Mitch Rawlings specialises in employment law and work health and safety matters. He appears regularly in State and Federal Courts, including on appeal (led and unled), and is recognised for his careful preparation, measured advocacy and strategic approach to litigation.
Since joining the private bar in 2017, Mitch’s practice has evolved from a broad advocacy base including criminal trials and administrative proceedings (with appearances in over 100 jury trials), to a focus on regulatory prosecutions, work health and safety matters, employment disputes, and disciplinary proceedings (for health practitioner, professionals and executives).
Mitch has particular expertise in work health and safety prosecutions, including securing acquittals for amusement ride providers, large abattoirs, government agencies and construction companies. He also regularly appears in sentencing proceedings, including achieving a record low financial penalty for a large agribusiness in 2022.
Mitch also has extensive experience advocating for his clients in coronial inquests, including the significant inquests into the deaths of Mason Jet Lee (2020), Johan Ofner (2022), and Mark Raisin (2024).Â
Mitch is committed to providing clear, practical and commercially minded advice, working closely with solicitors and clients to identify the real issues and develop effective, results-driven strategies. Mitch accepts briefs throughout Australia.