CEO & Founder

Sarah Malik

Sarah Malik is an award-winning lawyer who achieved 'Litigator of the Year' at the first GCC Women in Law Awards 2022 and received an honourable mention as 'Law Firm Leader of the Year' at the same awards. SOL was set up in 2018 and has since become a household name in the UAE. In 2022, SOL was listed as a ‘Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation’ by Legal 500 EMEA. In 2023, Sarah was recognised in the Arbitration Powerlist in Private Practice in the Middle East by Legal 500 EMEA. Sarah is a published author of two legal texts, is appointed as a visiting lecturer in law, sits as arbitrator, acts as Counsel in multi-jurisdictional disputes, and is an international public speaker who trains governments, academies, and judiciary worldwide.


Sarah is also retained as a personal advisor to ultra high net-worth clients, acts as external GC, and undertakes sports, fashion, and entertainment law.


"SOL is testament to the fact that we are all capable of achieving anything we put our minds to. Never limit yourself and always deliver with integrity, honesty, and transparency. We are the kind of lawyers that tell you how it is, not always what you want to hear. Six and a half years on, we are delighted to continue to grow and establish worldwide partnerships and recognition. The name SOL is now recognized internationally as a brand and we are proud of our achievements since we began, which include having been listed in international legal directories. The name SOL is special and will always serve as a reminder of why we all do what we do, our motivation and driving force and what truly matters: family. SOL stands for Sarah Omar Lina. Those of you who know me know that first and foremost I am blessed to be mother to Omar and Lina. All that I do, I do for them."

CEO & Founder

Sarah Malik

Sarah Malik is an award-winning lawyer who achieved 'Litigator of the Year' at the first GCC Women in Law Awards 2022 and received an honourable mention as 'Law Firm Leader of the Year' at the same awards. SOL was set up in 2018 and has since become a household name in the UAE. In 2022, SOL was listed as a ‘Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation’ by Legal 500 EMEA. In 2023, Sarah was recognised in the Arbitration Powerlist in Private Practice in the Middle East by Legal 500 EMEA. Sarah is a published author of two legal texts, is appointed as a visiting lecturer in law, sits as arbitrator, acts as Counsel in multi-jurisdictional disputes, and is an international public speaker who trains governments, academies, and judiciary worldwide.


Sarah is also retained as a personal advisor to ultra high net-worth clients, acts as external GC, and undertakes sports, fashion, and entertainment law.

"SOL is testament to the fact that we are all capable of achieving anything we put our minds to. Never limit yourself and always deliver with integrity, honesty, and transparency. We are the kind of lawyers that tell you how it is, not always what you want to hear. Six and a half years on, we are delighted to continue to grow and establish worldwide partnerships and recognition. The name SOL is now recognized internationally as a brand and we are proud of our achievements since we began, which include having been listed in international legal directories. The name SOL is special and will always serve as a reminder of why we all do what we do, our motivation and driving force and what truly matters: family. SOL stands for Sarah Omar Lina. Those of you who know me know that first and foremost I am blessed to be mother to Omar and Lina. All that I do, I do for them."

Senior Counsel

Elias A. Stephan

Elias is a USA national who practiced law in the banking and finance field in New York before relocating to the UAE in 2004, where he joined one of the leading law firms as a Senior Legal Consultant and Head of the Corporate, Banking and Finance Department.

Elias also served as the General Counsel and Head of Legal Department for Finance House PJSC in Abu Dhabi, which was voted by Banker Middle East as the “Best Retail Finance Company in the Middle East”.

His areas of practice include advising national and multinational clients on banking and finance related matters in the United Arab Emirates and all sorts of business agreements, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, buy outs, corporate restructuring, corporate governance, privatization, bilateral and syndicated lending transactions, retail banking product documentation and financing, project financing, offset projects, real estate investments and general corporate and commercial matters.

Elias holds an LL.M. in Corporate, Banking and Finance Law from Fordham University School of Law (New York, USA), and an LL.B. from Saint Joseph University School of Law (Lebanon).

He is admitted to practice in New York and in Lebanon and is also a member of the International Bar Association. Elias is fluent in English, Arabic and French. He has published several articles on a variety of legal topics, including but not limited to wills and estate planning, FATCA, corporate legislation and competition law in the UAE.

Senior Counsel

Elias A. Stephan

Elias is a USA national who practiced law in the banking and finance field in New York before relocating to the UAE in 2004, where he joined one of the leading law firms as a Senior Legal Consultant and Head of the Corporate, Banking and Finance Department.

Elias also served as the General Counsel and Head of Legal Department for Finance House PJSC in Abu Dhabi, which was voted by Banker Middle East as the “Best Retail Finance Company in the Middle East”.

His areas of practice include advising national and multinational clients on banking and finance related matters in the United Arab Emirates and all sorts of business agreements, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, buy outs, corporate restructuring, corporate governance, privatization, bilateral and syndicated lending transactions, retail banking product documentation and financing, project financing, offset projects, real estate investments and general corporate and commercial matters.

Elias holds an LL.M. in Corporate, Banking and Finance Law from Fordham University School of Law (New York, USA), and an LL.B. from Saint Joseph University School of Law (Lebanon).

