Marco Molina
I am an international trade and investment lawyer with nearly three decades of experience in public affairs, international law, negotiations, and dispute resolution. My career has been defined by a deep understanding of complex global frameworks and a commitment to guiding individuals, businesses, governments, and trade associations through the intricacies of international regulations and cross-border challenges.
What sets me apart is not only my expertise but also my ability to leverage a vast network of strategic alliances to deliver practical, results-driven solutions. I take pride in offering personalised, flexible services tailored to each client's unique needs, ensuring they navigate an increasingly interconnected world with confidence. ​
To learn more about my professional background and accomplishments, feel free to explore my CV.
MY HISTORY
My career in international trade and investment law began in 1996 at the Guatemalan Ministry of Economy, where I was part of the first team dedicated to investment matters. This pioneering opportunity allowed me to play a key role in negotiating Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and advising foreign investors seeking to establish themselves in Guatemala. Additionally, I served as a dispute settlement negotiator and legal advisor to the Trade Directorate, overseeing investor-State and State-State dispute settlement mechanisms within Free Trade Agreements.
These formative experiences ignited my passion for international law and shaped the trajectory of my career.
Recognizing the importance of education, I later transitioned into academia, designing and teaching courses on trade law and negotiations at Universidad Rafael Landívar and Universidad del Istmo in Guatemala City. Sharing my expertise with students was both rewarding and intellectually enriching.
​
Between 2001 and 2004, I expanded my practice, advising key Guatemalan industry associations, including the Chamber of Industry, the Association of Pharmaceutical Producers, the Association of Agrochemical Producers, and the Commission of Exporters of Apparel and Textiles. In parallel, I managed a private law practice specializing in administrative, commercial, intellectual property, government procurement, investment, and constitutional law—each area presenting unique challenges that broadened my legal expertise.
In 2004, I joined the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as Legal Counsellor, marking the beginning of a 21-year tenure in Geneva. By 2008, I was promoted to Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR), a position I held until February 2024.
As DPR, I led the Mission’s substantive work, represented Guatemala in multilateral negotiations, and provided strategic advice on complex legal and trade matters, including WTO dispute settlement cases, regional trade agreements, and ICSID proceedings.
International litigation became a central focus of my career. Over the years, I participated in more than 50 WTO disputes—as lead lawyer, government representative, or adjudicator (panelist)—as well as bilateral and regional cases. Each dispute sharpened my strategic thinking, organizational skills, and ability to craft persuasive legal arguments.
One of my most significant career milestones came when WTO Members unanimously nominated me as Facilitator for the Dispute Settlement Reform Process. In this role, I introduced an interest-based approach to WTO negotiations, helping advance discussions within just one year. Drawing from other dispute resolution systems—including ICSID, UNCITRAL, and Free Trade Agreement mechanisms—I developed reform proposals that laid a strong foundation for meaningful change.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND & PERSONAL LIFE
​
I hold a law degree from Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala City and a Master’s in International Studies with a specialization in International Law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. These academic experiences not only deepened my expertise but also broadened my global perspective.
Today, I hold dual Guatemalan and Swiss nationality and proudly call both countries home. Outside of work, I cherish time with my wife and two children, who remain a constant source of inspiration and support. My diverse professional journey has equipped me with the adaptability to thrive in national and international settings, making this path as fulfilling as it is challenging.