Raymond v. North Carolina Police Benevolent Ass'n

NEWBY, Justice.

In this case we must decide whether a professional membership association, one of its members, and an attorney hired by the association to represent that member established between them an attorney-client relationship. Recognizing its tripartite nature, we conclude this relationship is that of attorney and client such that certain communications within it are privileged. An in camera review by the trial court is the appropriate mechanism to be used for determining the applicability of the privilege. Accordingly, we reverse and remand the decision of the Court of Appeals.

The…