The powerhouse team at boutique BDS Asesores continues to expand and lead in the market, providing multinational and local companies with specialists to target a broad range of labour law issues. The team's full service includes advising on the design of compensation plans and internal regulations, confidentiality issues, internal restructuring processes, internal audits and litigation. Led by managing partner and labour law authority Marco Durante, and backed by firm co-founder Francisco Salas, who is an expert in preventive and corrective labour advice, and the tech-oriented Alejandro Trejos, the team advises a client roster over a wide cross-section of industries, including pharmaceuticals, tobacco, health, tech, e-commerce and hospitality.
Labour and employment in Costa Rica
BDS Asesores
Practice head(s):
Marco Durante
Key clients
Bridgestone
PriceSmart
3M
Thermofisher
Vertiv
Smile Club Direct
Accenture
Thompson Reuters
Roche
G4S
Work highlights
- Assisted Align Technology with clarifying the legality of the application of doping tests for employees in Costa Rica.
- Assisted TE Connectivity with the labour issues surrounding the set-up of new premises, as well as the merger of all its current legal entities into one.
- Assisted Coopervision in the defence of a claim from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for alleged illegal shifts.
BLP
The 'amazing' labour and employment team at BLP provides multinational clients with the full range of services. These include preventative and corrective advice on labour matters, the management of disciplinary processes, assistance in employment litigation and the handling of extrajudicial negotiations, and the review of employment structures. Led by veteran labour litigator Randall González, and backed by Alexandra Aguilar, who provides training in labour matters, Juan José Montero, who specialises in the employment issues relating to company establishment, and Carla Sánchez, an expert in administrative processes, the group’s roster features household names including Amazon, Uber and Microsoft, covering such sectors as jewellery, tech, retail, education, tourism, sports, hospitality, food and pharmaceuticals.
Practice head(s):
Randall González
Testimonials
‘This team is an amazing group of lawyers that take very seriously every case they handle. It is a practice with deep reliability and knowledge. They work quickly and are committed to forming strong relationships with the clients.’
‘It is a full-service firm, but in the labour area Randall Gonzalez and Carla Sanchez are definitively outstanding lawyers with great dedication to the cases they handle.’
‘They are always available.’
‘The quality of the team and its excellent availability to assist clients is exceptional. They have specialised knowledge in the field and always provide practical, clear and complete solutions to the company’s requirements.’
Key clients
Amazon
Uber
Microsoft
Colgate
Aliaxis
Bosch
Corner Shop
Assa Seguros
Client Services
Avon
Bayer
British American Tobacco
Cardinal Health
Edwards
General Cable (Prysmian)
AR Holdings (Forever 21)
Zoetis
Swaroski
Repretrel
Tetrapak
Work highlights
- Advised Amazon on the implementation of remote working processes during the pandemic.
- Assisted Microsoft with various dispute resolution matters.
- Advised Aptean on complex labour matters relating to the acquisition of Open Systems Adaptable Solutions.
ECIJA
The employment law team at ECIJA provides key support to clients managing employees at the national and international level. The firm offers assistance in a broad range of matters, including discrimination claims brought by employees, compliance with data privacy law, and collective bargaining and union negotiation. The team is headed by the 'extraordinary' Daniel Valverde and represents high-profile clients including Pfizer and DHL, from such sectors as pharmaceuticals, energy, agroindustry, direct services, education, retail and tourism.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Valverde
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the subject, applied to the operation of companies. The ability to provide immediate attention to the urgent needs of the client. It is the best labour practice with which our company has worked in the last ten years: the availability, accessibility and practicality of the partners has been unique.’
‘Daniel Valverde is an extraordinary attorney, has a deep understanding of employment law, and takes the time to understand the client.’
