Sha’ista is passionate about public and regulatory law and has worked in matters of administrative, constitutional law, environmental, employment, public interest, and customs and excise law. She has appeared in the High Court, specialised courts, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court.

Before being called to the Bar, Sha'ista practised as an attorney in all areas of public and regulatory law in two of the country’s top law firms (2006-2013) and worked as a law clerk to Justice B. Nkabinde at the Constitutional Court (2006/7). She has acted as a judge of the High Court.

Sha’ista was a founding member of PABASA and headed the Pius Langa School of Advocacy (2020-2023). She is accredited as an IoDSA certified director and a mediator with Conflict Dynamics.