In a derivative action, the plaintiff must be a partner at the time of bringing the action and (i) must have been a partner at the time of the transaction that is the subject of the complaint or (ii) the plaintiff's status as a partner must have devolved upon the partner by operation of law or pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement from a person who was a partner at the time of the transaction.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 59-1002