Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Labour

Associate Sebastián Quiñonez is the key contact in the growing labour and immigration practice at A. D. Sosa & Soto, which launched in 2021 and is particularly adapt in litigation and collective bargaining.
Established in October 2022 by the former team of Sfera Legal, Lex Atlas‘ labour practice has a strong focus on litigation, predominantly representing employers in disputes over employment benefits.

Labour in Guatemala

Alta QIL+4 Abogados

Alta QIL+4 Abogados‘ labour team wins praise for its ‘excellent relationships‘ and ‘focus on the specific needs of the client‘, with a wide-ranging practice that covers the gamut of advisory and contentious matters. The team frequently assists with the employment aspects of corporate transactions, including handling due diligence and advising on the dismissal and transfer of employees, and is also highlighted for offering training sessions to HR departments on labour compliance, disciplinary procedures and sexual harassment awareness. Labour disputes are also a steady source of mandates; recently, the practice has been particularly active in litigation for clients in the BPO sector. Practice head Evelyn Rebuli and Javier Castellán, who was promoted to partner in February 2023, are described as ‘experts in labour law‘, while associate Ingrid Fuentes provides capable support, particularly on corporate immigration matters.

Practice head(s):

Evelyn Rebuli


Testimonials

They have excellent relationships with clients. They hold seminars on important changes in the legislation, the team work is very good and they always try to give the best recommendations.

Javier Castellán and Evelyn Rebuli are professionals with a lot of experience. They focus on the specific needs of the client, the service is personalised and they are always available. Both are experts in labour law and are always looking for the best solutions for clients.

I really like the forums that they have held in recent years to provide information on how the reforms to labour and social security laws will work, what impact they could have on our company, and how to apply and manage the changes in a controlled way. We think that this tool and way of using technology to reach all the firm’s clients through a virtual conference is wonderful.

I believe that Evelyn Rebuli, Javier Castellán and Ingrid Fuentes, who have handled our company’s cases, are very capable, transparent and honest with us regarding the possibilities and strategy that they will follow for the management of the case. In addition, they provide us with clear instructions to be able to improve the internal handling of cases to prevent subsequent labour issues. The relationship we have with them is very cordial and we like that they are always available to assist us.

They have a lot of knowledge of labour law and they advise us on the most convenient and fastest way to solve any problems. They are very honest when suggesting how we should act and they focus on us complying with the law, so as not to have any problems. They are very good professionals.

They stand out for their honesty and personal touch.

Excellent follow-up on each case. They are always thinking of viable alternatives that will protect us, in addition to quickly responding to requests.

The team’s best qualities are their knowledge of labour law and the way they transmit confidence to clients.

Key clients

Telus


AbbVie


Henkel


Dollarcity


Ingenio San Diego


Industria de Hamburguesas (McDonald’s)


Belluno


Walmart


BATCA


Jaguar Energy


Centro Médico


Ferreterias EPA


Abbott Laboratorios


Maquinas Exactas


Arias

Arias houses a comprehensive labour practice, which is singled out for its ‘extensive experience and knowledge of the law‘ and ‘impeccable service‘. Often working alongside the firm’s top-flight corporate department, as well as leveraging its extensive regional network, the team is widely recognised for its advice to major multinationals on the labour aspects of carve-outs and restructurings, with notable expertise in collective dismissals and the relocation of employees. On the contentious side, the practice is particularly experienced in conducting sensitive internal investigations and representing employers in litigation over the dismissal of employees. Office managing partner Liz Gordillo, whose broad practice covers all aspects of labour matters, leads the team with the ‘excellentRosa María Arenales. Since publication, former senior associate María Elena Barrientos has left the firm, effective as of November 2023.

Practice head(s):

Liz Gordillo; Rosa María Arenales


Testimonials

Their advice has helped us to make decisions in a timely and accurate manner. We feel that they are interested in understanding in depth the cases that we present to them, giving recommendations that cover all possible scenarios but without losing sight of the practical management of the processes. Similarly, they are differentiated by their strategies to prevent and mitigate potential risks.

Impeccable service, and proactive and clear explanations. Easy access and timely responses. Friendly and easy communication and discussion.

Rosa María Arenales is an excellent lawyer and person. She is always alert to issues that may affect our business. She keeps us informed and always has an excellent attitude when attending to our requests. She is a very prepared and experienced lawyer.

The Arias team are highly professional but have a personal touch in their client service. They take the time to understand the corporate culture and those things that are important to the organisation, which is important when advising on compliance with the law, but also on practices that adapt to the corporate culture.

I want to highlight Rosa María Arenales. She is a great professional with a lot of knowledge, a lot of leadership skills, but above all, close relationships and good communication with her clients. She seeks to get to know the needs of our organisation and keep up to date with all legal aspects that are relevant to our line of business. I feel very happy working with her and I feel like I am in excellent hands with each recommendation she gives us.

‘Practical solutions for complicated issues.

They are up to date with everything that is happening in the national context, which means that when we have a case, they know how to act in the legal context, in addition to giving us constant updates on new reforms.

The team have extensive experience and knowledge of the law, and the members complement each other very well.’

Key clients

3M


Chevron


Energizer


Fox International Channels


Walmart


Bayer


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


Bimbo


BIC Latin America


International Development Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised AC Nielsen on the modification of its employment contracts to implement remote working, as well as the review of its internal policy to regulate remote working.
  • Acted as local counsel for Spectrum Brands on the carve-out of its Home and Personal Care (HPC) division, advising on all the employment aspects.