He is admitted to practice in New York and in Lebanon and is also a member of the International Bar Association. Elias is fluent in English, Arabic and French. He has published several articles on a variety of legal topics, including but not limited to wills and estate planning, FATCA, corporate legislation and competition law in the UAE.

Zouhdi Yakan

Arbitrator-Roster of Arbitrators of Lebanese Arbitration and Mediation Center (LAMC) Mediator-Roster of Mediators of Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) MCIArb CEDR Accredited Mediator

Zouhdi Yakan is a seasoned Partner with over two decades of legal expertise, including significant tenure in the UAE. Specializing in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, and dispute resolution, Zouhdi offers comprehensive advice on a wide range of business transactions, including setups, corporate structuring and restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, and the crafting and analysis of complex contracts. His legal expertise extends to a variety of sectors, including construction, architecture, commercial finance, banking (conventional and Islamic), insurance and brokerage, real estate, IT, employment, commercial agencies and more.

Zouhdi counsels and represents domestic and international clients in relation to UAE laws and regulations, compliance and corporate governance matters. Zouhdi oversees all aspects from initiation to the enforcement or annulment of awards, and provides guidance on alternative dispute resolutions and settlements.

He has also worked in the field of international arbitration in disputes involving international sales, banking, B.O.T. and construction (FIDIC) and engaged in arbitration hearings, including pleadings, examination, and cross-examination of witnesses across Lebanon, UAE, Paris, Geneva, and Lausanne.

He is also a skilled mediator, and has mediated disputes in a variety of substantive areas and worked with the leaders of JAMS, the American Institute of Mediation, and the California Academy for Mediation Professionals, and has co-trained a 40-Hour Mediation Training organized by the American Bar Association and Pepperdine University in Jordan.

He has authored several articles, including a comparative study on the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law by Egypt and Tunisia. He also significantly contributed to the third Arabic edition of Dr. El Ahdab’s Encyclopedia of Arbitration (3 volumes). Furthermore, Zouhdi is a speaker at international conferences, where he shares his expertise in dispute resolution and other areas of law. Zouhdi holds an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University, California, USA, a B.A. in Political Science from the Lebanese American University, and an LL.B. from the Lebanese University. He is a is an attorney at law and a member of the Beirut Bar Association.


Senior Counsel
Senior Counsel

Zouhdi Yakan

Arbitrator-Roster of Arbitrators of Lebanese Arbitration and Mediation Center (LAMC) Mediator-Roster of Mediators of Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) MCIArb CEDR Accredited Mediator

Zouhdi Yakan is a seasoned Partner with over two decades of legal expertise, including significant tenure in the UAE. Specializing in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, and dispute resolution, Zouhdi offers comprehensive advice on a wide range of business transactions, including setups, corporate structuring and restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, and the crafting and analysis of complex contracts. His legal expertise extends to a variety of sectors, including construction, architecture, commercial finance, banking (conventional and Islamic), insurance and brokerage, real estate, IT, employment, commercial agencies and more.

Zouhdi counsels and represents domestic and international clients in relation to UAE laws and regulations, compliance and corporate governance matters. Zouhdi oversees all aspects from initiation to the enforcement or annulment of awards, and provides guidance on alternative dispute resolutions and settlements.

He has also worked in the field of international arbitration in disputes involving international sales, banking, B.O.T. and construction (FIDIC) and engaged in arbitration hearings, including pleadings, examination, and cross-examination of witnesses across Lebanon, UAE, Paris, Geneva, and Lausanne.

He is also a skilled mediator, and has mediated disputes in a variety of substantive areas and worked with the leaders of JAMS, the American Institute of Mediation, and the California Academy for Mediation Professionals, and has co-trained a 40-Hour Mediation Training organized by the American Bar Association and Pepperdine University in Jordan.

He has authored several articles, including a comparative study on the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law by Egypt and Tunisia. He also significantly contributed to the third Arabic edition of Dr. El Ahdab’s Encyclopedia of Arbitration (3 volumes). Furthermore, Zouhdi is a speaker at international conferences, where he shares his expertise in dispute resolution and other areas of law. Zouhdi holds an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University, California, USA, a B.A. in Political Science from the Lebanese American University, and an LL.B. from the Lebanese University. He is a is an attorney at law and a member of the Beirut Bar Association.


Head of Tech & Consultant Counsel

Nicola Rayment

Nicola is a UK-qualified Solicitor, specialised in tech, sports, corporate/commercial law. Her experience ranges across multiple sectors including the sports and entertainment industry, providing advice on sponsorship, advertising, management, IP, TV, and media rights agreements. She is also well-versed in setting up companies in the UAE and advises clients in respect of legal frameworks and contractual agreements in the technology sector and crypto space. Nicola participates as a speaker in seminars in the TechLaw space, providing guidance on Smart Contracts, Web3, the Metaverse, and NFTs.


She is registered as a DIFC Wills Drafts(wo)man, and she assists clients in the UAE with estate planning.


