Life is a journey exploring two sides of the same coin, personal limits and possibilities of one’s internal and external limitlessness self-evolution. Having such an explorer’s mindset, from her early childhood, Sarah Malik has always been ambitious and enjoyed challenging herself in exploring those personal limits of possibilities. In her words, she has never been content with routine or repetition. “I like variety, and I thrive on pushing myself, multitasking, and the ability to get things done. I have always had a strong drive to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and explore new opportunities.”
She envisages business in a manner that she wants to experience and be part of, and then goes back and works to create that vision in whatever she does. This mindset has shaped the way she approaches her career, not confined to one domain, but rather open to exploring different fields that inspire her and allow her to bring her ideas to life. There was no one defining moment where Sarah decided that she wanted to be involved in different disciplines. It was in her DNA to be different.
Sarah comes from an entrepreneurial, hardworking, and successful background. Her family has always been involved in business, with several members also in law. From a young age, she was surrounded by strong role models who valued ambition, integrity, and grit. Their influence instilled in her a drive to continuously learn, grow, and challenge herself. These early experiences shaped her approach to leadership. She says, “It cannot be a coincidence that I grew up in a family heavily involved in fashion and entrepreneurship, as well as law, and I have adopted both worlds professionally.”
The Complete Package: A Trailblazer’s Odyssey
Sarah’s career is not merely illustrious; it is a multi-disciplinary triumph spanning two continents and 25 years. A UK-qualified Counsel who practiced for 15 years at leading commercial chambers in the UK, she brought her extensive expertise to the Middle East, becoming a true force multiplier in the legal and business worlds. Her peers describe her as ‘the complete package,’ ‘excellent advocate,’ ‘first class lawyer,’ and ‘very results driven.’
Today, Sarah is far from an ordinary leader; she is a trailblazer whose success is woven across multiple disciplines: a thriving legal consultancy, a lucrative property portfolio, and a fashion brand (Sarah M). Her personal brand, Sarah Malik Lifestyle, encompasses bespoke mentoring, strategic consultation, operational advice, and press relations. She is a multi-award-winning International Disputes Counsel, Multi-Business Owner, Published Author, Lecturer, International Speaker, Board Member, and a devoted mother of two.
SOL International: The Testament to Integrity
In August 2018, Sarah founded SOL International Ltd, a legal consultancy that quickly became an internationally recognized brand of repute in dispute resolution. The firm’s rapid ascent is a testament to her clear and uncompromising philosophy.
“SOL is testament to the fact that we are all capable of achieving anything we put our minds to and that we are passionate about,” Sarah states. Her mandate is built on unwavering character: “Never limit yourself and always deliver with integrity, honesty, and transparency. SOL will always tell you how it is, even if this is not what you want to hear.”
The firm’s performance has earned continuous high praise: SOL was named a ‘Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution’ by Legal 500 EMEA (2022). Sarah herself was recognized in the Arbitration Powerlist Middle East Legal 500 EMEA (2023).
Her personal accolades include winning ‘Litigator of the Year’ and receiving an Honourable mention as ‘Law Firm Leader of the Year’ at the inaugural GCC Women in Law Awards 2022.
The name SOL, recognized internationally, holds a deeply personal meaning: “SOL stands for Sarah Omar Lina,” a permanent reminder that all she does is for her two children.
Legal Strategy: A 360-Degree Framework
As the CEO and International Disputes Counsel at SOL International Ltd, Sarah views legal strategy as far more than just courtroom maneuvering; it is a “framework for influence, leadership, and impact.”
Her approach requires a holistic understanding of every matter, necessitating the ability to look from different angles, dissect every avenue, and anticipate outcomes. She has applied this same strategic mindset beyond her legal work, using it to connect with diverse audiences and make informed business decisions. By viewing situations through “multiple lenses and reaching a 360 audience,” she is able to “drive meaningful results that inspire confidence and trust.” This comprehensive, strategic outlook defines her powerful brand of leadership.
Innovation: Law Without Rigidity
In a sector historically known for its rigidity, Sarah brings a deep personal vision of agility and innovation. She emphasizes that “ my personality is not traditional and my vision of forward-thinking has always been part of me since day one.”
Her non-conformist approach started early. Even 25 years ago, as a pupil Barrister, she was developing her skills and client relationships, undertaking traditional work in an “innovative and modern way.” She notes that while the Bar may be a conservative profession, she has witnessed a “wholesale change in attitudes over the last 25 years.”
Sarah is a definitive catalyst in this evolution. She asserts that the law is “not so rigid anymore,” paving the way for her personal brand of practice where agility and vision are paramount. Her practice at SOL is a living testament to how innovation can break the mold, proving that drive can influence the conventions of a centuries-old profession.
The Global Counsel: Expertise and Influence
Sarah’s influence extends from the courtroom to the classroom and the global stage. She acts as Counsel in complex multi-jurisdictional disputes across the DIFC, ADGM, and UK Courts, specializing in international commercial arbitrations and litigation. She maintains her ties to London as an Associate Member of a Chambers.
Her commitment to sharing knowledge is evident in her academic appointments: she is Adjunct Faculty at Middlesex University, Dubai (LLM), and a Guest Lecturer at AlFaisal University, Riyadh (LLB). She is also Adjunct Faculty at the Italian Institute of Fashion Management in Milan. She is a published author of legal texts, including the DIFC UAE Employment Law Comparative Guide and the Guide to GCC Arbitration. She is also a Fellow of CIArb and sits as an arbitrator.
