Our Firm

Whiteley Ironside & Shillington in its current iteration was established in 1988 but the origins of our firm can be traced back to 1929 when Bert Whiteley began practising law in Orange and the Central West. 

After retirement, Bert’s nephew, Pat Whiteley, also a successful local solicitor, called Bert back to the law to run things locally while Pat was at the Privy Council in England.  Bert stayed on even after Pat’s return. The matters the firm acted in were typical to a country practice including conveyancing, wills and estates, commercial and criminal law.  

Meanwhile down the road in Orange CBD, David Ironside had been practising for many years with a large litigation practice, ranging from wills and estates, compensation and personal injury. David was known for his advocacy and his compassion for his clients. Michael Shillington was also practising independently since 1985 acting in hotel licensing, commercial law, conveyancing and debt recovery.  In the 2 years prior to Pat Whiteley’s death in 1988 both had been in solo practice in Orange but had garnered the respect of each other as learned lawyers and experts in their respective fields.

Upon the death of Pat Whiteley, David and Michael decided that they could continue the legacy of Pat’s well-esteemed and thriving practice, incorporating their complementary practice areas so that the firm would be a full-service law firm, capable of providing clients with expert advice in all areas. Michael and David bought Pat’s legal practice, and with Bert staying on as Consultant, Whiteley Ironside & Shillington emerged in 1988 renewed and vigoured. 

Now, in the 21st Century, our firm continues the tradition of providing quality service to our clients. Our mission to offer all legal services in the one firm continues with our lawyers having diverse experience in key practice areas such as conveyancing, wills and estates, family law, disputes and litigation, commercial law, construction, employment, personal injury and migration.