Joe Ensom is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and co-founder of Poulus Ensom Smith LLP.
Joe's practice encompasses a broad range of civil and business litigation. His experience includes contract disputes, shareholder and corporate governance disputes, Indigenous governance disputes, professional negligence claims, real estate litigation, injunctions, securities litigation, defamation claims, and oppression proceedings. He regularly represents public and private companies, directors, officers, and shareholders, as well as Indigenous governments and individuals.
He has appeared as counsel before all levels of court in British Columbia, the Federal Court, and the Alberta Court of King's Bench. He has also represented clients before administrative tribunals and regulators, including the BC and Ontario Securities Commissions. He also routinely acts in alternative dispute resolution proceedings, including private arbitrations and mediations.
Joe has been recognized as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada, and has been ranked by Chambers & Partners as an “Up and Coming” lawyer by Chambers & Partners in the field of commercial litigation.
Clients value Joe for his strategic approach, practical judgment, and meticulous preparation. He understands that litigation is a means to achieving a client's broader commercial objectives, not an end in itself. Whether resolving disputes through negotiation or advancing a client's interests at trial or on appeal, Joe provides clear, practical advice and effective advocacy tailored to each client's goals.
1385673 BC Ltd. v. Nobox Limited, 2025 BCSC 325. Counsel for the plaintiff in a dispute related to the purchase of a business‑to‑business software application, including breach of contract and misrepresentation issues.
Blizzard Uranium Corp v. Nathanson, Schacter & Thompson LLP, 2026 BCSC 466. Counsel for the plaintiffs in the successful prosecution of a 44‑day trial for solicitor’s negligence arising from a complex commercial litigation matter.
Desjarlais v. Yahey, 2025 FC 1992. Counsel for the Blueberry River First Nations Council in its successful defence of a judicial review application seeking to overturn the removal of former Chief Judy Desjarlais from office. The Federal Court confirmed the significant deference owed to First Nations decision‑makers when interpreting and applying their governance instruments.
- Mercy Falls BC Inc. (Re), 2025 BCSC 2492. Counsel for a Vancouver‑based film production company pursuing a breach of contract claim within a broader CCAA proceeding. Successfully obtained a default judgment of $4.7 million against the studio arising from a film production funding dispute.
- Arbitration
- Commercial
- Commercial disputes
- J.D., University of Toronto, 2012
- B.A., University of British Columbia, 2009
- Canadian Bar Association
- Vancouver Bar Association
- The Advocates' Society
- Ontario, 2013
- British Columbia, 2013