Carrasco Firma de Abogados is a specialised labour boutique that offers a full range of labour services to significant new and longstanding clients. Directing partner Pablo Carrasco is an expert in labour and employment matters and has over 22 years’ experience advising large Bolivian companies from the industrial, service and banking sectors, on a range of employment issues and labour disputes. Boris Bustillos specialises in labour law and risk prevention, and is a name to note at the firm’s La Paz office, alongside Jaime Torrico, a specialist in labour and constitutional law. Rubén Zabaleta is the key contact at the firm's office in Santa Cruz.
Labour and employment in Bolivia
Carrasco Firma de Abogados
Practice head(s):
Pablo Carrasco
Key clients
Cervecería Boliviana Nacional
Banco de Crédito de Bolivia
Minera San Cristóbal
Manaco
Industria de Aceite
Sociedad Hotelera Los Tajibos
Compañía Boliviana de Energía Eléctrica
Compañía Industrial de Tabacos
Pil Andina
Promotora de Eventos
South American Express
Amaszonas (Línea Aérea)
Grupo Alcos
Fundación Promujer IFD
Bolivisión
Work highlights
- Assisted the Confederation of Private Entrepreneurs of Bolivia with discussions with employers regarding the scope of OIT Convention 131 to promote open dialogue on determining minimum wages.
Dentons Guevara & Gutierrez
Dentons Guevara & Gutierrez‘s labour and employment team handles the full spectrum of matters within the practice area, including health and safety matters, employment benefits, sickness and disability, compliance, due diligence and terminations. The firm has strong experience in employment litigation matters, representing clients in contentious matters and regularly appearing before courts, administrative boards and tribunals. The team advises national and international clients, including foreign embassies, and has a niche specialism in business immigration. Practice co-head Primitivo Gutiérrez is an expert in labour dispute resolution and leads the team alongside Jaime Lora, who handles complex labour terminations and migration matters, and comes with client recommendation for his knowledge of the field. Associate Luis Gutiérrez participates in labour negotiations and due diligence processes.
Practice head(s):
Jaime Lora; Primitivo Gutiérrez
Testimonials
‘Dentons is a professional law firm when it comes to employment law.’
‘Jaime Lora has knowledge of the subject.’
Key clients
Yango
Laboratorios Bagó De Bolivia
American Airlines
Explora Chile
Vamed Engineering
Quimfa
Imcruz Comercial
Pepsico
ZTE
Encora
Work highlights
- Acted for Yango on a the hiring of employees in order to incorporate the company in Bolivia.
- Assisting Laboratorios Bagó de Bolivia with day-to-day labour consultations, internal disciplinary proceedings, drafting contracts, and judicial claims filed by current and former employees.
- Representing American Airlines in a social lawsuit filed by a health fund.
Moreno Baldivieso Estudio De Abogados
Moreno Baldivieso Estudio De Abogados continues to be a leading firm for labour and employment advice, with lawyers across La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Tarija. The nationwide team’s intricate knowledge of Bolivian labour laws allows the firm to provide comprehensive advice on labour regulation and compliance. The group handles a range of contentious matters, including litigation, and whistle-blower and government investigations. The firm has an intricate understanding of the labour aspects of complex transactions such as M&A, joint ventures and expansions. Major national and international clients, such as Entravision and the US Embassy, look to the team for advice and practitioners have extensive experience assisting with cross-border projects. The team is led by René Claure and Paul Aramayo. Claure offers advice on a full range of employment matters and often represents clients in labour disputes and litigation. Aramayo specialises in labour and employment law, with extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Natalio Zegarra and Juan Pablo Zegada also specialise in labour law. At the associate level, Fernando Sánchez Peña has over a decade's experience assisting citizens and companies with preventive advice and conciliation.
Practice head(s):
René Claure; Paul Aramayo
Key clients
Embassy of the United States of America
Pedidos Ya
Grupo de Comunicaciones El Deber
LG
Embassy of Switzerland
Droguería Inti
CAF – Latin American Development
Total E&P Sucursal Bolivia
Enerflex
World Vision Bolivia
Entravision
Work highlights
- Assisted Drogueria Inti with as assessment of its labour law compliance.
