What's my Free Trade Expertise?

When I was only nine years old, my father asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. "The international Thurgood Marshall," I replied.

Believe it or not, I actually managed to achieve that childhood fantasy. No, I haven't (yet?) litigated landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Nor have I been appointed to the bench (if called to duty, however, I would be happy to serve my country!).

But those weren't the achievements I was thinking about as a kid. I wanted to be the kind of lawyer Marshall exemplified: bold, defiant, and relentless in the search for justice.

It wasn't necessarily an ambition my Haitian immigrant father embraced. Having suffered under the tyranny of the "Papa Doc" Duvalier regime, he wanted a safer profession for me--like a doctor perhaps, or even an engineer (forget that I hated math!). I would eventually prevail and go on to study at New York University law school, where I graduated in 1995.

I practiced at a big law firm in Washington, D.C. for a time, but quickly realized it was not for me. The firm did introduce me to my first love--international trade. I eventually had the amazing fortune to work for the White House on trade issues during the Clinton Administration.

At the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, I litigated cases before the World Trade Organization, negotiated trade deals with some of our major trading partners, and traveled around the world--all while still in my late twenties.

Although I loved that job, the Thurgood Marshall in me was calling out to be born. I decided to move to Africa. Most people thought I was crazy--and they were probably right, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

I lived in and visited many African countries, including: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt (I even have the obligatory picture of me on a camel to prove it!).

I worked on a multitude of projects, like helping Cape Verde prepare to join the WTO, and consulting with the African Development Bank, as well as other projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Eventually, I landed in California where I am now a law professor by day and a writer at night. My work includes both academic and "popular" articles, such as op-eds, blogs, and this website. I'm currently writing a book on free trade that explores how economic history helps to explain why some countries prosper while others fail under globalization.

For a little more about my professional life, please see my resume. If you would like to contact me, you may do so here.

Welcome! I hope you'll stay awhile.

Marjorie Florestal

N.B. Want to know more? I was honored to win The American Bar Association Ross Essay Contest in 2008. Check out my winning entry!