Questions on practices/protocol for closing in North Carolina

[Alan Taylor]

I'm closing on a property in North Carolina - and the attorney office that is conducting the closing has had some significant communication issues, and has done some odd things (sending wiring instructions to my lender, expecting them to pass it on to me -- then sending it to me in a PDF, via unsecured email).  It's got me wondering whether I have the option of vetting my own closing attorney for future purchases within North Carolina. 

These are some questions I have:

- Can any closing attorney in North Carolina conduct a closing on any property in North Carolina?
- Are both the seller and buyer required to use the same attorney for closing on a property?   In Virginia, each party has the option of choosing their own closing service (either an attorney, or title company) -- what differences should a buyer be aware of  when purchasing properties in North Carolina? 
- As a buyer, are you able to stipulate that you will use a closing attorney of your choice?  Is there a 'generally understood' practice in this regard?  If you have separate representation, who typically covers any additional closing costs?

The place where I'm purchasing is a small(er) town, not as many law offices that offer closing services -- and I don't want to make myself unwelcome or 'blackballed' by any local attorneys, if I can avoid it -- ... I'm just not sure I'd feel comfortable using this particular law office again -- wanting to figure out what my options are in the future.