Discussion with Sarah Malik, Chief Executive Officer of FCIArb SOL International Ltd: accoladed Litigator and Global Disputes Advisor
Chat with the Legendary Sarah Malik, CEO of SOL International Ltd - An Unconventional Powerhouse in Dispute Resolution
Ready to dive into an insightful and intriguing dialogue with the revolutionary minds behind SOL International Ltd? Here's our enlightening conversation with Sarah Malik, the fearless force behind this award-winning powerhouse.
Let's Roll
us: Let's kick things off - tell us all about your background and SOL International in detail.
Sarah Malik: I christened the bar in 1999, heels and all, in London's Top 20 Chambers. After masquerading as a sparring partner for UK's legal elite for 15 years, I packed my bags and moved to sunny Dubai in 2014. I joined the ranks of an international law firm and led their advocacy and investigation team, only to leave the nest and found SOL International in 2018.
SOL International began as a petite dispute resolution firm, but it grew like wildfire into a powerhouse covering private clients, commercial, employment, tech, fashion, sports, and entertainment. Now, we're known internationally, the go-to destination for that hard-hitting, no-nonsense legal advice.
us: What's the good stuff you're after in life?
Sarah Malik: I aim to keep SOL balling on all cylinders, offering competitive excellence while nurturing the next generation of trailblazing legal minds. I wanna create a roaring legal battleground where winners are produced and the next big names in the industry are born.
us: What sets SOL apart from the rest of the herd of legal rascalries out there?
Sarah Malik: SOL's got more sass and a helluva lotta charm compared to the conventional, stuffy law firms out there. We buck the tradition, doing things our way and leaving everyone wondering, "now what did SOL just do?" The team's ride-or-die chemistry and the clients' unapologetic loyalty to our distinct approach have us gaining recognition across the globe.
us: How'd you find your path to this point?
Sarah Malik: I followed the traditional legal path, nabbing the LLB in the UK and qualifying as a UK-certified barrister. I honed my skills in the sandboxes of the court systems for 15 years until finally landing in Dubai to redefine what the world of law really means.
us: So, why'd ya start SOL?
Sarah Malik: I spotted a niche in the market - law firms and barristers misaligned like jigsaw pieces searching for a perfect fit. I craved to meld the two into one smoothly operating machine. SOL was designed to be a harbinger of a new legal breed - a combination of courtroom warhorses and fine-tuned operators who could provide world-class legal advice with personalized client care.
us: King Kong challenges clawing your way up the tower, eh? Which ones did ya hit the hardest?
Sarah Malik: Well, the COVID-19 pandemic hit us like a ton of bricks, but we rumpled its feathers and fought our way through like true survivors. We grew stronger than ever, and when the dust settled, SOL stood tall. We also tackled challenges in creating the right structures, hiring the right people, and upholding our reputation for excellence in a constantly growing company.
us: Sum up yourself in a cool wordie sentence.
Sarah Malik: I'm the ultimate zest, challenging the status quo, pushing people beyond their limits, and changing the legal game one courtroom victory at a time.
us: What's the flavour of our company vision?
Sarah Malik: I'm all about authenticity, realness, and speaking truth. I despise sugarcoating things and making others comfortable at the expense of transparency. SOL's vision revolves around providing top-notch legal solutions within a raw, unfiltered environment that values hard work, high play, and human empathy. We proudly stand against the mainstream notion that lawyers should be touchy-feely, anti-human beings.
us: How do we slay the competition and be different?
Sarah Malik: The secret sauce? Integrity, consistency, honesty, no surprise bills, teamwork, and real relationships with clients. We're open, honest, and tell our clients the bottom line, even if it cuts like a knife. We'd rather send them packing if we can't help them or refer them to another firm that can. We're all about the real deal and want the best for our clients. Our approach is unique, and it sets us apart from the posery competitors.
us: What made you tough it out and press on despite that crazy uphill struggle?
Sarah Malik: I stick to my guns and say what I do and do what I say. I'm genuine, a force to be reckoned with, and unapologetically myself. I believe in no-nonsense, tough love, and pushing my team to achieve their potential - no matter how uncomfortable it gets. I don't back down from a fight, whether it's in the courtroom or the unforgiving world of law.
I've faced flak for my predominantly female team, but it only makes us laugh. I've clapped back at bad behavior and discrimination attempts, putting them in their place. Connect with me on LinkedIn to see my journey and learn more about SOL.
us: Where do you see SOL in two years, and how are you gon' get us there?
Sarah Malik: SOL's got its eyes set on conquerin' the world, landin' international buyouts, or perhaps growing bigger as part of a family that shares our ethos. I'm always out there, venture-scouting and findin' opportunities that lead the way down untrodden paths.
us: What perks do our clients score from workin' with SOL in this competitive world?
Sarah Malik: SOL's all about family values, and that's how we treat our clients. We genuinely care about the outcome and providing a solution. Our clients receive access to our services at affordable prices compared to our counterparts, with the same level of professionalism and competency. We believe in openness, transparency, and telling our clients the cold hard truth even if it means saying, "you don't have a case," or " Skip the lawyer. You ain't need 'em." Our clients' trust in our honesty and integrity has helped build our brand.
us: Lastly, is there anything else you want to holler at our viewers?
Sarah Malik: I'm invested in the grand endeavor of supportin' the next generation of legal beagles. It's our duty to share our wisdom and help others when we can. I strongly believe in mentoring and sponsoring the legends of the future, breakin' the molds of conventional wisdom, and helpin' 'em reach their full potential. Join us in the journey to redefine the world of law together, where everyone works collaboratively for a better professional landscape for the next generation. Connect with me on LinkedIn.
us: Let's delve into the impact of SOL International on the broader business landscape. How does your groundbreaking approach extend beyond legal matters?
Sarah Malik: SOL's not just about law, baby. We're a lifestyle brand, forging ahead in fields like education, entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity-and-inclusion, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, career, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, mindfulness, productivity, career-development, job-search, and goal-setting. By striving for excellence and transparency, we strategically unite various aspects of life under our banner. We aim to empower our clients with the necessary knowledge and skills, priming them for success in their chosen paths.
us: In a world where tough competition and rapid advancements reside, what unique advantages do SOL International clients possess?
Sarah Malik: Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride in the sports and entertainment sectors! SOL's cutting-edge sports division boasts unparalleled expertise in navigate the winding web of regulations surrounding betting and gaming, soaring past limitations to bring exceptional experiences to enthusiasts around the globe. Additionally, our fashion-and-beauty division offers a unique blend of creativity and strategy, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a fast-paced, ever-evolving market. Think of us as your ticket to serenity amid the storm of commerce. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking ventures under SOL's umbrella!