- Advised the Swiss Embassy on the closure of the Swiss Cooperation in Bolivia.
- Advised El Deber on a new corporate strategy, which included individual and collective negotiations with the employees’ union, and representation before administrative and judicial authorities.
PPO Abogados
PPO Abogados offers advice on all labour and social security matters, including immigration matters, labour compliance, business reorganisation and restructurings, terminations, labour union disputes and harassment claims. The sizeable labour and employment team handles litigation at all stages and before all courts, and constitutional litigation related to labour matters. The firm has an extensive client list, with both national and international companies from industries such as mining, telecoms and pharmaceuticals, as well as Bolivian employer organisations. Alejandro Pemintel is the practice head and specialises in labour arbitration, administrative and judicial litigation, and collective bargaining with trade unions. The firm has a strong team of senior associates: recently appointed practice director Rodrigo Montellano has extensive experience including on labour dismissal processes, and the prevention and management of conflicts related to workplace harassment (he receives high praise from clients for ‘solutions that combine the technical with the practical‘); Meliza Aliaga, who leads the labour litigation practice within the department; Luis Enrique Pérez provides advice on hiring personnel, immigration and migration processes, and restructurings; Fernando Escobar focuses on appeals and last instance remedies, particularly in constitutional and civil labour cases; and Luz Marina Iriarte has experience in labour litigation, auditing processes and mass terminations.
Practice head(s):
Alejandro Pemintel
Testimonials
‘They are always at the forefront and have the necessary knowledge. They are known in the area.’
‘The lawyers assigned to the labour proceedings have been very diligent and methodical in the preparation of the cases, and have always shown goodwill and patience in the virtual interviews to prepare the witnesses for the hearings in the labour courts for the labour proceedings.’
‘They know the sector more and more. We recommend Rodrigo Montellano and Luis Enrique Pérez.’
‘What sets them apart is the personalised attention. They are always up-to-date with changes in the work area, giving a timely and quick response to their clients.’
‘PPO is a law firm that has a number of professionals, which means that the client is always in contact with one of them when they have a question. Queries are answered immediately, so client emergencies are solved quickly.’
‘The plus is the professionals at the firm; including Meliza Aliaga and Rodrigo Montellano.’
‘It is a solid team with knowledge of the matter, and its availability and predisposition is remarkable. It has high coverage in the main cities of the country, and in each city has lawyers with extensive technical and practical knowledge of the matter. It has a news update report that is extremely useful and practical.’
‘The labour team is very good in general, but I would like to highlight Rodrigo Montellano. He offers solutions that combine the technical with the practical, and demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the country and business context. He is always available or lets you know in what short term he will be. The technical output is remarkable.’
Key clients
AXS Bolivia
ONG Aldeas Infantiles Sos Internacional
Nestlé Bolivia
Solur (Chocolates Para Ti)
Petrex (Saipem)
Empresa Minera Inti Raymi
Repsol E&P Bolivia
Deloitte Touche Tomatsu
Rua Bolivia
Sociedad Comercial La Llave
Work highlights
- Advised Nestlé Bolivia on the collective labour conflict raised by its labour union, which was resolved at the conciliation of the Ministry of Labour, in a favorable manner for the company and avoiding the arbitration stage.
- Advising Petrex on a labour process for approximately $4m, carrying out defence actions to avoid the freezing of Petrex bank accounts, seizure of assets and entrenchment of senior managers, through the timely identification of the lawsuit.
- Provided consistent and permanent legal assistance to Pharmatech on all labour matters, such as the conclusion of a complex employment relationship, the planning of a business restructuring process, and several legal disputes.