Key clients
Pfizer
Upjohn
Productora y Exportadora de Frutas y Verduras (Fruver)
Centenario
GSD International School
CMA CGM
Herbalife
Renaware
UPL
Grupo Sega
Ritrama
Pitzer College
Quálitas Seguros
Fundes
Mercantil Farmacéutica (Mefasa)
DHL
Work highlights
- Advised Pfizer on the legal separation of the Upjohn division and assisted in the transfer of employees to the newly created entities in Central America and the Caribbean.
- Advised Fruver on negotiations with the two unions in the company.
- Advised former employees of CFE, Mexico’s public electricity company, on filing a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, claiming that their right to due process was violated when their employment with the company was terminated.
Lang & Asociados
The 'professional and committed' labour and employment practice group at Lang & Asociados assists multinational, local and regional businesses with issues relating to their operations in Costa Rica. The team’s services extend to such matters as advising on terminations, internal investigations, structuring of bonuses and incentives, the outsourcing of employees, and the creation and localisation of employment contracts. Headed by experienced managing partner Henry Lang and Monica Romero, an expert in corporate labour matters, and supported by 'deeply knowledgeable' labour litigation specialist Alejandro Garro, the group represents clients such as Microsoft and Mastercard, with experience in a variety of sectors, including software, tech, energy, medical devices, education and fitness.
Practice head(s):
Henry Lang; Mónica Romero
Testimonials
‘Lang & Asociados are a benchmark in service and professionalism for any national and international firm. Their response times and quality of advice make them great allies; indisputably their attorneys are their greatest resource. The ethics and dedication with which they handle each query are the factors that make working with Lang & Asociados the best experience in my 22 years of work in legal matters and human capital management.’
‘The individuals that I’ve worked with are very professional and committed. The timelines for every engagement have been met without any compromise on the quality of advice or support from the individuals.’
‘The personnel we have dealt with have proved to be qualified in all the technical and professional aspects of a matter.’
‘I was impressed with the responsiveness of the team and quick turnaround on both revisions to contracts and answers to my questions. They provided me with sound legal advice and helped me to become culturally literate on issues that relate directly to employment in Costa Rica.’
‘Henry Lang is easy to work with and easily accessible. Alejandro Garro is deeply knowledgeable on issues of labour law.’
Key clients
Bill Gosling Outsourcing
Microsoft Corporation
Eurofins Scientific
Little Caesars
Medtronic
Nitinol Devices & Components/Confluent Medical Technologies
Indian Industries
United Collection Bureau
Precision Coating Company
Hillphoenix
Westat
Widener University
SecureLink
Mastercard
Builder Homesite
Sensient Technologies Corporation
Smart Fit
Biomerics
Newfire Global Partners
Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
Synter Resource Group
The Warnath Group
SKIM Group
TwinEngines
Verys
Energy Freelance
Work highlights
- Advised Medtronic on conducting several internal investigations, directing complex terminations, resolving contractual matters, and creating and reviewing employment policies.
- Advised Eurofins Scientific on labour issues relating to its day-to-day operations in Costa Rica.
- Advised Smart Fit on labour matters relating to the successful establishment of its operations in Costa Rica during the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Aguilar Castillo Love
The seasoned team at Aguilar Castillo Love offers 'detailed and practical' advice to multinational and international clients on a diverse span of labour issues, including compliance and claims relating to discrimination, mobbing and sexual harassment. The group’s full service extends to handling litigation and alternative dispute resolution, advising on outsourcing contracts and training programmes, and managing employment relationships. The team includes experienced head Álvaro Aguilar, labour litigation expert Eric Romero, who joined the firm from Grupo Jurídico Latinomericano in June 2020, María Lucía Fischel, who specialises in corporate reputation issues, and associate Gloriana Lara Rams. The client roster includes household names such as the Coca-Cola Company, Paypal, AstraZeneca and L’Oréal.
Practice head(s):
Álvaro Aguilar
Testimonials
‘I really admired the solid legal background that was a basis to all the advice we received when working together with the firm, paired with practical experience and smooth cooperation throughout our case. They always aimed at finding solutions for our situation and ensuring we were aware of the advantages and risks associated with any of the possible scenarios.’
