Atty. Peter A. Downard
Peter Downard is a senior litigator and leading practitioner in the area of defamation. With extensive experience acting as defamation counsel throughout litigation proceedings, he has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, Ontario Court of Appeal for Ontario, trials and numerous mediations and advisory matters.
Defamation and Media Law Attorney
Profile Summary
About Peter A. Downard at a Glance
Peter A. Downard is a entertainment attorney, practicing at Fasken. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Defamation and Media Law (2026) and Lawyer of the Year — Defamation and Media Law, Toronto (Canada) (2020).
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About Peter A. Downard
- Peter Downard is a senior litigator and leading practitioner in the area of defamation
- With extensive experience acting as defamation counsel throughout litigation proceedings, he has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, Ontario Court of Appeal for Ontario, trials and numerous mediations and advisory matters
- Peter also has comprehensive experience in commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution
- Peter is the author of The Law of Libel in Canada, referred to as an authority on libel law in numerous court decisions, and of the volume Defamation in Halsbury’s Laws of Canada
- Peter was one of three appointed members of the Attorney General of Ontario’s Advisory Panel on Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP), whose work resulted in the enactment of the Ontario Protection of Public Participation Act 2015
Practice Areas Explained
Peter A. Downard's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Peter A. Downard handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation.
Entertainment & Sports Law
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
Peter A. Downard is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys →
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Your Area Choose Peter A. Downard
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 Peter A. Downard's practice in the field of entertainment.
Focused Entertainment Practice
Concentrating on entertainment means Peter A. Downard's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Transparent Client Communication
Clients consistently note that understanding what is happening in their case — and why — is as important as the outcome itself. Peter A. Downard maintains clear, timely communication throughout every matter.
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