Ian Westrip

Ian Westrip is a criminal defence lawyer at Mitchell & Co. Lawyers, known for his commitment to securing the best outcomes for his clients. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England, graduating with the New England Award, along with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. Ian has also completed a Master of Forensic Mental Health at the University of NSW and is currently undertaking a Master of Laws focused on Criminal Justice and Criminology at the same university. Ian approaches each case with careful and methodical preparation, prioritising empathy and understanding to alleviate the stress often associated with criminal law proceedings. His practice combines strong legal expertise with a pragmatic and straightforward approach, helping clients navigate complex legal matters with confidence. He has experience appearing across all levels of the NSW court system, including defended hearings, trials, sentencing, interlocutory applications, and appeals. Ian has also been involved in preparing Special Leave Applications to the High Court of Australia. Additionally, he has experience in mental health law, representing patients before the Mental Health Review Tribunal under the Mental Health Act. Ian contributes to Legal Aid NSW through his membership on the summary criminal law and mental health law panels. Outside of his legal practice, he is actively engaged in his local community, having been a founding member and first president of his local Men’s Shed. He also serves as President of his children’s school P&C, reflecting his strong commitment to family and community involvement.