1. You have an impressive legal career spanning over two decades. What initially inspired you to pursue law?  

I come from a family of lawyers, which deeply influenced my upbringing. From a young age, I was outspoken and confident, traits that naturally drew me toward the field of law.

2. Having worked in leading commercial chambers for 15 years before founding SOL International, what motivated you to establish your own firm?  

When I came to the UAE in 2014, I worked in international practice for three and a half years. I saw a niche in the market where a boutique firm, similar to the way a Barristers Chambers is run, was needed. I saw an opportunity where clients wanted bespoke service with an experienced lawyer guiding them from the start of the process to the end, rather than dealing with Partners only at the beginning and during trial. As Barristers, we take responsibility from the outset to the end of the matter, and SOL provides that opportunity for clients, where I am involved in every single matter with one junior assisting me. I saw a space in the market for a bespoke niche practice and that motivated me to establish SOL.

3. SOL International has been recognized as an award-winning firm. What was your vision when you founded it in 2018, and how has that evolved? 

When I set up SOL, the vision was to provide a boutique legal practice with commitment to excellence and attention to detail at a reduced cost compared to Big Law. Initially, SOL was a commercial disputes practice that also covered all aspects of dispute resolution including arbitration and mediation. That evolved organically to include areas of law that I have a vested interest in such as fashion, sports, entertainment and tech.

4. What challenges did you face transitioning from barrister practice in the UK to leading a firm in an international legal environment?  

When I arrived in the UAE as a Barrister from the UK, I was not aware of the legal landscape in the UAE. It took some time for me to understand the law of the land, meet established practitioners, and gain reputation, space, and credibility in the market. The challenges in transitioning from self-employed practice to employed practice were also interesting as I was traditionally used to being my own boss. Navigating a move to a new jurisdiction with a young family, not knowing the law of the land or the established lawyers, all were part of the journey in where I am today.

5. Your firm has been recognized by Legal 500 in various categories. What do you believe sets SOL International apart in dispute resolution and arbitration?  

SOL is not trying to be Big Law and never will be. SOL is very much a boutique dispute resolution We do not aim to undertake multiple cases or be be factory lawyers; we choose quality over quantity to best serve our clients. We also  do not treat a matter simply as a client’s case. Our team becomes deeply invested and goes above and beyond what a client would usually expect, and we have gained an international reputation for that discipline.

6. As a Fellow of CIArb and a panel member of various arbitration institutions, how do you see arbitration evolving in the Middle East and globally?  

I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to witness how arbitration has evolved in the Middle East with the establishment of various new arbitration centres over the last ten years, and the rapid growth of arbitration as the preferred method of dispute resolution for commercial disputes. I am proud to see how far the Middle East has come in the last decade in gaining global recognition as a hub for arbitration. I foresee that the Middle East will be used more frequently as a preferred seat, in line with the more established and traditional seats. The Middle East is very vested in the arbitration space, having introduced federal laws to support the system, and is increasingly known as an arbitration-friendly hub.

7. You have been a Counsel in international commercial arbitrations and litigation in DIFC, ADGM, and UK courts. What are some of the most complex cases you’ve handled, and what key lessons have they taught you?  

Over the last 25 years, I have been involved in numerous cases, some of which were highly complex and involved trials lasting for months. The lessons we learn as lawyers along the way are that knowing the law is only one part of the job. A good lawyer needs to understand strategy and be a go-to for the client on all aspects.

Being a lawyer and assisting people during arbitration and litigation, which is often the most stressful period in their lives, requires a great deal of patience, dedication, commitment, and thinking outside the box. There is no such thing as a 9-5 in this profession, and I have learned that unless law is a profession you are passionate about, you will not provide clients with the service they deserve.

8. You co-authored the DIFC UAE Employment Law Comparative Guide and authored the Guide to GCC Arbitration. What key insights can legal practitioners take from these works?  

