Sarah Malik is the Founder and CEO of SOL International Ltd, an internationally recognized boutique legal consultancy based in the UAE. She is a UK-qualified barrister with over 25 years of experience advising on complex disputes, international arbitration and litigation. Sarah has a strong track record before the DIFC and ADGM Courts and is recognized for her work across commercial disputes, employment, private client, technology, sports, entertainment and fashion law.
She was named Litigator of the Year at the first GCC Women in Law Awards 2022 and has been recognised by Legal 500 in the Middle East Arbitration Powerlist. Sarah sits on various international boards and advisory committees, including country led initiatives. She is a renowned speaker recognised for strategic and practical approach. Sarah advises high net-worth individuals, businesses and institutions on high-value, cross-border legal matters and has an established reputation as a leading dispute resolution lawyer in the region.
Leadership, for me, is about having the courage to build something differently, the judgment to guide people through difficult moments, and the responsibility to bring others forward with you.
You built SOL International from scratch in a notoriously traditional industry. What has that taught you about leadership?
My leadership journey has been shaped by international experience, exposure to different disciplines and the decision to take on new challenges. I founded SOL International because I wanted to build a firm that reflects the way I believe legal services should be delivered, with technical excellence, commercial understanding and a personal boutique approach. In addition, I have built separate businesses in fashion and strategic advisory.
I do not follow trends, I create them. Leadership requires resilience, judgment and the ability to make quick and difficult decisions and to think holistically whilst maintaining trust. I lead by being practical, direct and involved, whilst encouraging and empowering others to take ownership and develop confidence in their own abilities.
I am committed to supporting younger lawyers and contributing to the wider international legal community. Leadership to me is about responsibility, consistency and helping others progress and leaving a legacy.
What impact has SOL International had — for clients, and for the wider legal profession?
The impact I have tried to create is both through my work for clients and through the wider legal community. Through SOL International, I have built a firm that offers high-quality, strategic legal advice while remaining personal, accessible and commercially focused. I am proud that we are able to support clients through complex and often difficult disputes, helping them make clear decisions at challenging moments.
Beyond client work, I have focused on contributing to the development of the legal profession internationally This includes mentoring younger lawyers, supporting women in law, speaking and teaching internationally at universities, and being involved in organizing multiple inaugural international events.
I hope the impact I have created is one of confidence, opportunity and progress: for clients who trust us with important matters, for lawyers developing their careers, and for the wider legal community.
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
No matter what success I have in life, my biggest achievement and pride will forever be my children, full stop. Professionally, I have been fortunate to have been recognised at country level to represent the UAE in Paris for ADR and also recently to represent the UAE expat community at the highest levels in RAK to sign an oath of allegiance to the UAE.
It is a privilege to have built a law firm which in a very short space of time has been internationally recognised for quality, integrity and approach. Leading the firm’s growth, the team’s development and clients continual their trust in us is extremely rewarding.
I am very proud that lawyers who have trained with us have gone on to excel in their careers. The biggest achievement for me is to create impact and legacy, not just win cases.
What makes your leadership style distinct in international law?
What makes my leadership impact meaningful is that it has been built through practice, not theory. I have led clients through difficult disputes, built SOL International from the ground up, and created a firm that reflects my own values: quality, integrity, courage and a personal approach.
I think my leadership is unique because I have not tried to follow a traditional model. I wanted to build a legal practice that is highly professional, but also human, accessible and genuinely supportive of both clients and the people working within it.
The most meaningful part is seeing the impact beyond the legal work itself, clients feeling supported at difficult moments, younger lawyers growing in confidence, and women in the profession seeing that it is possible to lead, build and succeed in your own way.
What would you tell young women entering the legal profession?
My advice to future women leaders would be to believe in yourself, even when the path is not clear. There will be moments where you question whether you are ready, but growth often comes from taking the step before you feel completely comfortable.
It is important to work with integrity, to develop a solid reputation, have a plan and end goal and to remain authentic in character always. Build strong relationships, network, learn from people around you and surround yourself with only those who challenge and support you in the right way. At the same time, stay true to your core values. You do not have to lead in the same way as everyone else to be effective.
There will be setbacks and difficult moments, but they are part of the journey. Keep going, remain consistent and always open doors for others as you move forward. Remain grounded and humble.
