Erskine Mayo Ross (June 30, 1845 – December 10, 1928) was an American attorney and jurist from California.

[1] He attended the Virginia Military Institute, leaving school twice during the Civil War to assist the Confederate States Army and then returning for further training, graduating in 1864.

After studying law at Thom's office for two years, Ross was admitted to the bar of the district court.

[9] In November 1885, he announced his plans to resign to return to private practice with law partner Stephen M. White effective January 1, 1886.

[5][13] In his will, Ross bequeathed $100,000 to endow an essay contest administered by the American Bar Association.

[16] The topic for the 2009 Ross Essay Contest is Write an open letter to the new president and Congress describing the most important priority for improving the U.S. justice system.

[19] Ross was a charter member of the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of California, admitted on November 30, 1895.