Ruby Dhand

Dr. Ruby Dhand is a Professor at Thompson Rivers University's Faculty of Law, specializing in mental health law, disability law, and clinical legal education. She holds advanced degrees from Carleton, Ottawa, Toronto, and Osgoode Hall Law School. Her research focuses on mental health courts, access to justice for marginalized groups, and cultural equity in legal systems. Dhand has secured significant SSHRC and CIHR grants, published extensively, and contributed to law reform initiatives. She co-founded TRU's first clinical legal program, the TRU Community Legal Clinic, and advocates for systemic change through litigation and policy advocacy.

Education:

• BA (NPSIA, Carleton University)
• LLB (University of Ottawa)
• LLM (University of Toronto)
• PhD (Osgoode Hall Law School)

Research Interests: Her work examines intersections of race, disability, and mental health in legal frameworks, with particular attention to marginalized communities. Recent projects include SSHRC-funded studies on mental health courts and access to justice for individuals with substance use disorders.

Recognition:

• 2020 TRU Board of Governors Recognition of Excellence Award
• 2019 TRU Law Teaching Excellence Prize

Grants & Projects:

• $58,780 SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2019-2022)
• $225,000/year Law Foundation funding for TRU Community Legal Clinic

Clinical Leadership: Directed development of TRU's clinical legal program, emphasizing community lawyering and interdisciplinary collaboration.