‘Absolutely valued the solid experience, the 100% professional style, the detailed and practical advice, the reaction time and the manner of the team.’
Work highlights
- Advised Coca-Cola on day-to-day labour matters, including the employment aspects of the global restructuring of a business unit.
- Advised Stryker Corporation in relation to all labour and employment aspects of its acquisition of the Wright Medical Group.
- Advised Moody’s Shared Services, a global financial services company, across a range of labour matters.
Arias
Led by labour and social security law expert Carolina Soto, the employment team at Arias advises on a broad range of labour matters. These include preventative risk management, litigation, HR management, compensation schemes, internal investigations, establishing training programmes and the employment aspects of corporate restructurings. The group represents regional and multinational clients across industries including logistics, telecoms, food, IT, digital services, manufacturing and automotive.
Practice head(s):
Carolina Soto
Testimonials
‘They have the experience and knowledge to meet the needs of the company.’
‘Friendly and attentive client service. Empathy with the company and objectivity with the case.’
Key clients
Delivery Hero – Glovo
American Tower
SBA
Mondelez
3M
Allyis
Cloud Pay
ELSA
ADOC – Canatur – JR Sánchez
INCAE
L3Harris
Work highlights
- Advised Delivery Hero on employment issues relating to the acquisition of Glovo’s operations in Latin America.
- Acting for American Tower in a labour lawsuit for over $5m relating to its employment relationship with a former business partner.
- Advised SBA on adapting its company handbook to comply with Costa Rican legislation.
BG&A Abogados Corporativos
BG&A Abogados Corporativos acts for regional and international clients, providing a broad range of employment advice to investors, multinationals and entrepreneurs. The team assists with the preparation and registration of internal labour regulations, preventative audits and training programmes on labour topics. Headed by founding partner Benjamín Gutiérrez, and supported by associates María Gabriela Monge, who is an expert in advising on risk prevention policies, and Nicole Damha, who has expertise in internal procedures for processing complaints, the group’s client portfolio covers a diverse spectrum of sectors, including construction, agribusiness, sports, education, hospitality and retail.
Practice head(s):
Benjamín Gutiérrez
Testimonials
‘They are highly professional and the customer service is excellent. They are very human and make it possible for you to have the confidence to consult them about any concern in the workplace and education.’
‘Quick response and availability when required.’
Key clients
Grupo Cobasa
Orconsa
La Coruña Zaragoza de Palmares
Sarah Catherine Gibson Sandi
ACNUR
Comité Cantonal de Deportes de Montes de Oro Puntarenas
Federación de Automovilismo
Asociación Automovil Club de Costa Rica
Asociación para el Desarrollo de Badminton
Federación Paravolleyball
Federación Unida de Triatlón de Costa Rica
Alfaquímica de Centroamérica
Office Depot
Universidad Internacional Sek de Ecuador
Universidad Internacional Sek de Chile
Colegio Internacional Sek – Costa Rica
Colegio Internacional Sek- Chile
Colegio Internacional Sek- Quito
Colegio Internacional Sek – Guayaquil
Colegio Internacional Sek – Los Valles
Colegio Internacional Sek – Pacífico (Viña del Mar)
Colegio Internacional Sek – Austral
Colegio Internacional Sek – Colombia
Colegio Internacional Sek – Guadalajara
Colegio Internacional Sek – Paraguay
Colegio Internacional Sek – Las Américas (República Dominicana)
Colegio Internacional Sek – Budapest
Colegio Internacional Eiris
Colegio Internacional de Levante
Hotel Planas
International Education Systems
Boca Ratón Preparatory School
Panamá Preparatory School
Tiempo Libre Tilisa
Uniformes Designs
Unión Española
Grupo Creativo Diseño y Construcción
SEPER
Iunit
Concretera Nacional
RGIS Servicios Costa Rica
