The Honourable Hope Hyslop, K.C., helped shape the Faculty of Law at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), sharing her expertise and experience with students. Now, through a historic legacy gift of more than $1.4 million to TRU Law, her influence will continue to impact lives for decades to come.

“We remember Justice Hyslop with respect and gratitude,” said Airini, TRU president and vice-chancellor. “Her legacy gift will have an enduring impact on the lives of TRU law students as well as all those who utilize the TRU Community Legal Clinic (CLC) and the broader community.”

On June 12, 2026, in recognition of her devotion to advancing justice, fairness and legal education in British Columbia, Hyslop received an honorary Doctor of Law (posthumous), which was accepted by her brother Mark Hyslop during spring convocation.

“Hope was one of the only three women who graduated from the University of British Columbia Law School in 1966. She articled in Kamloops and never left, providing 59 years of continuous dedication to the law in this city and this region,” said Mark, adding that his sister was an exceptional lawyer, judge, teacher and horsewoman, but most of all, she was an exceptional human being. “She was a force of nature and we miss her.”

At a time when women were fighting for equal opportunities in higher education and professional careers, Hyslop pursued law with intelligence, tenacity and resilience. When she arrived, she was the only female lawyer in Kamloops, but her success paved the way for future generations. In 2026, more than half of TRU Law’s graduating class were women — progress made possible by pioneers like Hyslop, who challenged barriers and expanded opportunities for those who followed.

After retiring from the judiciary in 2017, Hyslop joined TRU’s Faculty of Law as judge-in-residence. She became a steady presence, sharing insight drawn from nearly 60 years in the profession. She passed away on Dec. 7, 2025.

Past students remember her not only for her intellect, but for her kindness, her curiosity and her commitment to helping them make the most of their law school experience.

“Hope was such a comforting resource to not only give me pointed directions but also instill a level of confidence in myself to take steps forward to understand the matter, the law and working towards a solution for the clients,” shared a former CLC student at Hyslop’s celebration of life on May 2.

Another said: “She immediately struck me as not only wise, intelligent and fair but also kind and caring… I appreciated her taking time from her retired life to give back and I really felt like she cared about making us law students into the best lawyers we could be.”

Expanding access to justice

A portion of Hyslop’s legacy gift will establish the Hope Hyslop Legacy Community Legal Clinic Fund, designed to strengthen and expand the work of TRU’s CLC, which serves people across the Interior of B.C., many facing complex challenges in areas such as family law and human rights.

Each year, the fund will help grow clinic capacity — supporting additional supervision, increasing opportunities for student participation and enhancing services for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access legal help. By investing in this work, Hyslop’s gift will improve access to justice for underserved and marginalized communities while giving students invaluable, hands-on experience.

It is a continuation of a cause she championed throughout her life. She started the first legal aid clinic in Kamloops, paying to rent the office space out of her own pocket and garnering support from young lawyers who volunteered their time in the early years. Hyslop also made enormous contributions as a volunteer supervising lawyer at the CLC from immediately after her retirement from the BC Supreme Court almost all the way to her passing.

Supporting the next generation of lawyers

Her gift also establishes the Hope Hyslop Legacy Law Retention Awards, providing financial support to students who are committed to practicing family law.

Each year, four returning third-year students will receive $10,000 awards, recognizing both their academic focus and their intention to build careers in regions such as Northern B.C., Thompson-Okanagan, the Cariboo and the Kootenays.

“These awards are more than financial support — they are a statement of purpose, encouraging emerging lawyers to pursue careers in family law and to serve communities where legal expertise is in high demand,” said Faculty of Law Dean Daleen Millard.

“Justice Hyslop understood those needs intimately. Over decades of practice, she saw firsthand how access to skilled legal representation can change lives, particularly in family law where the stakes are deeply personal. Through these awards, she is helping ensure that future generations of lawyers carry that work forward.”

Through her extraordinary gift, Hyslop’s work endures — empowering students and promoting equal access to justice for all.