In the dynamic landscape of international law, few stories are as inspiring as that of Sarah Malik. As the CEO and founder of SOL International Ltd, a UAE-based boutique legal firm, Sarah has carved a niche in dispute resolution and various specialized legal fields. Her journey from a UK barrister to a recognized leader in the Middle East exemplifies resilience, innovation, and dedication.
Early Life and Education
Sarah Malik’s legal journey began in the United Kingdom, where she pursued her LLB, laying the foundation for a career marked by excellence. Her passion for law led her to the Bar Vocational Course, culminating in her qualification as a barrister in 1999. Over the next 15 years, she honed her skills in top-tier chambers across London, representing clients at all court levels and building a reputation for her meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to justice.
Transition to the UAE
In the summer of 2014, Sarah embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Dubai. She assumed the role of Head of Advocacy and Investigations at an international law firm, a position she held until 2018. This period was transformative, exposing her to the intricacies of the Middle Eastern legal landscape and inspiring her to envision a legal practice that blended the best of both worlds—combining the rigorous standards of the UK with the dynamic opportunities of the UAE.
Founding SOL International Ltd
August 2018 marked the birth of SOL International Ltd, Sarah’s brainchild. Established as a boutique dispute resolution practice, SOL quickly expanded its horizons, encompassing private clients, commercial law, employment, technology, fashion, sports, and entertainment sectors. Under Sarah’s leadership, SOL distinguished itself by offering honest, straightforward, and client-centric legal services.
Sarah’s vision for SOL was clear: to create a legal practice that was not only proficient in law but also deeply empathetic to clients’ needs. She emphasized integrity, transparency, and a proactive approach, ensuring that clients received not just legal advice but holistic solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.
Challenges and Resilience
The journey of establishing SOL was not without challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 posed unprecedented obstacles for businesses worldwide. At that time, SOL was just over a year old. However, under Sarah’s steadfast leadership, the firm not only survived but thrived. They retained their staff, adapted to the new normal, and continued to provide uninterrupted services to their clients. This resilience is a testament to the robust foundation Sarah built and her ability to navigate through crises with agility and foresight.
Accolades and Recognition
Sarah’s unwavering dedication and innovative approach have garnered significant recognition. In 2022, she was honored with the Litigator of the Year award at the inaugural GCC Women in Law Awards, where she also received an honorable mention as Law Firm Leader of the Year. That same year, SOL was listed as a Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation by Legal 500 EMEA. The accolades continued in 2023, with Sarah being featured in the Arbitration Powerlist for the Middle East by Legal 500 EMEA.
These honors reflect not just individual excellence but also the collective ethos of SOL—a commitment to redefining legal practice in the region through excellence, innovation, and client-focused services.
Contributions to Legal Education and Arbitration
Beyond her roles as a litigator and CEO, Sarah is deeply invested in the advancement of legal education and arbitration. She serves as a visiting lecturer on the LLM International Commercial Litigation and Arbitration program at Middlesex University, Dubai. She also teaches undergraduate Arbitration Law as a guest lecturer at AlFaisal University, Riyadh, the only co-ed university in Riyadh. Her expertise extends to training academies, governments, and judiciaries worldwide, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the legal field.
Sarah’s influence in arbitration is widely recognized. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre Users Council, and has been appointed to the Lagos Panel of Arbitration Neutrals. In March 2023, she was appointed to the Advisory Committee for the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, further cementing her leadership in the arbitration community.
Expanding Horizons
Apart from leading SOL International Ltd, Sarah has also established her own consultancy through sarahmalik. She is now venturing into the fashion industry with the launch of her new brand, Sarah M, focused on ladies’ couture. With the mantra “Empower Elegance,” the brand aims to redefine sophistication and style for modern women.
Sarah has also recently launched her podcast, “Sarah Straight Up,” where she shares insights, experiences, and thought-provoking discussions on law, business, and leadership.
Leadership Philosophy and Firm Culture
Sarah’s leadership style is characterized by authenticity, transparency, and a commitment to nurturing talent. She believes in empowering her team, fostering an environment where every member is encouraged to reach their full potential. This approach has cultivated a culture of collaboration and mutual respect at SOL, setting it apart from traditional law firms.
She is particularly passionate about mentoring the next generation of lawyers, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing and professional development. Sarah’s belief in “tough love” pushes her team members out of their comfort zones, challenging them to excel and innovate in their respective roles.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
For Sarah, family is both a motivation and a grounding force. The name SOL holds personal significance, representing Sarah, Omar, and Lina—a tribute to her and her two children. This personal touch underscores her belief that professional success should harmoniously coexist with personal fulfillment. She often emphasizes that all her endeavors are driven by her desire to set a positive example for her children and to create a legacy they can be proud of.
Balancing the demands of leading a burgeoning legal firm with personal responsibilities is no small feat. Yet, Sarah manages this with grace, often attributing her resilience and drive to the support and inspiration she derives from her family.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
As of 2025, SOL continues to grow under Sarah’s visionary leadership. The firm is exploring international expansion opportunities, aiming to bring its unique brand of legal services to a global clientele. Sarah envisions SOL as not just a law firm but a beacon of innovation and integrity in the legal industry.
She is also focused on further integrating technology into legal practices, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in enhancing efficiency and client engagement. By staying ahead of technological trends, Sarah aims to position SOL at the forefront of modern legal solutions.
Inspiration to Aspiring Professionals
Sarah Malik’s journey offers invaluable lessons to aspiring legal professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to one’s values. She exemplifies how embracing challenges, maintaining integrity, and fostering genuine relationships can lead to unparalleled success.
Her advice to young professionals is straightforward: never limit yourself and always deliver with integrity, honesty, and transparency. She encourages them to embrace authenticity, pursue excellence relentlessly, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Sarah Malik’s narrative is a testament to what vision, determination, and unwavering commitment can achieve. From her early days as a barrister in the UK to leading a globally recognized boutique legal firm in the UAE, her journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and an enduring impact on the legal profession. Through SOL International Ltd, her new ventures in fashion and media, and her contributions to education and arbitration, Sarah continues to inspire, lead, and redefine the paradigms of legal practice, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and paving the way for future generations. Do follow her on Instagram.
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