BSDEV Internacional
PVI Costa Rican Optics
Corporación Siete
Productos de Concreto
Sherwin Williams
Transacciones Ferreteras de Costa Rica
Colegio Nuestra Señora de Sion
Metalco
Mexichem
Grupo Sur
Multillantas Panamá
Datatecnología DTCR
Telefónica (Movistar)
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Proyectos de Acceso (Proa)
Constructora Volio y Trejos
Consultora, Constructora y Desarrolladora Ecoaire
Plycem
Saint Clare
AASA Automatización Avanzada
Municipalidad de San José
Junta Administrativa del Hospicio de Huérfanos de Cartago y COVAO
Paradise Medical Services
Colegio Santa María
Almacén Mozel
Autosasa
Tecnología Express
Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social
Mafisa
German – Tec
Asesores Contables Duarte Duarte
Grupo Lázaro
Inmobiliaria Madreselva
Civitar
Nexsys Centroamérica
Dylana Mena Camacho
Plasma Innova
Possehl Mexico
Sharon Torres Zamora
Hanna Total Collections
Cooperativa De Empleados De Proyectos Hidroelectricos
Alquiler De Equipo Para La Construccion (Alco)
Representaciones Agropecuarias Técnicas de Centroamérica
Asociación Cultural Monterrey
Asociación Escuela Futuro Verde
Servicentro San Román de Turrialba
Alberysam (Sistema Educativo Montealto)
Econs Structor
Profesionales en Cómputo Procom
Work highlights
- Advising RGIS on day-to-day labour issues, including preventative labour audits.
- Advising Representaciones Agropecuarias de Centroamérica on a labour audit to ensure it is compliant with the applicable regulations.
- Advising Erial (Office Depot) on the preparation and registration of its internal labour regulations.
Bufete Godinez y Asociados
The 'extremely sharp litigators and strategists' at boutique labour and employment firm Bufete Godinez y Asociados act for national and multinational companies and are particularly active in high-value labour litigation. The team's services are divided into five key areas, covering litigation, advisory, collective bargaining, social research and corporate responsibility. The firm is experienced in human management, social audits, the structuring of internal policies, administrative processes, the drafting of contracts and the execution of training programmes on a wide range of employment topics. Spearheaded by 'highly renowned' firm founder Alexander Godinez Vargas, a former alternate magistrate of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, Isabel Jaramillo and litigation department director José Miguel Granados, the firm represents high-profile clients from sectors such as banking and finance, retail, aviation, NGOs and telecoms.
Practice head(s):
Alexander Godinez Vargas; Isabel Jaramillo; Jose Miguel Granados
Testimonials
‘They are always available and attentive, which in the workplace is very necessary. They always present us with various options.’
‘They have a lot of experience in the legislation, they are very trustworthy and their judgement always adds a lot of value for us.’
‘The competitive advantage is that it is a boutique law firm. This ensures specialty, staff stability and personalised attention.’
‘Alexander Godínez is a highly renowned professional with a long track record in private practice and academia. His experience, knowledge and ongoing academic presence are his most outstanding qualities.’
‘I have known the team of lawyers at Godinez & Asociados for years – they are highly qualified, stay up-to-date, and knowledgeable about regulations and jurisprudence. They are very professional in their analysis and possible mitigation of risks. They are extremely sharp litigators and strategists, and have great judgement.’
Work highlights
- Represented a major company in the private sector and obtained a favourable ruling from the Supreme Court of Justice, in relation to the overtime pay of numerous workers.
- Acted for a public institution in a lawsuit relating to the payment of additional compensation.
- Successfully represented a multinational company before the Supreme Court of Justice in a collective bargaining dispute.