Gumucio & Abogados
The labour team at Gumucio & Abogados provides clients with day-to-day preventative advice on a range of matters, including labour agreements, audits and dismissals. The firm also offers represents clients in contentious matters, acting as the defence in labour lawsuits. The team regularly assists clients with labour union matters, including labour arbitration and social security issues. Founding and managing partner Daniel Gumucio, an expert in labour law, co-leads the practice alongside Karina Jordán, an experienced litigation lawyer, and Ximena Gumucio, who assists domestic and foreign companies with labour lawsuits.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Gumucio; Karina Jordán; Ximena Gumucio
Testimonials
‘The legal team must be attentive and know our business in order to quickly adapt with legal tools to support our commercial side to develop new business on a day-to-day basis. In this case, Gumucio’s studio has more than demonstrated this capacity, making our efforts much faster and more efficient, always offering an active and productive perspective.‘
‘Specialists in all legal areas. Personalised attention from partners and senior lawyers, including Daniel Gumucio and Ximena Gumucio. Excellent team with immediate answers and support.’
‘Quality service with timely solutions to different requirements. The firm always seeks to provide a legal solution to all the requirements that we present. With respect to other firms, the response is more agile and there is always a lawyer available who can be accessed for consultation and/or solutions.’
Key clients
Newrest Bolivia Soporte
Red Uno de Bolivia
PR Marriott Drilling
Industria Forestal Cimal IMR
BDO Auditores y Consultores
Ferrotodo
Roho – Homecenter
Exomad
Panadería Victoria
Embotelladora de Refrescos Internacionales
Comercializadora Retail Lider
Secure Wrap
Macro Fidalga
Cosmet
Industria Maderera Petunos
City Group
Triplex
Work highlights
- Advised Red Uno de Bolivia on the declaration in commission of workers members of the union.
- Advised Industria Maderera Petunos on the dismissal of 58 workers.
- Advised Panaderia Victoria when sued by a former employee for social benefits.
Indacochea & Asociados
Indacochea & Asociados‘ labour and employment team acts on the full range of employment and social security matters. The group handles restructurings, labour audits, the drafting or revision of employment policies and an increasing number of liquidations. The team works on a preventative basis, endeavouring to reduce the risk of labour claims, but also has experience in administrative processes and labour litigation. Complex union negotiations have been a regular feature of the group's workload. Andere Indacochea leads the team and has extensive experience in all employment and social security matters, from restructurings and dismissals to individual and collective disputes. Associate Jeannine Lozada Raldes works with clients on regulatory matters, compliance and due diligence reports.
Practice head(s):
Andere Indacochea
Testimonials
‘We admire their diversity. The relationship with the firm is proactive.‘
‘As a strong point, its identification and updating. Without a doubt they are very well trained. One of the tools that they use and of great value is the communication of tax and legal aspects on a daily basis. They have good communication.‘
‘Its high degree of identification and work commitment, personally all the partners and associates are outstanding.‘
Key clients
Bayer Boliviana
Camsa Industria y Comercio
Molcruz Ltda
Petrobras Argentina
Laboratorios LKM
Pfizer Bolivia
Distribuidora de Diversion Ximte
Fricción
Ransa Bolivia
Andes Films
Quimpac Bolivia
Work highlights
- Advising the Bayer team, both in Bolivia and Argentina, on all labour and socio-labour consultations.
- Assisting Camsa Industria y Comercio with ongoing labour and employment issues.
- Acted for Andes Films on labour matters, including the design and structure of the civil labour strategy in order to structure the company’s hiring process.
Bufete Aguirre, Quintanilla, Soria & Nishizawa Sociedad Civil – (BAQSN)
The labour and employment team at Bufete Aguirre, Quintanilla, Soria & Nishizawa Sociedad Civil – (BAQSN) advises clients on compliance with general labour obligations and regulations, as well as offering advice and sponsorship in the case of administrative or judicial conflicts. The team advises clients on conflict prevention, as well as on disputes that may arise with the Ministry of Labour. The group assists clients from a range of sectors, so is well-versed in drafting labour contracts and agreements of different types. The team is led by Mauricio Torrico and Carolina Aguirre, who both have extensive experience handling labour matters. Gonzalo Prudencio focuses on labour law and litigation, and Ariel Morales provides further support to the team.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Torrico; Carolina Aguirre
Testimonials
‘The lawyers are always willing to support the company and they are constantly advising on new regulations or laws that may affect us. They are quick with their responses and very clear in the advice they give.‘
‘They are available, willing to collaborate and give options to handle different situations. They are technically strong in their area.‘
Key clients
Manuchar Logistics Bolivia
Empresa Minera Paitití
Monark Bolivia
Tetra Pak
Grupo H
Total E&P Bolivie
MSI Reproductive Choices
Thales Air Systems
Servicios Copabol
Latam Airlines Group
Work highlights
- Advised MSI Reproductive Choices on labour and social security matters, including drafting labour contracts, termination of employees and adaptation of corporate policies.
