Mario Javier Vasquez Zacarias joins the Law School with a background in private practice and with experience working as in-house counsel advising on matters related to law, finance, and infrastructure. Most recently he held the position of legal advisor for the IDC Network in Guatemala. Zacarias earned his Bachelor of Legal and Social Sciences degree from the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City.

Tell us a bit about your background and professional experiences.

I began my legal career in private practice but soon transitioned to in-house counsel roles where I could work more closely at the intersection of law, finance, and infrastructure. At IDC Network, I advise on public and private financing structures, including complex loan agreements, capital markets, and construction agreements for large-scale infrastructure projects. I’ve also coached international arbitration moot teams and published on innovative financing tools like crowdfunding.

What type of law do you practice in your home country?

I primarily practice corporate and financial law with a focus on infrastructure, private equity, and capital markets. My work often includes drafting and negotiating financing agreements governed by New York law, structuring public and private offerings, and advising on legal strategy for complex cross-border transactions.

What is motivating your decision to get an LLM?

To be an effective legal advisor in today’s business world, I believe lawyers must understand not only the legal implications of a deal, but also its financial and commercial dimensions. I’m pursuing an LLM to deepen that understanding and sharpen the skills I need to support complex business decisions and infrastructure development in emerging markets.

Why did you choose the University of Chicago Law School?

UChicago’s unmatched focus on law and economics, rigorous analytical approach, and world-renowned faculty align perfectly with my academic and professional goals. It’s the ideal place to expand my perspective on how legal frameworks intersect with markets, innovation, and policy. But beyond the academics, I’m excited about the kind of people this program attracts and I know I’ll be surrounded by smart, curious and fun classmates from all over the world, each with different perspectives and experiences and I think that’s amazing. 

What do you hope/plan to do with your LLM after you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to work in the US for a time, ideally at the intersection of finance and law. Long term, I aim to return to Latin America and lead my own ventures while applying the legal, economic, and business knowledge gained at UChicago to support regional development and innovation.

What are you most looking forward to in coming to the Law School, the US, and/or the city of Chicago?

I’m excited to be part of such a diverse and intellectually driven community at the Law School. I also look forward to experiencing the city of Chicago and if I’m being completely honest… Deep Dish Pizza!

Any interesting hobbies or interests you’d like to share?

Outside work, I really enjoy playing tennis and have recently developed a passion for skiing. I also enjoy cooking for my wife and friends and trying out new recipes. We love hosting and having people over; our friends come over all the time and our place somehow always ends up being the gathering spot. 

What is a “fun fact” about you? 

I’ll give you three: I’m a co-owner of a small startup called Xam, which is developing a patented eggshell-based powder as a sustainable, food-grade alternative to limestone in the nixtamalization of corn, a key food process in Central America. It’s a passion project that combines science, sustainability, and tradition.

Two: I have a golden retriever named Iñaki whom I absolutely adore and take everywhere with me (both figuratively and literally).

Three: I ran the Chicago Marathon a couple of years ago. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just to add that I’m very excited about this new experience and about meeting new people. I’m really looking forward to sharing this amazing year with them. I'm also very thankful for the people around me—my family, my mentors, and especially my wife, Paula—for making this next step possible.