Head of Criminal Law Department
Mario Córdoba Zárate is a highly respected legal professional in Costa Rica, with a solid background in criminal law, judicial practice and legal academia. As an attorney and notary public, he now brings decades of experience in public service to AG Legal’s criminal law clients in the private defense sector.
His academic training reflects a commitment to specialization, legal innovation, and interdisciplinary knowledge in criminal justice and emerging technologies.
Academic Background and Specializations
- Law Degree and Notary Public – Costa Rica
- Master’s Degree in Economic Criminal Law, University of Seville – Spain
- Postgraduate Studies in Constitutional Law, University of Pisa – Italy
- Advanced Studies in Climate Change, Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), Argentina
- Master’s Program in Blockchain Technology and its Business Applications, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) – Spain (in progress)
- Ph.D. Candidate in Criminal Law, Universidad Escuela Libre de Derecho – Costa Rica (in progress)
Professional Experience
Judicial and Public Sector Career:
- Legal Assistant to multiple Justices of the Supreme Court of Costa Rica
- Public Defender in Alajuela, Limón, and San José
- Criminal Prosecutor in various jurisdictions including Pérez Zeledón, Curridabat, San Carlos, Tibás, Cartago, and San José
- Trial Prosecutor in Puntarenas, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and San José
- Deputy Prosecutor of Cartago
- Criminal Court Judge, prior to concluding his judicial career
Academic Contributions:
- University Professor and Judicial School Instructor, Costa Rican Judicial Branch
- Regular lecturer on criminal law and constitutional matters
Professional Involvement and Public Engagement
- Former member of the Tariffs Commission and the Criminal Law Commission of the Costa Rican Bar Association
- Former member of the Association of Prosecutors and Former Prosecutors of Costa Rica
- Former member of the National Honor Court of the Costa Rican Association of Guides and Scouts
Specialization and Recognition
Thanks to his extensive legal background and ongoing postgraduate studies, Mr. Córdoba specializes in Criminal Law, with recognized expertise in economic crimes, constitutional protections, and legal technology applications. His broad experience in both judicial practice and legal policy makes him a highly regarded figure in Costa Rica’s legal system.