Sheila De Costa
BA (Hons) Law, 1982
About me
- Advocate and Solicitor at De Costa & Co in Malaysia
- BA (Hons) Law, 1982
ABOUT MY CAREER
It was always a dream of mine to study in the UK, as so many of my friends were studying in the UK at the time and they all had a wonderful study experience. I chose Manchester in particular because my mum’s friend lived there at the time.
My first job after graduating was as an associate lawyer in a small law firm. I found the job from an advert in the newspaper. In my first few years post qualification experience (PQE) I did all that the job threw at me until I found my niche. The experience of trying my hand at everything comes in useful when I founded my own law firm as I was able to advise the clients giving me an edge. Since 1995, I have been the founder of my own law firm. I run two other companies as well.
One of the main skills that I learnt during my time at Manchester Met that I use regularly is to think outside of the box and not to be afraid of being different. During my studies, I was involved in student societies - I made many friends, some of whom I am still in contact with today.
Since graduating, I took my Bar exams in 1983 and I have been serving my community by giving out university scholarships from my personal funds to deserving students and fighting the authorities with my legal skills and my husband (also an alumnus of Manchester Poly). I fought and won a piece of land from the Government, which the community were waiting 70 years for. I am the President and Trustee of the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association and I am the Deputy Chair of the advisory panel of the Women’s Institute of Management in Malaysia. In addition, I am the Chairman of the Board of Governors at my old School -Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Batu Pahat Johor, Malaysia.
I’M INSPIRED BY
All the lecturers who taught me, especially Dr Julia Bailey, who taught us how to think outside of the box.
MY TOP TIP FOR STUDENTS IS…
Be willing to work hard, never give up and be proactive.