Written by Julia Day

One of the loveliest things about working at the UNE Law School is seeing how often friendships blossom between students. One excellent example of this is the ‘bromance’ which has developed between Ian Westrip and Ray Harris.

I first met Ian and Ray when they studied torts with me. I could tell very quickly from my interactions with them, that they were engaged and interested students- who were also lots of fun!! Over the last couple of years, I have got to know them both well. I have been impressed by how strongly involved with UNE they are as online students.

Ray and Ian first became mates when completing Property Law last year. As happens in many units, the Property Law students organised their own social media groups where they interact with each other. Ray and Ian hit it off. Since then the duo have supported each other through the often-rigorous process of completing a law degree. For example, when Ray was having a crisis of confidence relating to his ability to undertake legal research in LLM500, Ian was quick to reassure Ray that he could do it!!

Ian with his dad and brother

In some ways Ray and Ian have had similar life experiences. They both lost their dads at a young age- this has served as a motivator for them both as they want to honour their father’s memory!  They have both worked in a variety of jobs before and whilst completing their law degrees. Ian is a ‘tradie and carpenter’ who is currently working on the waterfront near Cronulla in Sydney. Ian’s tradie mates often joke with him after a particularly rigorous bout of tradie banter- ‘we can’t believe you will soon be speaking in a court room!’  Ray is a former police officer who has generally worked in customer services roles. He is currently working as a call centre operator for Service NSW.

Ray with his dad

When Ray finished school in 2009, he gained admittance to an UNE Criminology Degree through the Early Entry Scheme. Ray knew it wasn’t the right time for him to start tertiary education so he deferred his studies. Several years later, Ray completed a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with another university. Ray enjoyed completing this degree, but quickly realised he wanted to enrol in a law degree.

Ray has really enjoyed being a law student and has taken advantage of every opportunity. The motivated student is currently a member of both the Law Students’ Society and UNE’s Academic Board. He is a Student Representative on the Academic Board and is the Secretary and Online Students’ Director within the Law Students’ Society. Ray notes ‘these positions have been so rewarding. I have met some really interesting people, and hopefully helped implement some positive change!’

Ian with his family

Meanwhile Ian has been undertaking some positive change of his own, also having held several different committee positions, including the current P & C President at Kurnell Public School. In Ian’s maiden presidential speech, he explained the legal framework of the P & C and how each of the functions interacted with each other. I asked him if his kids were still being invited to birthday parties??? He assures me ‘at this stage we haven’t been blacklisted!! It might be interesting to see if anyone turns up to the next meeting though…’

Both Ray and Ian would like to practice in Criminal Law after they are admitted as legal practitioners. Ian is on a pathway to become a barrister after university, whereas Ray would like to continue working for the government- perhaps with the DPP or in a graduate position. Fundamentally they both want to make a positive difference to the world and help people. Ian notes ‘I don’t like bullies and I want to use my legal expertise to make a difference! Criminal Law has always been my passion and I have little interest in arguing about contracts or lining the pockets of corporations. Criminal Law is always high stakes; peoples’ lives, liberty and mental health is at stake!’

Ian catching up with Troy Anderson

UNE Law lecturer and barrister Troy Anderson has been particularly influential to Ian and his career choice. In fact, Ian has already asked Troy to ‘move his admission’ when he is set to become a legal practitioner. 

Ray with his fiancee

Even though Ray’s main legal interest is also in Criminal Law, he also has a soft spot for Tort Law. In fact, he is currently completing his honour’s thesis in the aforementioned area of law. Ray’s first unit with UNE was actually Tort Law- yep with me- and he was super excited to receive a High Distinction (HD) in that unit. He remembers thinking- ‘when I put my heart and mind into something- I can do it!’

Ian opted not to take up honours in favour of taking every domestic Criminal Law elective that #UNE Law offers, and notes ‘Commonwealth Criminal Law with Troy Anderson has been my favourite unit so far. Troy has a great lecturing style – it is succinct and to the point!’ Obviously, Troy’s teaching style resonated with Ian as he achieved a HD in this course!!

Ray completing his moot

As a result of their extra-curricular activities and contributions to their community, both Ray and Ian will be graduating with the prestigious New England Award when they complete their law degrees later this year! In the meantime, they are both excited about meeting the many students and staff who have supported them throughout their law degree at the Law Ball!