Mr Talha Ilyas Sheikh

Talha Ilyas Sheikh is a UK qualified Barrister, Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and an accomplished Mediator. He obtained his LLB from the prestigious University of London in 2014. He pursued his Bar at Law in the UK at a top-ranked provider and was called to the Bar of England and Wales at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn on July 28, 2016.

Upon returning to Pakistan, Talha joined the esteemed SLA - Sheikh Law Associates, a 40-year-old law firm, where he serves as Managing Partner. The firm specializes in Civil, Tax, Real Estate, Construction, Commercial, and Constitutional matters.

Driven by a passion for litigation, Talha has expanded his expertise to include Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property, and Arbitration. He has played pivotal roles in high-profile cases in the Islamabad and Lahore High Courts and arbitrations involving the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). A landmark moment in his career was the successful overturning of a multi-million arbitration award in a reported case (2019 MLD 1178), underscoring his arbitration prowess. His significant contribution to intellectual property law was cemented by a decisive ruling in the case referenced as 2023 CLD 1, clarifying the jurisdiction of the Intellectual Property Tribunal in Islamabad.

Beyond traditional litigation, Talha is a prominent advocate for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), promoting its advantages within the Pakistani legal framework. His leadership is evident through moderating seminars and guiding a dynamic team of young barristers. He has been regularly appointed as a mediator by the High Courts, with successful mediations leading to judgments based on his reports. He has delivered lectures at various bars on different legal topics and collaborated with the Federal Judicial Academy to assist in trainings.

Talha's dedication to legal reform is showcased by his contribution in launching a comprehensive Bar Vocational Course at the Lawyers' Academy within the High Court Bar Association of Rawalpindi, advocating for the training of locally qualified advocates. A fervent believer in the Rule of Law as essential for national development, Talha collaborates closely with the judiciary to alleviate case backlogs and enhance the quality of justice delivery through ADR methods. He is leading the Pakistan Mediation Movement, aimed at promoting mediation practices across the country.