A scholarship has been launched to help support Bermudians pursuing a career in criminal law on the island.

The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative said the Dr Courtenay Griffiths KC Justice Award Scholarship will be an annual $10,000 scholarship for Bermudian students pursuing legal studies with the intention of practising criminal law in Bermuda.

Eron Hill, founder and executive director of BEJI, said the scholarship paid tribute to a great advocate while investing in the future of justice in Bermuda.

Mr Hill said: “Dr Griffiths’ legacy is one of courage — the courage to take on difficult cases, the courage to defend the unpopular, the courage to challenge the state when fairness demanded it, and the courage to prepare until the courtroom has no place to hide from the truth.

“Bermuda is in urgent need of an increase in the pool of criminal law advocates, particularly those willing to take on legal aid work. That shortage affects real lives. It affects access to justice, the pace and quality of trials and public confidence in the system.

“BEJI intends to take meaningful and practical steps to help address that challenge. Through this scholarship, we want to tell the next generation that criminal advocacy matters.”

The scholarship will go to one Bermudian applicant pursuing a law degree or professional legal qualification.

Applicants will be required to provide a personal statement, proof of enrolment in legal studies, academic records, references and a written commitment to practise in Bermuda after qualification.

The scholarship is named in honour of Dr Courtenay Griffiths KC, who was described as a “commanding presence” at the criminal Bar and in major international proceedings.

A BEJI spokesman said: “His reputation was built not only on the profile of the cases in which he appeared, but on the discipline, courage, preparation and independence with which he approached the work of advocacy.”

• Eligible students are encouraged to submit their applications to info@bermudaequaljusticeinitiative.org before the deadline of August 15