Prior to being called to the Bar in 2023, Raphael practised as a solicitor at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office for 11 years. He practised primarily in litigation and developed broad expertise in both private and public law. His practice extended to common law litigation, administrative law, commercial law, public interest immunity, charitable trusts, native title, constitutional law, foreign evidence, general commercial, and historical child abuse matters.

As a solicitor, Raphael had conduct of trial and appellate matters in the High Court, Federal Court, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Court of Appeal, Local Court, District Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Administrative Decisions Tribunal, and Land and Environment Court.

Raphael has considerable expertise in relation to subpoenas and interlocutory applications. He has a strong background in appellate work and equity, having previously worked as a Tipstaff to the Hon. Peter Young AO, then Justice of the NSW Court of Appeal, and to the Hon. Kevin Lindgren AM KC, then Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Raphael frequently represented parties in mediations and informal settlement conferences. He has particular experience with the difficulties and sensitivities involved in the mediation of historical child abuse matters.

Raphael holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Queensland.