Retained as a personal advisor to High Net Worth (HNW) clients and often acting as external General Counsel, Sarah utilizes her passion in areas like Sports, Fashion & Entertainment to assist businesses and individuals.
The Mental Model: ‘I Will Figure It Out’
At the heart of Sarah’s success is her guiding mantra: “I will figure it out.” This resolute confidence shapes her approach to both legal negotiations and entrepreneurial strategy. She refuses to focus on problems, stating, “I focus on solutions and refuse to let any hurdle stand in my way.” This mental agility is key; she does not get stuck in the moment but always looks forward, a principle she applies professionally and personally: “What has happened has happened and I always look forward.”
This mindset is complemented by working ethically and transparently, speaking the truth, and always being authentic and raw. Such principles ensure that Sarah navigates any challenges with clarity, integrity, and confidence, keeping a laser focus on long-term outcomes.
The Anchor of Conviction
When the stakes are high, Sarah is guided by the certainty that things can be fixed and that solutions can always be found. Her decision-making is based on a strong conviction in herself and an unwillingness to let external influences or unforeseen events derail her progress. She illustrates this resilience with a powerful metaphor: “I will still get from ‘A’ to ‘C’, I might not go through ‘B’ and have to go a different route, but I will get there.” This resolute determination gives her clarity and resilience. Furthermore, she says, “I’m not afraid to voice my opinion and do not believe in remaining silent to make others comfortable.”
The Seamless Integration: Passion Meets Purpose
The launch of businesses like Sarah Malik Lifestyle and the Sarah M fashion brand marked a bold expansion that was driven by an authentic desire to bring a personal vision to life. Sarah is deeply passionate about fashion, sports, wellness, luxury, and entertainment, and her ventures are a “natural extension of my own self and personality.” She emphasizes that she does not enter a business unless she is 100% passionate, as authenticity is key to creating something meaningful.
Her ability to seamlessly balance creativity, commerce, and personal identity across these diverse sectors is a testament to her high level of organization. She manages the switch between businesses effortlessly because she has a clear plan for each one, which she reviews every morning and evening. She never compromises her personal identity, remaining authentic and consistent whether in legal, fashion, or lifestyle ventures.
She relies on strong, dedicated teams for creativity and operational execution, yet always ensures that her own vision and perspective are at the forefront, maintaining coherence across all sectors. This balance allows her to integrate commercial strategy with creative expression in a unique, powerful, and authentic way. She works with junior lawyers and pushes them out of their comfort zones to excel and ensures that once they are trained, they have levels of experience and knowledge beyond their peers.
The Voice of Authenticity: Brand as a Byproduct
Sarah’s powerful personal brand was never an intentional goal but developed “naturally over time” from her innate desire for knowledge sharing and community building. She enjoys engaging, inspiring, and listening to different viewpoints, continually passing information to future generations of lawyers through her teaching roles in Dubai, Riyadh, and Milan. She recognizes that in today’s global landscape, to have true influence and voice, “you need to be able to tell your story and keep it real.”
For Sarah, influence is authentic, never performative. She speaks in her own voice and believes that “audiences can sense the difference between sincerity and pretense; true influence is built when people feel the honesty and commitment behind your words and see that it comes from a real place of belief, conviction, passion, and interest in what you do.”
The Incubator of Ambition: Thriving in the UAE
The UAE, in Sarah’s view, has been instrumental in the flourishing of her vision. She describes it as a “jewel in the Middle East” and a hub that connects people, ideas, and industries. The nation provides a fertile landscape for entrepreneurship, offering strong infrastructure, world-class tax benefits, and supportive government policies where “ambition is encouraged and success is achievable.”
She feels a “genuine entrepreneurial spirit and a positive energy that flows from leadership down to individuals.” The UAE, as an incubator for businesses, has allowed her to “truly excel,” and she is “indebted for all the opportunities and doors that have been opened.” She says, “The UAE gives you wings to fly.”
Leadership by Adaptation: Merging Generations
Sarah’s leadership philosophy across both high-performance legal teams and creative entrepreneurial teams is deeply adaptive. She focuses on embracing individual strengths and weaknesses and ensures people reach their potential. Recognizing that “generations are different,” she adapts her management while still consistently encouraging the fundamentals: hard work, commitment, and taking responsibility.
In managing her teams, she ensures “everybody brings their voice to the table,” finding common ground that works for all. She consciously mixes the “Gen X work ethic with Millennial, Gen Z, and Gen A mindsets,” believing that each generation brings something unique to the table, and adaptation yields the best results.
The Enduring Legacy: Lighting Other Candles
Looking ahead, Sarah is most intentional about leaving a legacy of impact and inspiration. She wants young people, female or male, to believe they have the ability to succeed across various industries, to do what truly interests them, and not be afraid to start new ventures even in foreign jurisdictions where the odds seem stacked against them.
She is a firm believer that “discipline, consistency, a ‘can do’ attitude, and an inner hunger and passion… will always prevail.” Her ultimate message transcends personal success; it is a call to collective empowerment: “Nobody’s candle is dimmed by lighting another, and that comes from a place of confidence and conviction in oneself.” Through her work and voice, Sarah Malik demonstrates that a determination to pursue ambitions fearlessly and a commitment to collaboration and an abundance mindset define a truly lasting impact.
