Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
I am a seasoned trade lawyer with over 28 years of hands-on experience in international litigation, legal advice, diplomacy, and advocacy. I possess a comprehensive understanding of public international law and the multilateral trading system. Throughout my career, I have participated in over 50 disputes at the WTO, as well as in bilateral and regional dispute settlement mechanisms, serving in various capacities including lead lawyer, government representative, legal advisor, and adjudicator (panelist). I have been involved in numerous international and multilateral negotiations, where I have showcased my leadership, diplomatic, and negotiating skills. My extensive professional background, coupled with strong management, organizational, and negotiating abilities, makes me a well-rounded and knowledgeable lawyer and negotiator.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Molina & Associates GmbH is a premier boutique consulting firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal and strategic advice in public affairs, trade and investment, as well as international litigation.
Led the substantive work and management of the Mission, representing Guatemala in various committees and negotiations on rules such as antidumping, safeguards, and subsidies, and the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, as well as other international organizations including WIPO, UNCTAD, WHO, and ILO. Prepared legal opinions on WTO law and related issues, engaging in consultations with the private sector to formulate negotiation positions and ensure compliance with WTO Agreements. Additionally, he managed external communications with Government entities, negotiating groups, the WTO Secretariat, and the media. He coordinated technical assistance initiatives, including capacity-building programs for government officials and seminars for the private sector and universities. Nominated by acclamation by WTO Members, he served as Facilitator for the Dispute Settlement Reform negotiation at the WTO, a crucial process for the Organization, where he proved his leadership, convening, and negotiating skills. During this period, he continued to represent Guatemala as the lead lawyer in important cases at the WTO and regional trade agreements. He also advised the Government of Guatemala on specific legal issues concerning investor-State dispute settlement and served as an adjudicator (panelist) at the WTO in highly sensitive and complex cases.
Represented Guatemala in WTO Committees and negotiations on antidumping, safeguards, and subsidies, as well as in dispute settlement, intellectual property, regional trade agreements, rules of origin, and the negotiations on bananas between the European Communities and Latin American countries. Delivered legal opinions on WTO law, implementation-related issues, bilateral agreements, and other trade-related matters. Additionally, led consultations with the private sector to formulate negotiating positions and coordinated the implementation of WTO agreements and dispute settlement proceedings.
Represented the interests of Guatemalan pharmaceutical manufacturers, drafted legal opinions on issues related to these sectors, particularly on intellectual property and test data protection, and lobbied the Guatemalan Congress, civil society, and other government agencies to advance the sectors' interests. Designed legal and advocacy strategies to improve the business environment, served as a spokesperson, coordinated communications with media, government entities, and civil society, and participated in public events to advance the industry's position.
Represented the interests of Guatemalan agrochemical manufacturers, drafted legal opinions on issues related to these sectors, particularly on intellectual property and test data protection, and lobbied the Guatemalan Congress, civil society, and other government agencies to advance the sectors' interests. Designed legal and advocacy strategies to improve the business environment, served as a spokesperson, coordinated communications with media, government entities, and civil society, and participated in public events to advance the industry's position.