How a Malaysian alumna built a successful legal career from a childhood dream
School of Law alumna Jean Soh (Law LLB ‘97) shares how early ambition, hard work, and international study shaped her path to legal success.
One of Jean Soh’s earliest and most vivid childhood memories is from when she was nine years old: “It's when the ambition to become a lawyer first took root, and it's a dream that has stayed with me ever since. Year after year, when asked for my aspirations, ‘lawyer’ was always my singular focus, with a particular yearning to study law in England and then practice it.”
Although Jean longed to study in England, her family, considering the financial aspects, believed that studying law in Australia would be more economical than in England and a plan was made for her to pursue a law degree at a university in Perth. However, a chance encounter with a neighbour lecturing at another Malaysian college proved pivotal.
He informed my father about his institution's law degree program, which twinned with seven universities in England and Wales, offering a year of study in Malaysia followed by the subsequent years in the UK. This information prompted me to apply to this college with my Tertiary Entrance Exam results, and I was subsequently accepted.
Jean’s first year at college in Malaysia only confirmed that studying law was the right path for her.
“It felt as though a long-held dream was finally materialising. I was captivated by subjects such as Contract Law, Tort Law, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Law – the academic experience was truly magnificent. However, I found the intricacies of the English Legal System challenging. Based on my first-year results, I applied to the University of Leeds and was fortunate enough to receive an offer of admission.”
Journey to Leeds
In 1995, Jean set out for Leeds, where her experiences at the University and its School of Law remain among her most treasured memories.
I appreciated the diverse architecture of the campus, from the charming older lecture halls to the more contemporary spaces. I also have particularly warm recollections of the bread-and-butter pudding from the refectory.
Jean also took full advantage of the city on her doorstep, “I enjoyed the accessibility of the town from my first-year residence at St. Marks Flats, as well as leisure activities like bowling, occasional dim sum outings for special occasions and the vibrant social gatherings.”
The School of Law has welcomed students from across the globe for many years, with over 800 of our alumni coming from Malaysia.
“I cherish the strong bonds of friendship I forged with a wonderful group of Malaysian and other Asian students during my time at the University of Leeds with students from both the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University (as it was then known).”
Many of these close connections were with fellow students from the School of Law and the Engineering School, creating a supportive and enriching academic and social environment.
Life after Leeds
After graduating from Leeds Jean’s professional journey continued in Malaysia with the completion of the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP), enabling her admission to the Malaysian Bar. This was followed by ten years of legal practice within Malaysia.
My career then evolved in 2009 with a move to an in-house capacity as Legal Manager for a publicly listed media organization, culminating in my current role as Senior General Counsel.
“My professional satisfaction is deeply rooted in the intellectual engagement and practical application of legal principles. I find considerable enjoyment in the provision of legal counsel, the drafting of comprehensive legal documentation, and the negotiation of mutually beneficial agreements. While I have experience in litigation, it is not an area I actively seek out. My current career trajectory remains firmly within the legal domain, and I am highly satisfied with my present responsibilities.”
Returning to Leeds after 25 years
Jean revisited Leeds in 2023 and found the city presented a markedly different landscape compared to her time as a student here.
The continued operation of Morrisons, where I regularly shopped for groceries, was a reassuring element of familiarity.
She was less impressed with “the disappearance of Jumbo Chinese Restaurant, a previously cherished destination for dim sum”.
“A significant alteration was also apparent in the area opposite the University, where former banking institutions had largely been repurposed into a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes. The proliferation of establishments offering craft beers was a noteworthy and positive addition to the city's offerings.”
Why Leeds for Malaysian students?
Jean would definitely recommend that fellow Malaysians choose Leeds to study Law, citing the “unique charm” of the city, its “vibrant nightlife” and “secure and welcoming ambiance”.
If you’re ready to start your own journey at the University of Leeds School of Law, click here.
