Tessa has a broad litigation practice, handling primarily contract, negligence, and professional liability disputes. She has appeared and made submissions before all levels of court in British Columbia. With a thoughtful and strategic approach, Tessa ensures her clients' goals remain the focus at every stage of the litigation process. She is also dedicated to pro bono work, representing clients through Access Pro Bono's roster programs.
Before joining Poulus Ensom Smith LLP, Tessa practiced complex commercial and antitrust litigation at a top international law firm in New York. She engaged in pro bono appellate work and spent time volunteering with the Innocence Project.
During law school, Tessa worked at Downtown Legal Services in their criminal law division and summered at an international law firm in their Toronto office.
University of Toronto (J.D., 2021)
Queens University (B.A., 2018)
British Columbia (2023)
Ontario (2023)
New York (2022)
2024 First Year Moot Volunteer Judge, UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Member, The Advocates' Society
Member, Trial Lawyers Association of BC
Volunteer Lawyer, Access Pro Bono Society of BC
Acted as co-counsel for the plaintiffs in a successful 44-day trial involving claims of professional negligence, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty in Blizzard Uranium Corp v Nathanson, Schacter & Thompson LLP, 2026 BCSC 466. Assisted extensively with trial preparation and multiple contested mid-trial applications, including Blizzard Uranium Corp. v Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP, 2024 BCSC 2163 (CanLII), 2024 BCSC 2170, 2024 BCSC 2169, 2024 BCSC 2168, and 2024 BCSC 2197.
Acted as co-counsel for the Blueberry River First Nations in a two-day hearing before the Federal Court, successfully defending against a judicial review application challenging the substantive and procedural validity of the applicant’s removal as Chief. The application was dismissed in its entirety. To read more about the decision see here.
Successfully represented a major German tank manufacturer in a complex construction dispute in which it had been named as a third party in claims exceeding $8 million. Resolved the matter at mediation through a favourable negotiated settlement.
Acted as co-counsel for the appellant in a successful extension of time application, securing leave to file appeal record materials beyond the deadline.
Acted as junior counsel in a successful summary judgement application to dismiss breach of contract, trust and fiduciary duty claims. See here.
Acted as lead counsel for an independent Vancouver university, successfully defending against a breach of contract claim in a Small Claims Court trial.
Assisted in preparing client for a Department of Justice criminal investigation alleging antitrust violations relating to non-poaching agreements.
Team member representing a global provider of beauty products in a dispute pending before an international arbitration tribunal concerning the manufacture and import of products during the pandemic.
Team member representing one of the largest publicly traded crypto mining companies in the U.S. in their Ch. 11 bankruptcy and related litigation.
Junior counsel on First Amendment religious freedom cases for pro bono clients in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh and Fifth Circuits.
"Gitxaała Nation: What property owners and developers should know" July 6, 2026
Co-author, "BC Supreme Court provides guidance on the law governing solicitor negligence" May 21, 2026
Co-author, "Federal Court reinforces significant deference owed to First Nations governance decisions" February 12, 2026
(778) 357-3018
tpedersen@peslitigation.com