners will discuss Whiteheart’s suspension tonight after a public hearing on zoning highway corridors.
Whiteheart was hired in May and makes $93,000 a year.
Horne said county officials did not check Whiteheart’s record with the State Bar when they hired him. The State Bar handles licensing and disciplinary matters for attorneys.
All practicing North Carolina lawyers must be registered with the State Bar, said Alice Mine, assistant director of the State Bar.