- Assisted Copabol with structuring a franchise model, which included preparation of the franchise agreement and complementary agreements, and the review of labour and tax matters.
- Advising Grupo H on tax and social security matters, including regulations for interns and formal agreements with educational institutions, and drafting salary increase agreements to be filed before the Ministry of Labour.
Ferrere
From its offices in Santa Cruz, La Paz and Cochabamba, Ferrere‘s labour and employment team advises clients on a full range of labour and social security matters, such as employment agreements, due diligence, personnel hiring structures, compensation policy design, and compliance. The group has continued to expanded its labour practice to incorporate immigration matters, restructurings and all aspects of labour litigation, including union disputes and negotiations. Senior associate Pablo Heredia heads the team, assisting with all labour matters, including the design and implementation of hiring policies and the implications of corporate restructurings and liquidations, as well as representing clients in conciliations and arbitrations with trade unions. Bruno Cuellar, senior associate, provides further support and represents clients in labour disputes before judicial courts and the Ministry of Labour. Both Heredia and Cuellar come with client recommendation.
Practice head(s):
Pablo Heredia
Testimonials
‘We clearly see that the team is very agile in response times, orderly and structured, accompanying the client in analysing cases and risks, and challenging market practices and seeking solutions within the legal framework. Qualified professionals carry out inter-consultations with other specialties to have context and a broad vision. In relation to other firms, it is undoubtedly the agility in response time, pragmatism and assertive returns that sets it apart.’
‘It is agile, quick with responses, and accompanies you throughout the case, helping to find new possibilities, challenging uses and customs. It is up-to-date and has several specialties, such as tax, and others that often relate to the query.’
‘In our experience, the Ferrere firm has met our expectations in all areas in which we have worked with them. One of the things that I like to highlight a lot, is the intervention and the degree of commitment of the partners with the client.’
‘I would like to highlight: Pablo Heredia and Bruno Cuellar.’
‘It is up-to-date in terms of labor laws, good practices and the excellent quality of its services.’
‘The firm differs from its competitors due to its prompt response and its care in providing us with the best service. Pablo Heredia’s greatest quality is his attitude and willingness to face any eventuality.’
‘The technical level and knowledge of local legislation that the Bolivian team has is vast and up-to-date, which has made this firm a reliable ally for us and raises the bar of the firms I have worked with in my career.’
‘The response time is outstanding. In this company, issues move very quickly, so it is essential that our legal advisors can react in the same way, and Ferrere has certainly achieved this. We have been working together for several years now, which has allowed them to get to know our business model very well and to offer solutions that fit our operation and our constant need to innovate. I have mainly worked with Pablo Heredia, who is a lawyer with vast experience and knowledge, who offers clear and timely answers, and is always open to clarify doubts. This, for our in-house legal team of nationality other than Bolivian, has been a great help.’
Key clients
Cruzimex
Ingenio Sucroalcoholero Aguaí
Cargill
Uber
Avianca
Productos Animales
Remote
Gretel Bolivia
Incontrol Group
Ingener
Distribuidora Cummins
Nutrimix
Schlumberger Surenco
BASF
3M
Agroforte
Industrias Pacheco
Grupo Mesa
The Mare Group
Work highlights
- Advising Productos Animales on the dismissal of its administrative personnel, and a collective trial concerning more than six workers.
- Advised Industrias Pacheco on the negotiation with its labour union concerning different requests filed by the labour union directive.
- Assisted Ingener with inspections before the Ministry of Labour, and advised on trials started by the ministry.
Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L
Reinicke Ostria - Estudio de Abogados S.R.L fields a team of specialists in labour litigation that has experience defending the rights and social benefits of employees, as well as the rights of employers. The firm also handles other relevant matters, such as restructurings, employment contracts and dismissals. The group has taken on a considerable number of new clients recently and is led by Enrique Reinicke, a specialist in labour law and labour procedural law. Associate Cristina Mayra Orellana Galileo is an active member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Enrique Reinicke
Testimonials
‘The Reinicke Ostria law firm provides legal assistance services in a timely, efficient and accurate manner. We have previously worked with other law firms, which in no way compare to the attention and professionalism which Reinicke Ostria provides. Being this multidisciplinary firm allows us to go to it for any labour or legal problem that arises in the course of the activities carried out by our company.’
‘This office is multidisciplinary: we have received advice on all the areas in which the company works. Each of the Renicke Ostria partners has their specialty in legal matters, which gives us the security of going to them before the problems arise in our day-to-day operations. The most outstanding aspect of this firm is the opportunity with which they act in the legal field, and this is due to the mastery of the legal provisions in force in the country and also internationally.’
‘Before starting, they do a study of the case and the strategy to use, including the possible answers they will have and how they will respond accordingly. Working with Reinicke Ostria Estudio de Abogados makes me feel protected, and it is also always ready for any case I have.’
Key clients
ONG Ciudadanía, Comunidad de Estudios Sociales y Acción Pública
Radio Esperanza
Cochabamba Escuela Cooperativa Calvert
Biofarma
La Sociedad Hotelera Toloma
Multi Internacional
Daes
Work highlights
- Acted for ONG Ciudadanía, Comunidad de Estudios Sociales y Acción Pública’s labour dependents, including the modification of contracts and incorporation of additional labour agreements.
- Advised Cochabamba Escuela Cooperativa Calvert on compliance with a labour reinstatement injunction ordered by the Ministry of Labour.
- Advised Biofarma on the creation of new labour contracts.
Serrate Paz y Asociados
The labour and employment team at Serrate Paz y Asociados specialises in union negotiations, the restructuring and downsizing of personnel, and M&A processes. Labour litigation is a strong area of the practice, and the firm handles complex litigation with executive employees, as well as large-scale claims presented by groups of employees. The team is led by Carola Constanza Serrate Tarabillo, who has experience advising national and international clients, and specialises in union negotiations and mass terminations. Litigator José Mario Serrate Paz Ramajo supports on the contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Carola Constanza Serrate Tarabillo
Testimonials
‘The members of the team are ready to answer any question or requirement, regardless of their area of practice. They know the business model of the company, and the solutions they propose are practical and efficient, according to the reality of the environment. They have technological advances that allow meetings and the signing of documents or contracts without having to travel in person. They also have technology that allows for alarms to meet deadlines agreed or established by law. Compared to other studios, Serrate Paz provides a service tailored to the needs of our company.’
‘The personalised service allows us to fully trust our advisors and feel we have their full support. The two partners who stand out in advising on labour matters are Carola Constanza Serrate Tarabillo and José Mario Serrate Paz Ramajo. Carola stands out for her ability to negotiate with employees to avoid labour disputes. She is meticulous and efficient in carrying out conciliations and labour processes, as well as in following up on the legal provisions that we are obliged to comply with as a company. She also stands out for her availability to attend to any query without restriction and to grant, if not immediately, as soon as possible. José Mario, due to his common sense and his practical vision, simplifies complex operations. Their advice prior to any litigation is excellent, since this allows them to avoid litigation or, where appropriate, enter with solid arguments.’
‘Serrate Paz & Asociados maintains a multidisciplinary work team with a strong focus on the client, providing immediate support to the resolution of cases that affect the line of business and fully interpreting the client’s needs.’
Key clients
Telecel
Industria de Plástico Dispack
Servipetrol
Inversiones Grentidem
Construcciones y Desarrollo Codesa
Ciagro
Hipermaxi
Vega Engenharia Ambiental
Frigorífico FBC S.A.
