Hilary maintains a broad litigation practice, with a particular focus on commercial and real estate disputes. Her experience includes advising on breaches of contract, real estate transactions, issues under the Real Estate Development Marketing Act, commercial lease disputes, and professional negligence and civil fraud claims. She has also represented clients in commercial arbitrations, before administrative bodies, and in injunction proceedings.
Hilary has appeared and made submissions at all levels of court in British Columbia. She also regularly assists clients with achieving favourable out-of-court solutions. Hilary is dedicated to providing pro bono legal services and represents clients through Access Pro Bono’s roster programs.
Prior to joining Poulus Ensom Smith LLP, Hilary practiced civil and commercial litigation at an international law firm in Vancouver.
McGill University, J.D., B.C.L. (2020)
McGill University, B.A., Dean's Honour List (2016)
British Columbia (2021)
Successfully represented a developer at trial in a claim arising out of a failed real estate transaction concerning a development property in Vancouver’s Chinatown. The developer was awarded the return of its deposit, damages for breach of contract as well as double costs: Epix Developments Ltd. v Bonnis Development Union Street Limited Partnership, 2025 BCSC 805 and 2025 BCSC 1701.
Successfully obtained an order for exclusive conduct of sale of four properties in proceedings under the Partition of Property Act.
Successfully defended FedEx at trial in a claim brought by a commercial shipping client.
Successfully obtained an injunction to enforce COVID-19 public health orders on behalf of a health authority: Interior Health Authority v Iron Energy Fitness Centre Ltd., 2022 BCSC 336.
Represented a data processor in a multi-party and multi-action dispute alleging fraud, successfully obtaining a discontinuance of the third party claim against it.
Successfully represented a non-profit organization before the Residential Tenancy Branch and on a subsequent judicial review regarding the interpretation of the Residential Tenancy Act and transitional housing: McNeil v Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, 2022 BCSC 2174.
Represented individuals pro bono on applications in the Court of Appeal.
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ 2026 – Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ 2025 – Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Volunteer Lawyer, Access Pro Bono Society of BC (Court of Appeal Roster Program)
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Member, The Advocates’ Society
Member, Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia
Member, Vancouver Bar Association
(778) 727-3512
hchu@peslitigation.com