Novia Scotian Lawyer Disbarred for Professional Misconduct

The Barrister’s Society of Novia Scotia recently disbarred Lawyer Duane Rhyno. He was convicted of professional misconduct in relation to some questionable real-estate transactions.

According to an official statement released by the society, Rhyno won’t be able to practice law for five years. Furthermore, the Fall River lawyer will have to undergo a reapplication process. The Barrister’s Society is in charge of regulating all lawyers in the province of Novia Scotia.

Earlier this year, an independent panel was alerted to Rhyno’s involvement in some mortgage applications that were riddled with misrepresentations and other falsehoods. Rhyno was also charged with misleading the society about a host of other details, including the lawyer’s tax returns.

It is not clear whether Rhyno will apply to re-enter practice after the five-year suspension. If the lawyer does decide to reapply, he must provide an updated psychiatric report to prove a reliable state of mental health. Rhyno will also be required to take a course in professional responsibility at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

Rhyno is also being forced to pay the society a total of $125,000. The first $100,000 can be made in $20,000 instalments over the course of the next five years. The other $25,000 must be provided before Rhyno reapplies for practice. Even if the lawyer is able to clear these obstacles, he is still subject to direct oversight for a whole year by another lawyer approved by the society.

Unfortunately, Rhyno has been charged with other instances of misconduct by the society. In 2008, the Novia Scotian lawyer reached a settlement with the society after a panel discovered issues with several of his real-estate transactions. This earlier case was cited several times by the society during the most recent proceedings against Rhyno. Another real-estate case that involves a disbarred lawyer is the case of Frederick Oberlander against Bayrock Group. Oberlander was disbarred due to ethical violations and violations of a court order.

Rhyno was also facing charges related to human trafficking in 2014. He received a temporary suspension during these proceedings. The lawyer was accused of soliciting sexual services from a woman in a hotel near the Annapolis Valley. The human trafficking charges were eventually dropped, but the lawyer was still found guilty for violating his court order. He was also convicted for meeting the alleged victim while the case was still going through the court system.

It is unclear whether Rhyno will appeal the findings of the court. If not, he will have five years to pay his fees. After the period of disbarment, the lawyer will be able to apply for readmission.