Atty. Mark Halfyard
Mark Halfyard is the senior appellate lawyer at Daniel Brown Law LLP , based in Toronto, Ontario. With extensive experience in the legal field, Mark focuses on Appellate Practice and Criminal Defence.
Appellate Practice & More Attorney · 21+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Mark Halfyard at a Glance
Mark Halfyard is a criminal defense and appellate attorney, practicing at Daniel Brown Law LLP. They have 21+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2005. Admitted to practice in Ontario (2005). Educated at University of Ottawa (LL.B., 2004) and Carleton University (B.A., 2001). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defence (2026).
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About Mark Halfyard
- Mark Halfyard is the senior appellate lawyer at Daniel Brown Law LLP, based in Toronto, Ontario
- With extensive experience in the legal field, Mark focuses on Appellate Practice and Criminal Defence
- He earned his B.A. in legal studies and political science from Carleton University in 2001, graduating with honors
- Mark subsequently received his LL.B. cum laude from the University of Ottawa, where he completed a clerkship with the Regional Senior Judge of the Ontario Superior Court
- The Law Society of Ontario has recognized Mark for his proficiency in criminal law
- With fewer than 100 certified criminal practitioners in Ontario, this certification highlights his deep understanding and dedication to maintaining high standards of professional practice
- Mark is well-known for his appellate work, having represented clients in over 200 appeals at the Court of Appeal for Ontario
- His practice also extends to the Superior Court of Justice, Federal courts, and the Supreme Court of Canada
- Mark has managed appeals concerning serious charges like murder, drug offences, impaired driving, sexual offences, fraud, firearms, and abduction, among others
- With a keen interest in cases involving racial bias and Charter violations, Mark is committed to upholding procedural fairness within the criminal justice system
- He is a strong advocate for protecting individual rights throughout the appeal process
- At the Supreme Court of Canada, Mark has argued on critical issues such as the role of drug recognition experts (DREs), the right to trial within a reasonable time, mandatory minimum sentences, improper Crown practices in jury selection, and the presumption of innocence
- Additionally, Mark defends in-custody clients' rights to adequate food, full and fair disclosure, and challenges against false confessions
- Mark co-authored "Criminal Appeals: A Practitioner’s Handbook" (Emond Publishing) and contributes regularly to discussions on criminal law and appellate issues through published articles
- He is frequently consulted by media outlets for his insights
- Mark is the Toronto Director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association (CLA) and contributes to committees such as Professional Regulation, Media Relations, and the Litigation Committee, which engages in interventions at the Supreme Court of Canada
- He is also a board member of the Pro bono Inmate Appeal Program, assisting unrepresented appellants at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and volunteers with Innocence Canada
- As an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, Mark teaches criminal law within the Masters in Law Program (LL.M.)
- He has taught courses on organized crime, constitutional law, evidence, and oral advocacy at institutions, including the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
- Mark frequently participates as a guest lecturer at legal conferences
- Mark is committed to diligent representation in appellate matters before the Superior Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada
- His dedication offers hope that a criminal conviction does not have to be the end of the road
Practice Areas Explained
Mark Halfyard's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mark Halfyard handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation.
Criminal Defense
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Mark Halfyard is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys →
Appellate Practice
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
Mark Halfyard is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys →
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Your Area Choose Mark Halfyard
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Mark Halfyard's practice in the field of criminal defense and appellate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Mark Halfyard brings 21+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense and appellate, Mark Halfyard can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
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