Best Law Firms in Ontario for Appellate Practice

Daniel Brown Law – Award-Winning Criminal Defence Lawyers in Toronto

At Daniel Brown Law LLP, clients receive the calibre of representation trusted and celebrated across Canada. Our firm is repeatedly recognized as one of Canada’s best criminal defence law firms and best appellate law firms —named among Canada’s Top Criminal Law Boutiques by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, and ranked by Best Lawyers among the nation’s leading criminal defence and appellate law firms.

We are one of only a handful of Canadian criminal defence firms honoured by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms for 2026, and we are frequent winners in the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Law Firm and Best Legal Services.

Our lawyers are equally distinguished: Daniel Brown, Mark Halfyard, and Hilary Dudding are listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada for criminal defence and in Post City Magazine’s 2026 Top Lawyers, while Colleen McKeown—a Precedent Setter (2022)—together with Lindsay Board and Chloe Boubalos are recognized by Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” (2026).

Few firms in Canada combine this breadth of recognition with our depth of courtroom experience—delivering strategic, client-focused advocacy in the moments that matter most.

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, but many are professionals facing the justice system for the first time. For nearly two decades, our team has represented individuals in thousands of trials and appeals, bringing the skill, judgment, and experience needed to protect your rights.

Proven Experience at All Levels of Court

Led by Daniel Brown a certified criminal law specialist, our lawyers have appeared at every level of criminal court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. With extensive trial and appellate experience, we build strong, tailored defence strategies for clients charged with everything from murder to impaired driving.

Our team also includes Mark Halfyard one of the few criminal law specialists in Ontario whose practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal appeals.

Recognized Leaders in Canadian Criminal Law

The lawyers at Daniel Brown Law are frequently consulted by local and national media for expert analysis on criminal cases, reflecting our reputation for excellence, credibility, and deep knowledge of Canadian criminal law.

Areas of Practice:

Our Toronto criminal defence lawyers provide representation in all indictable and summary conviction matters, including:

Driving Offences:

Impaired Driving, Driving Over 80, DUI, Refusing a Breath Sample, Dangerous Driving, Failing to Remain

Assault Offences:

At Daniel Brown Law, we take full advantage of the individual skills and strengths of our legal team to deliver strategic, cost-effective criminal defence services. Every case receives personalized attention and a defence strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, contact Daniel Brown Law today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Toronto criminal defence lawyer.

Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve you is to be in tune with your world, aligned with your opportunity and ambitious for your success. With more than 1,500 legal professionals around the world, we provide our clients with in-depth knowledge in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Brief History

With roots tracing back to 1887, Gowling WLG grew to become one of the largest and most respected law firms in Canada, with a reputation for innovation in client-focused service delivery.

Building on its early strength in intellectual property, Gowling WLG diversified to offer a full suite of business law, litigation and intellectual property services in all of Canada’s key industries, including energy, mining, financial services, government, infrastructure, manufacturing, life sciences and technology.

We are criminal defence lawyers who believe in a world without prisons.

Our prime directive is to serve our clients by keeping them free.