Laura
McCarthy
A Halifax Native with a Scientist's Precision and a Defender's Tenacity
Laura McCarthy is a Halifax-born criminal defence and family lawyer known for her relentless advocacy and technical mastery—qualities shaped in part by an unusual academic foundation. Before entering law, she completed a combined honours degree in Microbiology & Immunology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University, giving her a rigorous analytical lens that she brings directly to impaired driving and forensic-evidence cases.
She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Schulich School of Law in 2012, articled with the prominent firm Cox & Palmer, and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar on June 7, 2013. She then joined Howe Law before founding McCarthy Kuszelewski Law in 2014, where she now leads a team dedicated exclusively to outstanding client outcomes.
With over 12 years of extensive trial experience, Laura has accomplished hundreds of acquittals across criminal matters. Her near-exclusive focus on impaired driving matters has made her one of Nova Scotia's most technically skilled DUI defenders—fluent in roadside screening procedures, breath-testing science, and Charter rights challenges that many other practitioners overlook.
"DUI law is highly technical and often misunderstood. Many people assume a charge automatically leads to a conviction, but that is not always the case. Procedure, evidence, and constitutional rights matter."
Areas of Focus
DUI & Impaired Driving
Primary focus area. Driving over .08, impaired operation, refusal to provide a breath sample, care and control, and drug-impaired driving.
Criminal Defence
Extensive trial experience across a wide spectrum of criminal matters including drug offences, assaults, and weapons charges.
Family Law
Legal separations, parenting plans, custody and access disputes, and negotiations designed to protect parents and children.
Impaired Driving Causing Harm
Defence in serious allegations involving bodily harm or fatality under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Education & Professional Background
What Clients Say
"Ms. McCarthy and Melissa were amazing. They helped me with my legal separation and also helped me negotiate a parenting plan for my children. I've never used a family lawyer before and my experience was much better than I expected."
"Laura represented me in defending my parenting time with my son. His mom tried to cut me out of his life and Laura fought very hard. I now have regular parenting time with my son. She's great."
"I had a positive experience dealing with this law firm. Natalie would respond to my questions right away, follow up with me in a timely manner and go above and beyond to assist. She truly cares about helping her clients."
