Joe is an experienced trial and appeal lawyer and co‑founder of Poulus Ensom Smith LLP. He regularly acts for corporations, both public and closely held private companies, and their directors, officers, and shareholders. His experience includes contract disputes, professional negligence claims, injunctions, real estate disputes, corporate governance matters, shareholder oppression claims, defamation claims, and securities litigation. He also acts for Indigenous governments and individuals in litigious matters.
Joe has been recognized as a “Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation Canada and for his outstanding professional excellence in Corporate and Commercial Litigation by The Best Lawyers in Canada.
Joe 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 represented clients before administrative tribunals and regulators including the British Columbia and Ontario Securities Commissions. Joe has also navigated numerous alternative dispute resolution proceedings including private arbitrations and mediations.
Known for his strategic thinking and attention to detail, Joe approaches dispute resolution through a commercial lens. He understands his clients’ business objectives and how best to achieve them. Whether the path is a negotiated resolution or a hard‑fought trial, Joe has the technical skills and experience to successfully navigate any dispute.
