Ole Miss Law Launches $130,000 Robert A. Malouf Scholarship Endowment

The University of Mississippi School of Law (Ole Miss Law) has announced the creation of the Robert A. Malouf Scholarship in Law Endowment, a $130,000 gift from Malaco Music Group. The scholarship will be awarded annually to second‑year law students who rank in the top 50 % of their class and demonstrate financial need. The endowment honors Robert A. Malouf, a former Ole Miss Law graduate who served as the long‑time legal counsel for the Couch family and Malaco Music Group. The announcement was made on November 8, 2026, during the law school’s annual awards ceremony.

Malaco Music Group, founded in 1968 by the Couch family, has released recordings by artists such as Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Bland, and Z. Z. Hill. The label, known as the “Last Soul Company,” has played a key role in preserving Southern R&B and gospel. Over the past five decades, Malaco has navigated the transition from vinyl to digital distribution, maintaining a reputation for artist‑centric contracts and high‑quality production. The company’s success has been supported in part by Malouf’s legal guidance.

Robert Malouf earned his law degree from Ole Miss in 1978 and entered private practice in Greenwood, Mississippi. He quickly became the go‑to attorney for the Couch family’s independent record label, a relationship that spanned decades. According to Couch Jr., “In my opinion, he was probably the best music lawyer in the state.” Malouf’s reputation was built on honesty, intelligence, and a willingness to work outside the spotlight. He was described as a “lone operator” who proved that expertise could thrive without a large firm.

Malouf’s legal work helped Malaco navigate contract negotiations, publishing rights, and distribution agreements, allowing the label to grow while protecting artists’ interests. He handled licensing, royalty calculations, and dispute resolution for Malaco artists, earning the trust of the Couch family and the label’s performers. His ability to translate complex music‑industry terminology into clear legal advice made him indispensable to the company’s operations.

The scholarship will be awarded each year by a committee of law‑school faculty and alumni. Applicants must be in their second year, rank in the top 50 % of their class, and provide documentation of financial need. The award covers tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial barriers.

The scholarship aligns with Ole Miss Law’s mission to produce graduates who demonstrate integrity, service, and academic excellence. By supporting students who share Malouf’s work ethic, the endowment encourages future lawyers to pursue careers in music law, entertainment law, or public‑interest practice, fields that benefit from the same values Malouf embodied.

Donors wishing to contribute to the endowment can send a check to the University of Mississippi Foundation, writing the fund’s name in the memo line. The foundation’s website offers an online giving portal, and the foundation’s office can be reached at 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655. Contributions are tax‑deductible and will be used exclusively for the scholarship.

The scholarship will be announced at the law school’s annual awards ceremony in the spring. The endowment provides a lasting tribute to Malouf’s legacy and a tangible benefit for students who embody the qualities that made him a respected lawyer and friend. The award will be presented to the first recipient in the upcoming academic year, with the selection process beginning in late summer.

The Robert A. Malouf Scholarship in Law Endowment exemplifies the partnership between industry and academia, ensuring that future legal professionals receive support grounded in real‑world experience and ethical standards.