The DIFC UAE Employment Law Comparative Guide is slightly outdated, as it was authored a few years ago. A new edition will be published. We provided a comparative guide, given the existence of both onshore and offshore employment laws within the UAE, offering practical and user-friendly guidance for legal practitioners, HR professionals, and anyone interested in employment law.

In relation to the Guide to GCC Arbitration, whilst that also needs updating, it provides legal practitioners with an overview of the arbitration landscape within the GCC.

9. You received an Honourable Mention for Law Firm Leader of the Year and were recognized as Litigator of the Year – 2022 at the GCC Women in Law Awards. How do you navigate leadership in a male-dominated field?  

I was very fortunate to receive the awards I did, and I am extremely grateful for them. Although law could be seen as a male-dominated field, I have many male allies who have supported me in my journey. I do not try to be a man; I am very real and authentic in my own self. I believe in speaking up and showing our capabilities rather than using empty words.

Leadership, whether in a male-dominated field or amongst women, requires people to have trust and confidence in you—both of which are characteristics I hold strongly. Any leadership role requires a leader to be credible, empathetic, inspirational, and to do what they say and say what they do. I try to teach those who are on my team the importance of ensuring integrity and accountability in everything we do, as these are key characteristics of leadership.

10. What advice would you give to young female lawyers aspiring to succeed in international dispute resolution and arbitration?  

I give the same advice to young female lawyers as I would to young male lawyers: if you want to succeed, there are no shortcuts, you have to put the work in. There is no such thing as doing the bare minimum and expecting success on an international level. Every athlete, musician, or professional in any discipline who rises to the top has done the same. They have put their hearts and souls into their profession and have never seen it as just a job.

I think all young lawyers need to understand that law is not a profession for the faint-hearted. It’s not a job simply for status, money, or respect. You have to live and breathe law and be fully vested to succeed. For international dispute resolution and arbitration, you must network, write articles, and attend events. The better and wider your network, the more likely you are to succeed. Sometimes, young lawyers have the mindset that they can rise without putting in hours of work, but that is simply unattainable. There is no substitute for consistency, hard work, long hours, and dedication.

11. In addition to your legal career, you are a visiting faculty member for the LLM program at Middlesex University Dubai and for the LLB program at Alfaisal University, Riyadh. What do you enjoy most about mentoring and teaching aspiring lawyers?  

I have been teaching for many years, and I really enjoy giving back to the younger generation, sowing the seeds of thought, providing inspiration, and acting as a relatable role model. I take a very practical approach in my teaching, and if I know that what I have said has made a difference and shown someone a different perspective on what it’s like to be a lawyer, then I am happy. I enjoy academia and am quite practical in nature. I enjoy being able to mix those two worlds for young aspiring lawyers.

12. What personal qualities do you believe contribute most to your success? Also, how do you balance the demands of a high-powered legal career with your personal passions?

As an individual, I am very straight-talking. I give tough love and say what needs to be said without mincing my words. I believe that rawness, realness, and authenticity will always triumph over fake or fluffy talk. My personal qualities are that I am extremely straightforward, loyal, and committed. While these qualities may not be for everyone, they have contributed hugely to my success because people always know where they stand with me.

I not only have a legal business, but I also run a lifestyle business and am launching a ladies' fashion couture business. I am fortunate to be able to mix my legal career with my personal passions, which have turned into businesses.

I balance the demands of a legal career, multiple businesses and family life by having a great team behind me supporting me. I have employees in all disciplines which help me ensure that I can stay on top of all. The only way to succeed is to have a good support system around you. I try to surround myself with those who assist and carry forward the vision I have. Nobody is successful alone.

13. Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to law students and young practitioners looking to make an impact in international law, what would it be?  

You must be ready and willing to go above and beyond what everyone else is doing. I read a quote when I was young, and I stand by it: “If you study while they party, work while they sleep, save while they spend, then you will live like they dream.” If you want to make an impact in international law, there is no substitute for hours of dedication—reading, empowering yourself, attending events, networking, and being visible on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. It is not just about doing your degree and showing up for work. Anybody could do that. So, if you want to succeed, you must be different and real.