Howard studied for three years at Liverpool Law School and qualified as a practising solicitor in 1967. He then studied at Cranfield Business School for a Masters. He joined Mincoffs Solicitors in 1969 and was appointed as partner in that year. Since that time, Howard has become one of the most respected and well liked lawyers in the North East legal community. 

Howard's professional background is commercial property and he was responsible for establishing the firm's property department, acting on some of the region's most high profile commercial property deals since its establishment. He now acts as the firm's senior partner and is responsible for maintaining and building relationships with clients and other members of the business community.

Howard maintains an interest in business affairs and is a Non Executive Director of approximately twelve companies.