CLA News / Apply Now: CLA Bursaries Open to Attend the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference 2027 Darwin
Your Commonwealth Journey Starts Here
Are you an early-career lawyer looking to expand your horizons, build international connections, and take your place on the global Commonwealth legal stage?
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) is delighted to announce the launch of its CLC27 Bursary Scheme, offering financial support to help talented lawyers from across the Commonwealth attend the 25th Commonwealth Law Conference, taking place in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, from 9–13 May 2027.
This is more than a funding opportunity. It is your chance to join legal leaders, judges, practitioners and emerging professionals from across the Commonwealth for five days of learning, networking and collaboration.
Available Awards
Open Commonwealth Awards (2 Awards Available)
£2,500 each
Open to eligible lawyers from all Commonwealth jurisdictions and includes:
- £2,500 contribution towards travel and accommodation
- Complimentary conference registration
- Ticket to the Conference Gala Dinner
South Pacific Islands Award (1 Award Available)
£1,500
Reserved for applicants from:
Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Includes:
- £1,500 contribution towards travel and accommodation
- Complimentary conference registration
- Ticket to the Conference Gala Dinner
Northern Territory First Nations Practitioner Award (1 Award Available)
£500
For a First Nations lawyer based in, or with a strong professional connection to, Australia’s Northern Territory.
Includes:
- £500 contribution towards travel and accommodation
- Complimentary conference registration
- Ticket to the Conference Gala Dinner
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a qualified lawyer (students are not eligible)
- Be under 40 years of age or within seven years of call/admission
- Be a current CLA member
- Be from, or practising in, a Commonwealth jurisdiction
- Have never previously attended a Commonwealth Law Conference
Why Apply?
The CLA bursary programme is designed to ensure that talented lawyers from every corner of the Commonwealth can access the opportunities that participation in CLC27 provides.
Successful applicants will:
- Attend the full conference programme, including Young Lawyers’ Day
- Build lasting international professional networks
- Exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from diverse jurisdictions
- Gain exposure to cutting-edge legal developments across the Commonwealth
- Contribute their voice to the future of the profession
Application Requirements
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- A personal statement (maximum 500 words)
- A conference engagement statement
- Estimated travel and accommodation costs
- Details of any other funding received or sought
- One professional reference
Key Dates
Applications Open: 1 July 2026
Applications Close: 15 September 2026
Successful Applicants Notified: 31 October 2026
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity
Whether you practise in a major city or a small island jurisdiction, whether you are building your career at the Bar, in private practice, government, academia or the judiciary, the Commonwealth Law Conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with the profession across the Commonwealth.
If attending CLC27 would otherwise be beyond your financial reach, we encourage you to apply.
The next generation of Commonwealth legal leaders will gather in Darwin in May 2027. Make sure you’re among them.
Apply from 1 July 2026.
How to apply
Step 1: Download the Guidelines here to check eligibility and other requirements
Step2: Complete and submit the application form here
