Lyle Howe suspension lifted by Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

Halifax defence lawyer Lyle Howe's suspension has been lifted by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, but he must practise law under 37 conditions and still faces a disciplinary hearing in November. 

Howe was suspended by the society after he was convicted of sexual assault. But the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal recently overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial.

A senior member of the bar will be appointed by the society as Howe's practice supervisor. There will be regular meetings, spot checks, observations of Howe's conduct in court, oversight, regular review of new client matters, regular reviews with Howe and his colleagues, and discussions with Howe about responsibilities and best practices.

The conditions also require Howe to document and/or calendarize all communications and dates with the court, Crown prosecutors and clients. 

Going forward, he must practise law in a firm with two or more other lawyers — one of whom must have more than 10 years experience and no disciplinary findings in the five years prior to Sept. 14, 2015.

Howe also can't represent clients charged with sexual assault until the same charges against him are "adjudicated and dismissed, or withdrawn and stayed." 

There's no word yet on when or whether a new trial will proceed. The conditions say that if criminal charges against Howe are remitted for a new trial, he must not schedule any client matters two weeks before, during or two weeks after the trial. He must also keep his clients informed about it.

Any violation of the conditions will be reported to the society's director of professional responsibility. 

The bar society will hold a disciplinary hearing in November.