Rafael received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 2018. Rafael then received his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Right after law school, Rafael clerked for Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez (now appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Fifth Circuit), where he drafted recommendations on matters such as immigration, insurance indemnification, employment, and securities. Additionally, Rafael practiced immigration law for two years, guiding clients seeking immigration relief and status in front of the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Labor. Rafael also served as an Assistant County Attorney in Travis County, prosecuting misdemeanor cases in county courts and justice of the peace courts before joining Messer Fort.
Rafael grew up in Mansfield, TX just outside Dallas-Fort Worth. He is a fluent Spanish speaker. Outside of Texas, Rafael has lived in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. In his free time, Rafael enjoys working out and running, playing golf, recreational sports, travelling, and road trips.