The Hon Neil F Costa

Partner

Meet The Hon Neil's team

Neil Costa leads the Human Rights Law Practice of ISOLAS LLP.

Neil advises on a wide range of legal issues arising from human rights law and on the human rights implications that flow from different areas of law.

Neil obtained a Master of Laws with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh during which time he predominantly focused on human rights law studies.

In November 2021, Neil graduated from Oxford University, New College, with Distinction in his Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law.  Neil was awarded the Morris Prize for the highest overall grade for the year and for the highest grade in the dissertation.

Neil Costa advises employers on matters relating to employment law, including employment disputes in respect of non-discrimination, protected disclosures, and equal opportunities.  Neil also advises employers on employment contracts, staff handbooks, and data protection matters.

Neil also regularly assists employers on how to conduct internal investigations and disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Gibraltar laws, including advising employers on matters relating to employees’ human rights.

On 25 January 2024, Neil was appointed Chairperson of the Employment Injuries Appeals Board.

 

 

Neil frequently advises clients on contractual and civil disputes both before and after proceedings are commenced representing clients in a wide range of litigious matters, including personal injury claims, debt recoveries, negligence claims, and breach of contract matters.

Neil often advises and represents clients in relation to personal injury claims whether arising in the course of employment or otherwise.  Neil has an excellent track record of settling personal injury cases out of court and is highly regarded by clients for his ability to achieve out-of-court solutions.

On 25 January 2024, Neil was appointed Chairperson of the Social Insurance Appeals Board. Additionally, on 25 January 2024, Neil was appointed Chairperson of the Closed Long-Term Benefits Appeals Board.

Neil advises clients on a range of non-contentious matters, including drafting commercial contracts and lasting powers of attorney and represents clients before statutory boards.

Neil was instructed in relation to the planning application by MH Bland to expand and modernise the Cable Car, which received unanimous support by the Development and Planning Commission on 29 October 2020 after having been previously deferred on various occasions.

In January 2020, Neil was appointed by the Minister for Digital and Financial Services to form part of the Decision Making Committee (‘DMC’) of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (‘GFSC’). The DMC operates as an independent statutory committee whose task is to make specified regulatory decisions on behalf of the GFSC in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Services Act 2019.

Further information on our Private Client services can be found here.

 

 

Neil is listed in the Senior Practitioner Legal Aid Panel in Gibraltar and represents clients who are arrested and/or charged by law enforcement officers.  Since his return to private practice, Neil has represented various clients facing different criminal charges in the Magistrates’ Court and the Supreme Court, including for possession and intent to supply controlled substances, driving when under the influence of alcohol, and assault.

Further information can be found here.

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Accreditations

  • “Neil Costa has certainly proved invaluable. He is so thorough in his advice and is able to explain his advice verbally in such a way that is easy to understand."

    Legal 500

  • “Neil Costa stands out amongst his peers: loyalty, academic and emotional intelligence, and an inordinate capacity for hard work and resilience.”

    Legal 500

  • “Neil Costa consistently stands out due to this meticulous attention to detail, unparalleled understanding of the law, and unwavering commitment to representing my interests. Neil’s dedication, combined with a genuine passion for the law, truly sets him apart.”

    Legal 500

  • “It is my personal experience of working with Neil that he is in asset to Isolas LLP and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Neil to anyone who may require his services, and the extensive experience, knowledge, understanding and excellent professional and interpersonal skills he brings in abundance.”

    Legal 500

  • “Quite simply, Neil has an outstanding work ethic and intelligence.”

    Chambers and Partners

Memberships & Background

Memberships

  • The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
  • The Gibraltar Law Council

Background

2011 – 2019: Minister of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar
2019: Partner, ISOLAS
2019: Distinction in Master of Laws from Edinburgh University
2021: Distinction in Oxford University Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law.  Morris Prize winner for the highest overall grade for the year and for the highest grade in the dissertation

 

The Hon Neil F Costa Get in touch

The Hon Neil's team: Kyle Bautista and David Garcia