The Ross Ray QC Scholarships commemorate the late Ross Ray QC, member of the Victorian Bar and the inaugural Chair of SPLA, and his dedication to advancing South Pacific lawyers and legal associations.

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Each year, the Law Council of Australia partners with the Australian Bar Association to support up to two South Pacific lawyers to attend the prestigious Essential Trial and Advocacy Course, which is held alternately in Perth and Adelaide.

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These scholarships are an invaluable opportunity to assist early career lawyers to develop a range of advocacy skills through individualised coaching.

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The scholarships are valued at up to AU$8,000 each, and include:

• return airfares;

• five nights accommodation and meals;

• course registration; and

• all course materials and equipment.

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The 2026 Essential Trial Advocacy Course will take place in Adelaide from 22 - 26 June 2026.

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Click here to learn more about the Essential Trial and Advocacy Course.

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ELIGIBILITY

A prospective candidate is eligible to apply for a scholarship if they are:

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1.  A lawyer/barrister admitted in an eligible South Pacific jurisdiction*; and

2.  Have at least two years of advocacy experience in civil and/or criminal matters.

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* Eligible jurisdictions: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

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APPLICATIONS

​To apply for the scholarship please complete the application form linked below and submit it to the SPLA Secretariat.

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Applications for the 2026 Ross Ray QC Scholarships close on Friday, 13 March 2026. 

​For any questions or related enquires about the scholarship, please email rachel.maclennan@lawcouncil.au ​​