Thompson Rivers University – Faculty of Law (TRU Law) – An In-Depth Guide
Description
1. Introduction
Thompson Rivers University-Faculty of Law (TRU Law) is a public law school located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, offering a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) program. It emphasizes practical legal education with real-world experience, diverse learning opportunities, and a strong community ethos. TRU Law is fully accredited and recognized across Canada, attracting students from around the world, including India.
2. Historical Background
Established in 2011, TRU Law was created to address the need for legal education in the interior and northern regions of British Columbia. The law school adopted its foundational curriculum from the University of Calgary and conducted its first classes in September 2011. Since then, it has grown rapidly with a focus on access to justice, practical legal training, and community engagement.
3. Law Courses & Programs – Thompson Rivers University-Faculty of Law
Thompson Rivers University-Faculty of Law primarily offers one accredited degree for common law education:
| Program | Duration | Specializations | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) | 3 years (full-time) | No specialisation tracks officially (broad electives) | TOEFL iBT ≥88 / IELTS Academic ≥6.5 (institution guideline) |
| Upper-Year Transfer (JD Completion) | 2 years (for transfers) | N/A | Same as JD requirements |
Note: TRU Law does not offer a five-year BA LLB, B.Com LLB, LLM, or PhD directly at the Faculty of Law. The sole degree is the JD, consistent with Canadian common-law education models
4.Key Highlights of Top Law Courses
Juris Doctor (JD)
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A fully accredited Canadian law degree preparing students for professional practice across Canada.
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Strong emphasis on practical experience: mooting, legal clinic, externships, and directed research.
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Opportunities for international exchange and networking.
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Small class sizes (approx. 124 seats) ensuring personalized learning.
5. Entrance Exam Requirements
| Entrance Exam | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LSAT (Law School Admission Test) | JD & Upper-Year Transfers | Must be written no later than January of the intake year; highest available score used. |
. Top 5 Reasons to Choose Thompson Rivers University-Faculty of Law
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Practical Legal Training: Focus on real-world skills like advocacy, legal writing, and community lawyering.
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Unique Location & Experience: Located in Kamloops fostering focused study and strong professional community.
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Inclusive Admissions: Multiple applicant categories including Discretionary and Indigenous consideration.
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High Employment Outcomes: Nearly all graduates seeking articles obtain placements within nine months.
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Small Cohort & Supportive Environment: Smaller class sizes contribute to personalized support and mentoring.
7. Grade & Ranking
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Thompson Rivers University-Faculty of Law does not generally appear in major international rankings like QS or THE specific to law due to its relative youth and size.
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However, TRU University itself has received recognition, including a “Platinum” sustainability rating and inclusion as one of Canada’s top research universities.
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National ranking for specific law programs is less formalised in Canadian rankings compared to older institutions like UBC or University of Toronto.
8. Documents Required for Admission
| Document Type | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Completed online application | Yes | Via EducationPlannerBC or TRU portal. |
| Official academic transcripts | Yes | Sent directly from institutions. |
| LSAT score & writing sample | Yes | Include LSAC ID when applying. |
| Personal Statement / Resume | Yes | Essential for all applicants. |
| Letters of Reference | Only for Indigenous or Discretionary category | 2 references required via email. |
| Proof of English proficiency | Yes | TOEFL/IELTS or other accepted tests. |
| Application fee | Yes | International fee applies. |
9. How to Apply for Admission
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Register | Create an EducationPlannerBC account. |
| 2. Select Program | Choose “Juris Doctor (Law) Applicant” and fall intake. |
| 3. Upload Documents | Include personal statement, transcript, LSAT ID, resume. |
| 4. Reference Letters | Only for eligible categories; emailed to lawadmissions@tru.ca. |
| 5. Submit Application & Fee | Complete before deadline (final). |
| 6. Check Status | Monitor via MyTRU portal after submission. |
0. 📞 Contact Details – TRU Law
Law Admissions Office
📍 Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law
Old Main Building, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
📞 Phone: +1 250-852-7698 📧 Email: lawadmissions@tru.ca
Dean of Law:
📞 Phone: +1 250-828-5169 📧 Email: lawdean@tru.ca






























