Santiago de la Guardia
I grew up in Panama, which is also where I got my law degree. My initial exposure to the field came from my parents, who are both lawyers. Their influence ignited my childhood aspiration to follow in their footsteps, and they remain my greatest role models. My career aspirations stem from my love for Panama and the desire to propel it toward a brighter future. By contributing to innovation within the public sector, I hope to equip my country with the tools it needs to reach its true potential.
"My journey at IE Law School has been transformative, fostering substantial personal and professional development."
A strategic step on an essential path to transform legal practice
Santiago de la Guardia was destined to practice law. His father spent more than 40 years in litigation, becoming a well-known figure in Panama’s legal sector, and his mother led a prominent law firm. Inspired by their example, Santiago resolved to take a similar path early on, determined to bring positive change to the field of law in his country.
Santiago’s passion for law has been a constant driving force in his life, pushing him to deepen his learning and improve his practice. His determination saw him pursue a bachelor’s degree in law and political science at Universidad Católica Santa MarÃa La Antigua, while simultaneously starting work in a reputable law firm. He says that immersing himself in the legal world this way only made his passion for law grow stronger.
From a young age, Santiago devoted himself to his legal career. His entry-level position at leading Panamian law firm Galindo, Arias & López marked the start of a demanding period in his life. His days started early, with work dominating his daytime schedule and classes taking up his evenings. But Santiago says he wouldn’t have had it any other way. By starting from the ground up at the firm, he gained a holistic understanding of how law firms operate. Climbing the ranks within different practice areas allowed him to broaden his practical experience, complementing his academic studies. As a result, Santiago was able to deepen his understanding of legal principles through application in real-world cases.
After finishing law school, Santiago felt he was ready for a new challenge. He says he was searching for something innovative to push him beyond his comfort zone. His interest was piqued when he heard about the Master of Laws (LL.M) at IE Law School. And when he learned about its unique specialization in Intellectual Property and Technology Law—designed in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)—he knew he wanted to join the program.
Santiago first dabbled in IP law while working at Galindo, Arias & López. He found the field intriguing and was interested in the professional options it could offer him. When he discovered that IE University offered a specialization in this area, he felt it would offer him exactly the knowledge and skills he was looking for. Even more importantly, it would give him a unique opportunity to build up an invaluable global network, laying the foundation for future collaborations.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) at IE University takes a unique comparative approach to law. Combined with the diverse backgrounds of its students, the program provides a holistic, global perspective and an enriching learning environment. For Santiago, the experience has been transformative, fostering substantial personal and professional development.
Santiago intends to leverage the expertise he gains from this experience to have a positive impact on his home country. His goal of advancing and improving Panama’s legal landscape is no small task. Santiago has worked in the country’s public institutions, so he understands the inefficiencies that plague them. But he believes the issues can be solved by overhauling processes to ensure they support excellence and by fostering a culture of justice and responsibility within the legal profession.
He encourages other students to follow their ambitions too, wherever they may lead. For Santiago, the Master of Laws (LL.M) in Intellectual Property and Technology Law is an important step toward success in legal practice. To make the most of the opportunity, students need to engage actively with the vibrant community, attend different events to meet industry leaders and work on cultivating lasting connections. His advice is to seize every immersive experience the university offers and take advantage of the incredible opportunities for growth.