With her background in law and international business, Nicola also acts as a consultant for an international sports management agency, focusing on athlete management.


Nicola is dedicated to understanding her client’s needs and creating long-term strategic partnerships. Her experience in both the business and legal world enables her to find creative and unique ways to assist her clients.

“The way to grow is to combine your skill and your passion and to be part of a team that allows you to be fearless and accept no limits. Sarah and I have not only worked together in the legal field for many years, she has also become part of my family and I am proud to be a part of the SOL family. It is empowering to see SOL’s success and to be part of its growth and journey."
Head of Tech & Consultant Counsel

Nicola Rayment

Nicola is a UK-qualified Solicitor, specialised in tech, sports, corporate/commercial law. Her experience ranges across multiple sectors including the sports and entertainment industry, providing advice on sponsorship, advertising, management, IP, TV, and media rights agreements. She is also well-versed in setting up companies in the UAE and advises clients in respect of legal frameworks and contractual agreements in the technology sector and crypto space. Nicola participates as a speaker in seminars in the TechLaw space, providing guidance on Smart Contracts, Web3, the Metaverse, and NFTs.


She is registered as a DIFC Wills Drafts(wo)man, and she assists clients in the UAE with estate planning.


With her background in law and international business, Nicola also acts as a consultant for an international sports management agency, focusing on athlete management.


Nicola is dedicated to understanding her client’s needs and creating long-term strategic partnerships. Her experience in both the business and legal world enables her to find creative and unique ways to assist her clients.

“The way to grow is to combine your skill and your passion and to be part of a team that allows you to be fearless and accept no limits. Sarah and I have not only worked together in the legal field for many years, she has also become part of my family and I am proud to be a part of the SOL family. It is empowering to see SOL’s success and to be part of its growth and journey."
Trainee Solicitor

Lina Bukhari

Lina is a Trainee Solicitor at SOL International Ltd and a LLB graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. Lina undertook the Legal Practice Course and a Master of Laws at the University of Law, Manchester. She is currently working towards qualification as a Solicitor of England and Wales by September 2025.

Lina regularly undertakes work in the firm's various practice areas including dispute resolution, commercial, employment, fashion and private client.

Lina is fluent in both English and Arabic. She regularly contributes to articles for LexisNexis Middle East and she has co-authored an article entitled “Stitching the Legal Fabric: Exploring the Interplay of Fashion and Law in the UAE”.

“Starting my legal career at SOL is the perfect environment for me to apply my legal knowledge in a dynamic and collaborative team to enhance my skill set. I am excited to learn and grow as a legal professional under the support and guidance of Sarah Malik and the SOL team”
Trainee Solicitor

Lina Bukhari

Lina is a Trainee Solicitor at SOL International Ltd and an LLB graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. Lina undertook the Legal Practice Course and a Master of Laws at the University of Law, Manchester. She is currently working towards qualification as a Solicitor of England and Wales by September 2025.

Lina regularly undertakes work in the firm's various practice areas including dispute resolution, commercial, employment, fashion and private client.

Lina is fluent in both English and Arabic. She regularly contributes to articles for LexisNexis Middle East and she has co-authored an article entitled “Stitching the Legal Fabric: Exploring the Interplay of Fashion and Law in the UAE”.


“Starting my legal career at SOL is the perfect environment for me to apply my legal knowledge in a dynamic and collaborative team to enhance my skill set. I am excited to learn and grow as a legal professional under the support and guidance of Sarah Malik and the SOL team”

Sara Nassif

Sara is currently a Trainee with SOL International Ltd. She graduated with a LLB Honours degree in Law with International Relations from Middlesex University Dubai and is fluent in both English and Arabic.

Sara enjoys Corporate and Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution, specifically mediation and arbitration. She currently conducts legal research and writing, and assists the team.

“Embarking on my journey as a Trainee, I am eager to learn from the diverse areas of law and continuously expand my legal knowledge and skills. I am excited to be part of the SOL team and keen to develop into a well-rounded legal expert under the guidance of Sarah Malik and the team.”

Trainee
Trainee




Sara Nassif

Sara is currently a Trainee with SOL International Ltd. She graduated with a LLB Honours degree in Law with International Relations from Middlesex University Dubai and is fluent in both English and Arabic.

Sara enjoys Corporate and Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution, specifically mediation and arbitration. She currently conducts legal research and writing, and assists the team.

“Embarking on my journey as a Trainee, I am eager to learn from the diverse areas of law and continuously expand my legal knowledge and skills. I am excited to be part of the SOL team and keen to develop into a well-rounded legal expert under the guidance of Sarah Malik and the team.”

Paralegal

Pavithra Rajendran

Pavithra Rajendran is a Paralegal at SOL International. She holds an LL.M in International Business Law from Middlesex University Dubai and a B.A., LL.B (Hons) from Sastra University in India.
 
At SOL International, Pavithra contributes to various practice areas, including dispute resolution, commercial, employment and sports law.
 

“Joining SOL International has provided the perfect environment for me to apply my legal knowledge within a collaborative and dynamic team. I am excited to work under the mentorship of Sarah Malik and alongside the talented SOL team.”

Partners