On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the North Carolina General Court of Justice Superior Court Division issued an order of preliminary injunction against attorney Jason R. Binette. The ruling, prompted by a motion from the North Carolina State Bar, prohibits Binette from handling any entrusted funds or serving in any fiduciary capacity.
The case is entitled “The North Carolina State Bar v. Jason R. Binette,” with case no. 25CV009975-910.
The State Bar, represented by attorney Danielle Marquis Elder, brought the case following allegations that Binette mishandled funds. According to a court document, Binette endorsed and deposited a check for $865.30 into a personal bank account. This check was intended as a refund from a garnishment action related to Goldman Sachs Bank USA, but was sent to Binette as the counsel of record. Goldman Sachs reportedly never received the funds.
The court’s findings noted that Binette used the money for personal expenses rather than for its intended purpose. As a result, the court concluded that immediate action was necessary to safeguard against further mishandling of entrusted funds. The order restricts Binette from receiving or disbursing any funds in a fiduciary capacity, which includes managing trust accounts or writing checks against accounts containing client funds.
Additionally, the court has mandated that Binette provide the State Bar with access to all records related to client or fiduciary funds. This includes financial statements, client files, and any documents necessary for the State Bar’s audit. Binette is also required to conduct and produce reconciliation reports for any trust accounts he maintains.
The injunction remains in effect until further notice from the court. The judge determined that the potential harm to Binette from the injunction is minimal due to its specific limitations, and no bond was deemed necessary at this time.
According to the filing, Mr. Binette acquired his law license in North Carolina in 2007.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
