Poulus Ensom Smith is one of the newest entries to the crowded Vancouver litigation boutique pedestal. Its primary founder and senior partner, however, is anything but a new name to the Canadian legal landscape. Hein Poulus is a longtime pillar of the Vancouver community, with a wealth of experience, youthful vigor and, to hear peers tell it, “fighting spirit.” One contemporary confides, “I have known Hein a long time. He has a colorful history and an engaging personality that belies a real tiger in court – don’t underestimate him! He will outlive most of us and certainly out-work most of us. He is still outmaneuvering his opponents!” Another peer elaborates with a glowing accolade: “Hein brings a very acute and deep understanding of commercial norms and principles, which allows him to see the bigger picture on commercial disputes. He is very smart and very experienced – he is deeply connected to the Vancouver legal and business community which allows him to bring to any commercial mandate an effective investigative element that other commercial litigators either do not have, or do not activate. He loves what he does, and he is perhaps one of the most engaged and hardest working “named” commercial litigators in Vancouver. If a significant dispute arises, he will make himself available at any time and for as long as it takes to understand, strategize and execute a position or a defense. He is, in many ways, one of the best commercial litigators in Vancouver with credible commercial and solicitor-type experience. He understands how business is ACTUALLY done, not just rules on a page; well spoken; incredibly strong logically; persistent and sticks with a narrative to get to the end.” Peers also make sure to point out that “the younger team over there is definitely going to be able to spread their wings and take on
more interesting work and get less distraction from firm politics. It’s a great group, and they’re busy! They are going to be leaders at that firm instead of cogs.”
By way of example, name partner Joseph Ensom, represents another end of the generational spectrum, bringing youthful perspective and work ethic.
“He is ambitious and entrepreneurial,” observes a peer. Another testifies, “I worked with Joe in a complex litigation matter, in which I was intervening on behalf of another client and our clients' interests were aligned. Joe had an excellent strategic approach to litigation. His firm is extremely familiar with the BC court system and the preferences of individual BC Judges, and he was able to use this familiarity to craft a tailored defense that addressed the needs of the court and particular judge to the advantage of his client. Joe was also extremely well-prepared - his submissions were well-researched, thoughtful and compelling. He was also an impressive orator. He was a formidable opponent to the opposing party; however, he still maintained civility and decorum at all times. I would recommend his services without hesitation and have referred clients to him since.” One such appreciative client raves, “Joe is one of the best lawyers I’ve seen at ‘thinking outside the box.’ He really does a great job at coming at the case from different angles and finding new areas of interest. I’m very impressed with him.” Poulus and Ensom have been representing Vancouver staple TELUS since the firm’s 2022 formation and, at their former firms, for several years before prior to that. Laésha Smith, another quickly rising star within the securities community,
has gained considerable traction in the market – even so far as to getting her name on the firm’s door as of April 2023.
A peer addresses Smith as “very smart, full of energy, [someone who] loves her work and does a great job.” A client stresses, “I find Laésha to be extremely effective, competent, strong in legal strategy, and has all the characteristics to be, if you will, a ‘lawyer’s lawyer. When acting as counsel to another lawyer (me), someone is watching over every piece of work that is completed, but I don’t think it fazes or intimidates Laésha. She is confident of her abilities and does not have any ego. Laésha gives thoughtful consideration to legal strategy and is open to wide range of ideas. If you need an out-of-the-box solution, she is your go-to lawyer. Not to mention that she is a highly empathetic and relatable lawyer, with just the right touch of professionalism and geniality, which I believe allows her to develop a strong lawyer-client rapport.
On the file that she has represented us on, she applies just the right amount of politeness, friendliness, and aggressiveness with the opposing party to get us the results we want.” Building further on the firm’s younger generational headroom,
Kelly Ann Maw is developing a vocally devoted fan base amongst peers and clients. “Kelly Ann is diligent and very thorough in ensuring she has ‘covered all the bases’ in terms of the legal issues arising in a particular situation,” declares a client. “I have been extremely impressed by her attention to detail and strategic thinking. I have also seen her on her feet in court, and she handles it magnificently.” Another client cheers, “My litigators – specifically Laésha and Kelly Ann – are both excellent lawyers so when they came over to Poulus I agreed to bring my business with them. A lot of firms lack the ‘human’ factor - the bedside manner, if you will. With Kelly Ann and Laésha, I feel actually cared for and made a priority. They take a lot of time to ensure myself and my team are well educated on our options and well prepared. I would highly recommend them.” Smith and Maw Century acted for Real Estate Webmasters in litigation brought concerning a customized web platform. A future star making his debut in this edition of Benchmark, Kyle Thompson is making his mark further bolstering the “next-generation” element of the firm. Smith and Thompson represent a defendant in an action commenced by the BC Securities Commission alleging that the client’s “pump-and-dump” scheme artificially inflated the price of three publicly traded BC companies.
