About usExpanding Access to Justice Since 2016

TRU CLC is a proud initiative of the TRU Faculty of Law, showcasing the power of community-university partnerships. It was founded by TRU Law professor Dr. Ruby Dhand, who secured a $60,000 grant from the Law Foundation of British Columbia (LFBC) in 2014 to launch a pilot project. With further funding from the LFBC, TRU CLC evolved into a part-time clinic in 2016.

Since its opening on February 9, 2016, led by Ted Murray, sessional faculty at TRU's Faculty of Law, the TRU CLC has served more than 3,400 clients. The clinic increases access to justice in Kamloops and surrounding areas while offering TRU Law students practical legal training. Typically, 30 to 35 students, representing about 30% of each Law cohort, participate in the clinic during their studies.

Services Free Legal Help When You Need It

Who can use our services

We offer free legal services to individuals who meet low-income eligibility requirements. A TRU Law student will conduct an initial intake interview to assess financial and legal eligibility.

How intake interviews work

The intake interview helps us determine whether we can assist you, and how. You will meet with a member of our team to discuss your legal issue and goals. You will not receive legal advice during the interview, but your responses will remain confidential.

To schedule an intake interview, call the TRU CLC at 778-471-8490. Appointments are typically booked within one to two weeks.

What we offer

Summary advice

We help clients understand their legal options and next steps. This may include providing information about legal rights and responsibilities, guidance on what to ask for in court, what evidence to gather, or how to complete legal forms. We may offer summary advice if we are unable to represent you in court.

Representation

If we can take on your case, we may represent you in court or draft legal documents on your behalf. We will explain any anticipated risks before proceeding.

Legal matters we can assist with
  • Residential tenancy
  • Employment standards
  • Small claims (civil claims under $35,000 only)
  • Human Rights claims
  • Some criminal charges in provincial court
  • Simple wills (estate under $25,000, no real property)
  • Powers of attorney, representation agreements and advance directives
  • Documents for uncontested desk order divorces
Legal matters we cannot assist with
  • Family law litigation
  • Business and commercial law
  • Real estate and strata matters
  • Probate or administrative matters
  • Any matters within the jurisdiction of a superior level court
  • Personal injury claims
  • Unionized employment issues
  • Impaired driving or traffic offences
  • Complaints against dentists, doctors or lawyers
  • Matters that require action on short notice

Staff Guided by Experienced TRU Faculty

Ted Murray Executive Director

Ted Murray is the clinic's founding supervising lawyer and has been serving as executive director of the CLC since 2017. He earned his JD from University of British Columbia in 2010. Murray teaches employment law and insurance law at TRU's Faculty of Law and previously taught labour law, privacy law and community lawyering.

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Dr. Ruby Dhand Academic Director

Dr. Ruby Dhand led the development of TRU CLC and teaches human rights law, health law, mental health law and community lawyering. She holds degrees from Carleton University, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2008 and joined TRU’s Faculty of Law in 2012.

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Daleen Millard Chair of board

Daleen Millard is the dean of the Faculty of Law at TRU. She earned her LLD degree from the University of Johannesburg and holds degrees from the University of Pretoria, along with a diploma in insolvency law.

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Staff lawyers

  • Celina Bell
  • Neila Howes

Contact us We'd love to hear from you

Operating hours

Monday: 9am - 4pm
Tuesday to Friday: 9am - 4pm
Closed weekends

Location

601 - 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC
V2C 2J4

The clinic is located downtown at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Victoria Street.

Book an appointment

TRU Community Law Clinic
Phone: 778-471-8490
Email: truclc@tru.ca

Please note:

  • No drop-in appointments are available.
  • Our operating hours apply only when TRU classes are in session in the fall, winter and summer semesters.
  • Calling during our operating hours is the best way to book an appointment.
TRU Community Legal Clinic team meeting.

The TRU Community Legal Clinic is funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia.

Learn about donor opportunities:
Ted Murray, Executive Director
Email: temurray@tru.ca
Phone: 778-471-8490