Consortium Legal
The team at Consortium Legal provides an 'excellent client service' to multinationals in relation to a broad spectrum of labour issues, including administrative and judicial employment proceedings, the creation of internal regulations and labour issues relating to M&A transactions. The team’s services also extend to advising on immigration matters, such as temporary and permanent residencies and assistance with visa renewals and naturalisation processes. The group is led by Osvaldo Madriz and Mario Quesada-Bianchini, and supported by associates Gerardo Delgado and Catalina Rivera Sanabria, who are labour litigation experts. The team’s roster includes clients across the financial services, fitness, tourism, restaurant and hospitality, and construction sectors. It was strengthened by the arrival of associate Jose Andrés Gutiérrez, a specialist in immigration issues, from an in-house role in February 2020.
Practice head(s):
Osvaldo Madriz; Mario Quesada-Bianchini
Testimonials
‘Clear and precise advice. Successful monitoring of cases. Excellent client service, response times and prices.’
Work highlights
- Managed a collective bargaining process for Citi Group involving 16 judicial processes.
Dentons Muñoz
The team at Dentons Muñoz provides multinational and local clients with a advice on a comprehensive range of matters concerning labour and employment and business immigration. These include recruitment best practices, union negotiations, the handling of claims relating to discrimination in the workplace, compliance with new laws and regulations concerning the Covid-19 pandemic, labour audits and litigation. The team is led by Anna Karina Jiménez, who focuses on preventative advice, and aided by Daniel Rodríguez, a specialist in labour issues related to M&A transactions. The group’s client roster covers the real estate, tech, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and retail sectors, and includes international companies such as Amazon and GlaxoSmithKline.
Practice head(s):
Anna Karina Jiménez
Key clients
VMWare
American Tower Corporation
Panduit
Avantica
Amazon
doTerra
Amadeus
SchoolMint
Private individual
Glatfelter (PH Glatfelter)
Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
LL Bean
SmileDirectClub
Work highlights
- Provided SmileDirectClub with day-to-day advice on various employment and labour matters.
- Advised Panduit on an employment claim filed by a former high-level executive.
- Advised Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) on day-to-day employment and labour matters.
Facio & Cañas
The labour and immigration practice at Facio & Cañas advises national and multinational clients on matters including immigration, M&A-related labour issues, dismissals, and the design and restructuring of compensation packages. The team is headed by experienced labour litigator Luis Sánchez Montero and senior associate Nelson Loaiza. Other key contacts in the team include associates Roberto Carmona Pérez, María José Soto Gutiérrez, who has particular expertise in sports-related employment arbitration proceedings, and Erick Rojas Solórzano, an immigration expert. The group’s client portfolio contains household names such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and IBM, and covers sectors including construction, agriculture, food and beverages, tech, automotive and sports.
Practice head(s):
Luis Sánchez Montero; Nelson Loaiza
Key clients
Apex-Bia Foods
Standard Fruit Company
Cisco Systems
Lafarge Holcim
Citrix Systems
Ingenio Taboga
Prolusa
Diageo
Aluma Systems
Matra
Coca-Cola Femsa
Establishment Labs
McDonald’s Costa Rica (Arcos Dorados de Costa Rica)
Asociación de Jugadores Profesionales de Futbol (Asojupro)
APL Service Center Costa Rica
Oracle de Centroamérica
Agencia Datsun
Zimmer Biomet Centroamérica
Lisan
Fujitsu Consulting Costa Rica
Capris
IBM
United World College Costa Rica
Autopistas del Sol – Globalvía
Epson Costa Rica
Work highlights
- Assisted Telus International with labour issues relating to the acquisition of Lionbridge.
- Defended Matra in two labour lawsuits, including a claim by an independent worker that was found to be unjustified.
- Advised Apex-Bia Foods on labour-related due diligence for the purchase of a local company.
EY Law Central America
The labour and employment team at EY Law Central America is led by Fernando Vargas and senior manager Laura Navarrete, who heads the firm's labour and employment practice in Central America, Panama and the Caribbean. Managers María Paula Solórzano and Fiorella Flores, who have expertise in labour litigation, are also noted. The team assists national and multinational companies with a broad span of matters, from structuring employment policies and compensation schemes and drafting employment contracts to handling administrative procedures. The team’s client roster covers such sectors as automotive, telecoms, tobacco, tech, education and hospitality.
