(a)        The North Carolina State Bar shall review the statements and the supporting documents contained in an application submitted pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 84A-2 and shall report the results of their review, with recommendations, to the North Carolina Supreme Court.

(b)        The North Carolina Supreme Court may issue to an applicant a certificate of registration as a foreign legal consultant.

(c)        The North Carolina Supreme Court shall not grant a certificate of registration as a foreign legal consultant unless it is satisfied that the applicant possesses good moral character.

(d)       Upon a showing that strict compliance with all of the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 84A-2 would cause the applicant unnecessary hardship or upon a showing of professional qualifications to practice as a foreign legal consultant satisfactory to the North Carolina Supreme Court, the North Carolina Supreme Court may issue a certificate of registration under this Chapter to an applicant who did not satisfy the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 84A-2 (1995, c. 427, s. 1.)