Work highlights
- Advised Telecel on the defence of a claim requesting social benefits from a former manager.
- Assisted Vega Engenharia Ambiental with the implementation of a severance plan for more than 1,200 employees.
- Advised Servipetrol on the implementation of special regimens of work in the community of Yapacani, according to labour law and requirements established by YPFB Andina.
Würth Bedoya Costa Du Rels Abogados
With its in-depth understanding of workplace regulations, Würth Bedoya Costa Du Rels Abogados is well-placed to advise clients on compliance with Bolivian labour laws. The labour and employment team has extensive experience defending companies against claims brought by employees and government agencies, and managing union disputes. The firm advises employers on processes of social benefits, administrative reinstatement and personnel restructuring. The team is led by Karla Würth and associate Carla Saracho, a specialist in labour and social security law.
Practice head(s):
Karla Würth; Carla Saracho
Testimonials
‘I highlight in WBC the availability to accompany us in all processes and instances. It has a nationwide scope and covers all administrative and labour procedures. I would like to mention Carla Saracho.’
‘The attention is personalized and is updated on labor regulations.‘
‘Karla Würth, is very experienced and has a lot of knowledge of the market.‘
Key clients
Empresa De Telecomunicaciones Nuevatel
Imporcast
Invap Se Bolivia
Dxn Bolivia
Inversiones Sabaot
Rigmaster
Soltrak
Empresa De Telecomunicaciones Nuevatel
Enerflex Services Bolivia
Inversiones Bussarf Group Bolivia
Work highlights
- Advised Nuevatel on comprehensive workforce restructuring, with a focus on labour and employment issues.
- Advised Enerflex on risk minimisation regarding labour and social security regulations.
- Advised Inversiones Bussarf on the incorporation of a company for employee outsourcing services across all 9 departments in Bolivia.
C.R. & F. Rojas – Abogados
C.R. & F. Rojas – Abogados has a strong background in dispute resolution in employment matters. The labour and employment team is made up of negotiators who have experience reaching termination and collective bargaining agreements, as well as representing clients before labour courts and authorities. The team is co-led by Diego Rojas and Sergio Verduguez, alongside Antonio Sanjinés, a skilled negotiator, and Roberto López, who has extensive experience in labour lawsuits.
Practice head(s):
Diego Rojas; Antonio Sanjinés; Roberto López; Sergio Verduguez
Work highlights
- Advised Yummy on labour matters, including a summary process to dismiss an employee who refused to retire voluntarily.
- Acted for Finning Bolivia on negotiations with the union.
- Assisted Megalabs Bolivia with a due diligence report based on social security and labour regulations compliance.
Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ.
Villegas Aldazosa & Asociados Soc. Civ.‘s labour and employment team acts on the full spectrum of labour and employment matters. The firm handles the negotiating, drafting, and reviewing of labour agreements, due diligences, employment restructurings, and mass dismissals. Although the team works on a preventative basis, it also has experience with unions and labour disputes. Gabriel Villegas Aldazosa and Sergio Dávila Corrales head the labour and employment practice. At the senior associate level, Maria Nydia Gantier is involved in many of the team’s key transactions.
Practice head(s):
Gabriel Villegas Aldazosa; Sergio Dávila Corrales
Testimonials
‘Motivation, participation, organisation, commitment, trust, common goals and problem solving. Collaboration goes beyond exceptions.’
‘What distinguishes it, is the willingness to attend, the supported answers, the analysis prior to the decision to respond, the assertiveness in its advice, the rectitude of its recommendations always framed in the law, the pros and cons in the recommendations.’
Key clients
PRH Bolivia
Fan
Belia
Agropartners
Granja Avicola Sofia
Laboratorio Quimico Farmaceutico Industrial Delta
Work highlights
- Advised PRH Bolivia on a collective lawsuit filed against it by former employees.
- Assisted Agropartners with its economic incentives policy for workers, seeking mitigation of labour contingencies.
- Advised Laboratorio Quimico Farmaceutico Industrial Delta on re-employment processes initiated by ex-employees.