Your Team

Mustapha Rifai is the Founder and Principal of Rifai Defence Lawyers. He practises almost exclusively in criminal law and is recognised for his strategic advice, meticulous preparation, and confident courtroom advocacy.

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Mustapha graduated with a double degree in Bachelor of Business and Commerce and Bachelor of Laws before completing a Master of Laws at the University of Sydney. 

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He commenced his legal career at some of New South Wales' leading and high-profile criminal law firms, where he acted for clients facing a broad range of criminal matters. Mustapha has also worked at the Aboriginal Legal Service (Griffith Office), representing clients in regional New South Wales and regularly appearing in courts across the state. His experience has provided invaluable exposure to a diverse range of criminal matters while reinforcing his commitment to ensuring every client receives exceptional legal representation and achieving the best possible outcome in every case, regardless of their circumstances.

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Mustapha has extensive experience in bail applications, sentence proceedings, resolving matters resulting in charges being withdrawn, defended hearings, instructing counsel in criminal trials, appeals, and other complex criminal proceedings. 

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Mustapha has represented clients charged with a wide range of offences, including serious violence offences, large-scale drug matters, firearm offences, fraud and dishonesty offences, robbery offences, sexual offences, apprehended violence order (AVO) proceedings, as well as traffic and driving matters. Whether acting in straightforward cases or highly complex prosecutions, he provides clear advice, practical solutions, and unwavering representation from the beginning of a matter through to its conclusion.

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Known for his calm yet commanding courtroom presence, Mustapha has earned the respect of fellow defence lawyers, prosecutors, and judges . His reputation has been built on careful preparation, sound legal judgment, confident and persuasive advocacy, and the ability to effectively advance his clients' interests both inside and outside the courtroom.

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