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Debashis Raha

Solicitor O'Connell Solicitors

Sydney, NSW

About Debashis

Debashis Raha serves as a Solicitor at O'Connell Solicitors, seamlessly integrating his legal, scientific, and engineering expertise. His interdisciplinary approach has fostered a deep commitment to the realms of energy law and environmental compliance. Debashis boasts extensive knowledge in areas such as emissions regulation, climate policy, and renewable energy initiatives. His advisory prowess covers greenhouse gas reduction, carbon accounting, and the complexities of regulatory frameworks including the NGER Act and the Emissions Reduction Fund. His legal proficiency extends across a comprehensive array of legislation both internationally and domestically, involving the Paris Agreement and the Climate Change Act, as well as critical state statutes like the EP&A Act and the EPBC Act. Having held senior roles at prominent organisations including Sydney Water and NSW EPA, Debashis has demonstrated leadership in advancing safety and sustainability initiatives. As a scholar with a Doctor of Science and Law, a PhD in Engineering and Law, and multiple master's degrees in law, science, and business administration, Debashis is well-equipped to solve complex legal challenges in environmental and regulatory law. His credentials as a chartered professional engineer, fellow of Engineers Australia, and Lead Auditor enhance his proficiency in compliance and risk management. Debashis's dedication to excellence is evident in his training and mentoring endeavours, where he emphasises compliance, risk assessment, and fostering a culture of sustainable practice within organisations. His multidisciplinary expertise keeps him at the cutting edge of environmental law, enabling him to navigate the evolving legal landscape and contribute significantly to his clients' success.

Practice areas

Litigation & Disputes

Resume

Experience

Solicitor with Australian Practicing Certificate

O'Connell Solicitors

Jan 2024 - Present • 2 years 9 months

Acting Director (Procurement and Contract Law)

Royal Australian Air Force

Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 • 2 years

Acting Director (Procurement and Contract Law)

Australian Govt Department of Health, Disability and Aging

Jan 2017 - Jan 2021 • 4 years

Professional Volunteer (Legal Services)

Toongabbie Legal Centre and Bassan Lawyers

Jul 2016 - Dec 2023 • 7 years 5 months

Acting Director (Legislative Advice & Compliance Management)

Murray-Darling Basin Authority

Jan 2015 - Jun 2018 • 3 years 5 months

Corporate Adviser (Renewable Energy, Net Zero Emission and Climate Change Policies & Legislations)

Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa)

Jan 2014 - Jan 2015 • 1 year

Lead Regulatory Auditor and Principal Regulatory Assurance Manager

Det Norske Veritas Inc Australia-Nz

Jul 2013 - Dec 2013 • 5 months

Program Manager (Climate Change Policy & Strategy)

Sydney Water

Jan 2010 - Jun 2013 • 3 years 5 months

Technical Review Panel Member NSW EPA

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

Jul 2007 - Jun 2015 • 7 years 11 months

Senior Adviser (Energy, Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change Laws)

Jul 2007 - Jun 2010 • 2 years 11 months

Program Manager (Natural Resources Legislations)

Jul 2004 - Jun 2007 • 2 years 11 months

Program Manager (Water and Environmental Legislations)

Jul 2001 - Jun 2004 • 2 years 11 months

Program Manager (Water, Air, Noise and Land Pollution Abatement & Regulatory Compliance)

Jan 1999 - Feb 2002 • 3 years 1 month

Program Manager (Environmental Assets to Support Regulatory Compliance)

Jul 1998 - Jul 2001 • 3 years

Principal Process Engineer (Pollution Abatement and Control)

Nov 1995 - Jun 1998 • 2 years 7 months

Education

Bachelor of Laws - LLB, Immigration, Property, Criminal, Environmental, Family and Consumer Law

Western Sydney University

2017 - 2020

Doctor of Science , Energy, Green House Gases and Climate Change Change Law

University of Wollongong

2007 - 2014

Master of Law, Climate Change, Sustainability, Energy and, Environmental Law

University of Sydney

2003 - 2005

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability Law

University of Wollongong

2003 - 2007

Master of Science - MS, Health, Safety, Environmental Law

Western Sydney University

2001 - 2003

Master of Business Administration - MBA, Commercial Law

University of Wollongong

2000 - 2002

MS Honours, Environmental and Civil Engineering

University of Wollongong

1996 - 1998

Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, Jadavpur University, Kolkata

1989 - 1993

Bachelor of Engineering Honours, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering

Jadavpur University

1981 - 1984

Bachelor of Honours Science

St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata

1977 - 1980

Contact information

Sydney, NSW

Suite 438, Level 4, 311 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSWWebsite

Practice certificate

Name: Debashis Raha
Date of admission: 2025
Certification type: Employee of a law practice (Supervised)
Class: Law Practice
Region: NSW

Last checked: 8 Oct 2026 • Checked with Law Society of NSW

Practice areas

Litigation & Disputes