Spencer Mason Scholarship

+64 9 920 8660

[email protected]

+64 9 920 8660

[email protected]

Spencer Mason Travelling Scholarship in Law

About the Spencer Mason Trust

The Spencer Mason Trust was established by the trustees pursuant to the terms of the Will of Nellie Louise Mason, to support and encourage individuals pursuing a career in law within the District of the Law Society of Auckland. Since its creation in 1969, the Trust has provided financial assistance to law students to pursue legal studies, helping to reduce financial barriers and promote excellence within the legal profession.

For many years, the Trust has assisted scholars by contributing towards the costs associated with postgraduate legal studies overseas, ensuring that talented individuals are supported as they advance their legal careers. The purpose of the trust is for the advancement and propagation of education and learning among students and graduates in law within the Auckland area. The scholarship is known as the Spencer Mason Travelling Scholarship in Law.

Trustees

The Spencer Mason Travelling Scholarship is administered by trustees who are committed to the advancement of the legal profession. The current trustees are:

  • Professor Janet McLean KC

  • David Campbell

  • Simon Ladd KC

  • Nina Khouri

  • Professor Jaime King

  • Professor Paul Rishworth KC

The trustees are supported by TGT Legal, who administer the Trust. TGT Legal receives applications on behalf of the trustees for the purposes of grant making and to advance the charitable purposes of the Trust. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for the Spencer Mason Travelling Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be studying law and/or be a law graduate working within the area formerly constituted as the District of the Law Society of Auckland.

  • Demonstrate a genuine commitment to a career in the legal profession.

  • Wish to undertake further legal studies at any university or comparable institution of higher learning outside of New Zealand.

Key Dates

  • Applications open: 5 January each year.

  • Applications close: 31 March each year.

  • Interviews: Held annually late April or early May.

All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the closing date.

Application Process

  1. Submit an application
    Applicants must complete the online application form and provide all required supporting documentation before the closing date.

  2. Shortlisting
    Applications are reviewed by the trustees, and shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview. Trustees may request further information or clarification from applicants regarding their applications.

  3. Interviews
    Interviews are conducted annually late April or early May at the offices of TGT legal. The duration of each interview is approximately 15 minutes.

  4. Selection
    Successful applicants are selected by the trustees following the interview process. The trustees shall in selecting, have regard to scholastic attainments, character, community work and involvement, proposed programme of study, prospective future contribution to the New Zealand community and the need for financial assistance.

Scholarship Awards

The level of funding awarded varies each year and depends on:

  • the financial position of the Trust;

  • the number of applicants;

  • the level of financial need;

  • the funding requirements of successful candidates.

Successful applicants will be notified directly and provided with details regarding the scholarship award, including payment arrangements and any applicable conditions. The amount to be awarded to each applicant is only concluded after all interviews have been carried out.

Value

Each Scholarship shall consist of:

  • such annual emolument as the trustees may think fit, or

  • payment of all or part of the scholar's travelling expenses, or

  • such annual emolument as the trustees may think fit together with all or any part of the scholar's travelling expenses.

Payment

The scholarship may be made in such instalments as the trustees may determine. Prior to making any payment the trustees may, if they think fit, require the student to provide a Certificate from a teacher in the University in which the applicant is working that the student is proceeding satisfactorily with their course of study or research.

Term

Each Scholarship shall be tenable for one, two or three years as the trustees shall in each case decide.

Co-tenure

The Scholarship may be held with any other bursary, scholarship, prize or fellowship unless the conditions of the other award preclude it.

Reporting

It is expected that Scholars will keep trustees informed at all times of progress and any change to study programmes. Written reports will be required:

  • approximately halfway through the course, and

  • a final report upon conclusion of the studies.

The trustees may at any time during the course of study request a progress report from the scholar's Supervisor or Head of Department.

Publication

The Trustee may publish particulars of any awards granted.

Termination of the Scholarship

The trustees may withdraw the Scholarship at any time and terminate the emoluments payable thereunder if they are satisfied that the scholar is not diligently pursuing their course of study or research or has failed to comply with these regulations or with any terms and conditions under which the Scholarship was awarded.

Concessions

The trustees may, if they think fit, relax or modify the application of any of these regulations in any special circumstances to avoid hardship to any applicant or scholar.

Revocation and Amendment

The trustees may at any time and from time-to-time revoke or amend all or any of these Regulations.

Support the Spencer Mason Trust Fund

The Spencer Mason Travelling Scholarship relies on the generosity of donors to continue supporting future scholars. Contributions are welcomed and directly assist individuals pursuing legal education and professional development.

Donate to the Spencer Mason Trust:

  • Account Name: TGT Legal Trust Account
    Account Number: 02-0100-0102581-002
    Reference: (Your name) 25JAM0398

    Swift Code: BKNZNZ22

Apply for the Scholarship

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to be considered for the Spencer Mason Travelling Scholarship, you can begin the application process below:

To start your application: click here. (Applications will re-open 5 January 2027)

If you have any queries regarding applying, please contact us on 09 920 8660 or email [email protected]. We will respond to your queries as soon as possible.