Guzmán Ariza draws on its strength in the tourism sector to advise a number of major hospitality clients on labour matters, in addition to assisting large companies from the commercial, services, financial and construction industries. The team is highly active in labour litigation, representing both employers and senior executives, and also handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with unions. On the non-contentious side, the practice covers advice on employment contracts and terminations, payroll issues, the labour aspects of M&A transactions, and compliance with labour regulations. The sizeable team, which is spread across the firm’s offices, is led by Rubén García in Las Terrenas and Rhadaisis Espinal in Santo Domingo; both stand out for their expertise in labour disputes. Julio Brea Guzmán and senior counsel Elvis Roque, both based in Sosúa, are also noted.

The ‘excellent‘ team at Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández stands out for its expertise in handling labour disputes, including appearing before the Supreme Court, on behalf of major clients from the telecoms, financial services, education, pharmaceuticals and sports sectors, among others. The practice also has experience of advising on negotiations with labour unions, the implementation of HR policies, the termination of employment relationships and calculation of severance, and compliance with labour and social security regulations. At the head of the team, Tomás Hernández advises on employment contracts, the design and restructuring of benefits, and risk prevention, as well as handling labour litigation. Litigator Julio Camejo is another key contact for labour disputes and union negotiations, and senior associate Federico Pinchinat is also a name to note.

With ‘vast experience‘ in labour matters, Pereyra & Asociados counts a number of major multinationals from sectors including food and beverages, financial services, manufacturing and telecoms among its clients. The prevention of employment-related claims is a key area of expertise for the team, which frequently advises on compliance programmes and the implementation of internal policies, but it is also highly active in labour disputes. Other areas of strength include advising on employment contracts, incentives and benefits, and negotiations with labour unions. Founding partner Luis Miguel Pereyra, who has experience in labour litigation and dispute resolution, leads the practice with Emma Mejía Batlle and Gregorio García Villavizar.

ECIJA DVMS leverages its presence across Latin America to advise major multinationals on labour matters and particularly stands out for its expertise in the sports industry, with a niche specialism representing Major League Baseball teams in labour disputes involving employees and players. In addition to litigation, the team has experience in the implementation of labour policies, the hiring and dismissal of senior executives, labour audits and the cross-border assignment of employees. Advising on the labour aspects of M&A and restructurings, including mass lay-offs and suspensions, is also a key area of strength. Gabriel Dejarden and Edward Salcedo, who is noted for his representation of international clients in labour disputes, lead the team, with key support from associate Arístides Victoria.

The ‘well-rounded‘ employment practice at Russin, Vecchi & Heredia Bonetti spans both contentious and non-contentious matters. Representing employers in labour disputes is a key area of expertise, but the team also plays an active role in advising international clients on the labour aspects of setting up local subsidiaries, including hiring personnel, compliance with local labour and social security regulations, review of company policies and immigration issues.  The practice is led by managing partner Georges Santoni Recio, who is noted for his assistance to foreign clients in labour disputes, and José Maldonado Stark. Ariel Jaquez Nuñez and Mónika Fiallo Paradas, whose specialisms include immigration law, are also names to note.

DMK Abogados‘ labour practice was bolstered by the return of litigator Iván García Elsevyf from Bureau Legal in June 2021, bringing significant experience in labour disputes to the team. The practice’s focus lies in defending employers with large workforces – particularly hotels and free trade zone companies – against claims brought by employees, but it is also experienced in advising on issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, including the suspension of employment contracts, flexible and remote working, health and safety in the workplace, and payroll adjustments. Corporate lawyer Patricia Read also assists with advising multinational clients on labour matters.

Jiménez Peña has a strong track record in labour litigation, defending employers against claims brought by employees as well as handling investigations and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. On the non-contentious side, the team advises on risk prevention, including the implementation of internal policies and compliance with labour regulations, and labour issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic such as terminations and suspensions of employment. Practice head Rosa (Lisa) Díaz is experienced in labour litigation, individual and collective dismissals, and negotiations with unions. Founding partner Marcos Peña Rodríguez and newly promoted partner Laura Medina are also noted for labour disputes.

OMG focuses on labour litigation and is particularly active in defending employers in wrongful termination claims brought by former employees, including senior executives. The team also provides assistance to its wide-ranging roster of clients, which spans the financial services, food and beverages, energy, healthcare, tourism and real estate sectors, on compliance, internal policies, labour issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic (such as the reduction of working hours and salaries) and the transfer of employees following M&A transactions. Consultant Luis Pantaleón, who specialises in litigation, is the key name in the practice.

Pellerano & Herrera is experienced in both labour disputes and advisory work for an impressive roster of multinational clients. Litigator Lucy Objío heads the contentious side of the practice, which focuses on representing major employers in claims brought by employees, while special counsel Isabel Andrickson leads the consultancy practice, advising on the labour aspects of M&A and reorganisations, the recruitment and dismissal of employees, and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. Corporate partner Carolina Leon assists with the employment aspects of transactions, and senior associates Sheila Oviedo and Laura Patiño handle labour disputes and consultancy matters, respectively.

Ulises Cabrera is experienced in labour litigation, representing both employers and employees, in addition to handling negotiations with labour unions. The team also advises on a wide range of non-contentious matters, including the drafting of internal regulations and compliance with local labour and social security laws (as well as new health and safety regulations stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic). Founding partner Ulises Cabrera and managing partner José Cruz Campillo are particularly active in labour disputes, and Monica Villafaña advises corporate clients on labour issues. Senior associate Ramón Lantigua Arias joined from the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships in November 2021.