(a) To be considered by the North Carolina State Bar, a grievance must allege conduct that, if true, constitutes attorney misconduct by violation of this Chapter or under the Rules of Professional Conduct and be filed by any of the following:
(1) An attorney or judge pursuant to their obligation to report misconduct in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
(2) A judge, attorney, court staff member, juror, party, or client in the legal matter that is the subject of the grievance.
(3) A person who has a cognizable interest in or connection to the legal matter or facts alleged in the grievance, or that person's representative.
(b) The North Carolina State Bar shall have the ability to open and investigate grievances upon its own initiative, if facts alleging attorney misconduct are discovered by the North Carolina State Bar.