García-Merlos & Asociados

Dispute resolution

Partner

Julio García-Merlos is widely recognized in Guatemala’s legal community as an exceptional criminal lawyer, known for his expertise in white-collar crime defense and strategic litigation. Prestigious law firms regularly refer clients to him, valuing his reputation, exceptional negotiation skills, and extensive trial defense experience. He is a leading attorney in criminal cases representing high-profile businessmen and multinational corporations operating in Guatemala.

As a partner at García-Merlos & Asociados, Julio has led the defense in some of the country's most significant white-collar criminal cases. He also represents clients in complex financial crime matters and defends major corporate boards in high-stakes litigation.

Julio’s extensive experience includes defending clients in complex criminal allegations such as monopoly-related offenses, environmental crimes, and intellectual property violations. His practice also involves successful plea bargain negotiations and litigation throughout Guatemala, with a focus on the hydrocarbon and mining sectors.

Beyond his legal practice, Julio actively participates in national legal discussions. He has been featured on Guatemala's major radio and TV outlets to discuss high-impact criminal cases and legal reforms.

Furthermore, he also taught criminal procedure for more than fifteen years at his alma mater, Universidad Francisco Marroquín.

Spanish and English

Julio Roberto García-Merlos holds a diverse and comprehensive educational background in law, finance, and international business. He earned his law degree as Abogado y Notario from Universidad Francisco Marroquín, one of Guatemala’s most prestigious universities, where he developed a solid foundation in legal practice.

He continued his education with a Master’s in Finance and Taxation from Universidad Francisco Marroquín, specializing in tax law and financial matters, which has been instrumental in his white-collar criminal defense work and advisory roles for multinational corporations.

Additionally, Julio completed a Postgraduate degree in International Business at Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, further enhancing his expertise in global business practices, allowing him to provide cross-border legal advice and navigate complex international legal frameworks.