Practice head(s):
Fernando Vargas; Laura Navarrete
Key clients
Liberty Latin America
Inchcape
Kimberly Clark
Microsoft Regional Operations
Bayer
Inchcape
National Convention Center of Costa Rica
Fundación Gente
Accenture
Office Designs
Lionbridge
Green Hotels
Bellelli
On Process
Work highlights
- Assisted Lionbridge Costa Rica with labour issues relating to setting up a new company, which was then sold as part of the agreement to sell Lionbridge’s artificial intelligence division to Telus International.
- Advised Liberty Latin America on employment matters stemming from the acquisition of Telefónica’s operations in Costa Rica.
- Assisted the National Convention Centre of Costa Rica with the application of labour and employment measures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the reduction of employees’ shifts.
Oller Abogados
The 'diligent' labour law department at Oller Abogados provides a diverse range of services to regional and multinational clients. These include advising on employment agreements, structuring compensation and benefits programmes, assisting with the modification of internal proceedings, drafting working-from-home agreements, and advising on terminations, the negotiation of settlements and litigation. The team is spearheaded by senior partner and director of litigation Ricardo Vargas Aguilar. It acts for clients from such sectors as aviation, construction, shared services, energy, non-profit, food and technology.
Practice head(s):
Ricardo Vargas
Testimonials
‘They are diligent and respond promptly.’
Key clients
Experian
Western Union
Lonza
Petróleos Delta
Feilo Sylvania
Copa Airlines
Aldeas Infantiles SOS
Cámara Costarricense de Construcción
Cámara de Servicios Corporativos de Alta Tecnología
Idom
Work highlights
- Advised Aldeas Infantiles SOS on its employment situation and the modification of certain internal proceedings.
- Assisted Copa Airlines with moving from direct employment to an outsourcing system for the employees that render their services in an international airport.
- Advised Lonza on the implementation of telecommuting procedures due to Covid-19.
Quatro Legal
Highlighted for its 'excellent technical and people skills', Quatro Legal divides its practice into four action lines: employment, conflict resolution and labour disputes, social security and workshops, which covers coaching and training programmes. The group assists with mediation for labour matters, negotiating and managing collective bargaining agreements, the assessment and structuring of compensation packages, and social security compliance and administrative procedures. Led by Marcela Acosta, an expert in corporate labour matters, the team acts for clients in the tech, fitness and energy sectors, among others.
Practice head(s):
Marcela Acosta
Testimonials
‘Excellent availability, quick responses and high-quality technical advice.’
‘The team has excellent technical and people skills.’
Key clients
Central de Servicios
Enel Green Power
Productive Business Solutions
Grupo Vaelste
Rivet Logic Costa Rica
Sfera Legal
Led by founding partner Eric Scharf and Erika Barrantes, who focuses on preventative advice, the labour law team at Sfera Legal advises local and international clients. The group handles labour disputes, the drafting of internal company policies and labour-related due diligence, acting for clients from the beauty, insurance, tourism, hospitality and pharmaceutical sectors. Associate Arnoldo Acuña Alvarado, who is experienced in litigation, is also a key contact.
Practice head(s):
Eric Scharf; Erika Barrantes
Testimonials
‘Very professional.’
‘They are like family to us.’
Key clients
Abbott Laboratories
Praxair
Dell
Pan-American Life Insurance
Sony Electronics
Cheetah Digital
Laboratorios Raven
Establishments Labs
Transporte Costa Costa de Guatemala
Bodhi Tree Hotel
Natural Aloe
Fernández Aguilar
Kuiki Credit
Agencia Marítima Transmares Costa Rica
Flor Blanca Hotel
Ríos Tropicales Group
Azul Fertility Experts
Ballena Media
Work highlights
- Assisted several clients with procedures to reduce working hours and the suspension of employment contracts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.