Marcos Palma

He has advised international companies such as Shell and Puma Energy, as well as the Oil & Gas industry. His practice focuses on tax planning and defence, civil and commercial contracting, and development of contractual models implemented at regional level. In addition, he has advised on public procurement, bidding processes and negotiation of contracts with state entities.

Recognised in competition law, he has been a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, and advisor to the Government of Guatemala in the formulation of the National Competition Policy and the proposed Competition Law. He has also participated in Ad-Hoc arbitrations and under ICC, UNCITRAL, CENAC and CRECIG rules in shareholder, distribution, joint ventures, fuel and energy disputes.

Significant experience

• Advisor in energy sector acquisitions, including the acquisition of Chevron's operations in Guatemala by Shell and the acquisition of ExxonMobil in Central America by Puma Energy.
• National advisor on competition law, leading the formulation of the National Competition Policy and the proposed Competition Law in Guatemala.
• National arbitrator proposed by the Government of Guatemala for dispute settlement mechanisms in the DR-CAFTA and the Chile-Central America FTA.

Academic background

• Lawyer and Notary, Rafael Landívar University (1995).
• Master in Finance and Taxation, Universidad Francisco Marroquín (2006).
• Master in Business Administration, Universidad Francisco Marroquín (2008).
• Minor in Entrepreneurship, A.B. Freeman School of Business (2008).

Affiliations and leadership

• President of the Institute of Competition Law.
• Independent consultant on economic law projects.
• Member of the International Union of Lawyers (UIA) - Intellectual Property and Economic Competition Commissions.
• University lecturer.