April 6, 2022Back to Latest

The Right Honourable Viscount Bennett, PC, KC, LLD, DCL, sought to encourage a high standard of legal education, training and excellence. In 1943, he established a trust fund with 100 shares of Royal Bank stock, valued at $100 per share. The value has increased significantly, allowing the Viscount Scholarship Selection Committee (Committee) to award up to three scholarships annually.

Award

An award of up to $20,000 may be paid annually to provide for post-graduate studies in an institution of higher learning, in common law, approved by the Committee. If, in the opinion of the Committee, no suitable application is received, no award will be made. Up to three awards may be made annually if, in the opinion of the Committee, there is justification based on the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

Applicants must be law graduates or members of the Law Society of Alberta, ordinarily resident in, or if not presently resident in, then with an express intention to return to Alberta. Awards will be made by the Committee based primarily on the academic excellence displayed by the applicant in both University and law school. The Committee may also have regard for the applicant’s:

• • degree of involvement in law school, in university, in community and in legal affairs;
  • financial need; and
  • other scholarships or awards.

Application

Applications are to be sent via email or courier to:

Barbara Billingsley,
Dean of Law
487 Law Centre, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alta T6G 2H5
Telephone: 780.492.5590; Fax: 780.492.4924

Applications should include:

1. 1. Vitae of personal and professional information, including applicant’s current and likely future connection
      to Alberta;
   2. Official University transcripts (pre-law and law school);
   3. List of awards and prizes, if applicable;
   4. A list and status of other award/scholarship applications;
   5. Three originally signed letters of references, at least two of which must be academic;
   6. The name of the institution(s) where application has been made for post-graduate study;
   7. Description of research plan and proposed course of study;
   8. Description of future plans;
   9. Evidence of financial need, including proposed budget; and
   10. Any other relevant information.

Letters of application must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2022.

View this guide or the University of Alberta’s website for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Application information will be shared with the members of the Committee only.