Consortium Legal

Collective bargaining is a clear strong suit of the labour practice at Consortium Legal, which is sought after by an enviable roster of multinational and multilatina clients to assist in negotiations with workers’ unions. Highlighted for its ‘dynamic proposals‘ and ‘knowledge of the client’s line of business‘, the team also has considerable expertise in advising on HR matters, obtaining work permits for foreign nationals and occupational health and safety issues, particularly related to Covid-19 regulations. Lionel Aguilar, who is praised by clients for his ‘extensive experience‘ in both contentious and advisory labour matters, shares leadership of the practice with Federico Zelada, who ‘stands out for his technical knowledge‘, with specialisms in collective bargaining and social security. Senior associate Cristina Sandoval is also a name to note for immigration law.

Practice head(s):

Lionel Aguilar; Federico Zelada


Testimonials

Immediate collaboration, knowledge of the client’s line of business, dynamic proposals, personalised service.

Federico Zelada is fully available, and stands out for his technical knowledge and good client service.

Lionel Aguilar has extensive experience and stands out for his management of complex cases.

The team are young, dynamic and flexible. They are very proactive and up-to-date on regulatory issues and judicial standards.

Federico Zelada is a very good lawyer. Over the years he has acquired a great ability to understand the labour situation for businesses in the country, which allows him to provide fine-tuned, accurate and current advice.

Key clients

PepsiCo


Corporación Multi Inversiones


Industrias Alimenticias Kern’s (Fifco)


Ternium Internacional Guatemala


Novoswiss (Luminova)


Tigo/Millicom


Walmart


Inchcape Guatemala


Detektor


GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit)


Banco de América Central (BAC)


IFF


Enel Green Power


Samsung Electronics Latinoamerica (Zona Libre)


Conduent


Citibank


United Airlines


Work highlights


  • Advising Fifco on the negotiations with the union at its food factory in Guatemala over the improvement of part-time employment contracts and the reduction in employment positions in the factory.
  • Advising various clients, including PepsiCo, Walmart, BAC, Tigo/Millicom, Samsung, Citibank, Fifco and Novoswiss (Luminova), on the management of work permits for foreign nationals.
  • Advising PepsiCo on negotiations with the union over the obligation to provide security guards to each road vendor, following the implementation of a dynamic safeguarding system.

BLP

BLP garners praise for providing ‘comprehensive advice‘ on labour law to a growing client base of multinational companies, assisting with employee compensation and benefits, occupational health and safety, and HR matters, as well as sensitive issues such as the dismissal of high-level employees and fraud and discrimination investigations. In addition, it has a strong recent track record in labour litigation, including defending employers in claims brought by the social security administration. Practice head Luis Ruiz draws on his ‘extensive experience advising multinational companies‘ to handle the full spectrum of labour matters, ably supported by director Fernando Méndez, who is also an expert in global mobility and relocation. Other key contacts include senior associate Gustavo Gamboa and associate Luisa Thomae. Since publication, María Elena Barrientos has joined as special counsel from Arias, effective as of November 2023.

Practice head(s):

Luis Ruiz


Testimonials

They offer comprehensive advice – even if we request advice on labour issues, they anticipate any other legal requirements.

Extremely professional.

They are fully up to date with the current situation. The attentive service and versatility of Gustavo Gamboa and Luis Ruiz stands out.

They are a group of professionals who are up to date with the most recent legal judgments and legislative developments, which allows them to give current advice. They are always available, they keep in close contact and they know our company very well. They are distinguished by their organisation, and their responses are always very fast. They have a focus on values and ethical principles.

Luis Ruiz is a lawyer who, thanks to his extensive experience advising multinational companies, knows our needs and our way of working, so his contribution in managing our cases generates value and contributes to the mitigation of risks and creation of opportunities.’

Fernando Méndez’ experience as a litigator and his academic perspective contributes greatly to the analysis of the cases. He is always available, organised and has great negotiating skills.

Luisa Thomae provides valuable advice thanks to her years of experience as an in-house lawyer. In addition, she understands how to explain the complexities of a case to the corporation.

Key clients

Siemens


Zoetis


PepsiCo


Promerica Bank


Microsoft


Mastercard


Ceva Logistics


HCL


Unicomer


Uber


Work highlights


  • Advised Siemens on labour issues in Guatemala, including payroll deductions, data privacy, share option plans, and reporting obligations to the Ministry of Labour.
  • Advising Zoetis on labour issues concerning vacation and car plans for employees, as well as the regularisation of local contracts.
  • Advising HCL on various labour law matters, including the dismissal of non-performing employees, working conditions, and labour risk prevention.

BUFELCO Bufete López Cordero

Boutique firm BUFELCO Bufete López Cordero has an impressive track record in assisting employers in labour law matters, with a strong emphasis on litigation, handling both individual and collective actions. The broad practice spans disputes with employees and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, collective bargaining, the design and implementation of internal policies, and employee hiring and dismissal. Juan José Jiménez is the key contact in the practice, bringing extensive experience in labour litigation and corporate immigration issues, including obtaining residence and business visas for foreign workers.

Mayora & Mayora, S.C.

The labour team at Mayora & Mayora, S.C. handles a healthy mix of advisory work and litigation, with noteworthy expertise in immigration law, where it assists large international and domestic clients with obtaining temporary and permanent residency and work permits for foreign employees. The practice also covers occupational health and safety, employment contracts, internal regulations, the dismissal of employees and calculation of severance pay, and negotiations with labour unions. Department head Rafael Briz is well regarded for his strength in labour litigation and immigration matters, often advising Spanish companies thanks to his role as president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. Senior associate Suzel Obiols is highly experienced in advising international clients across the full range of labour law issues.

Practice head(s):

Rafael Briz


Key clients

AC Marriott (Marriott International)


IFX Guatemala


Elevadores Otis of Mexico and Central America


Ogilvy & Mather


GBM Guatemala (IBM Alliance)


Yalo


Payless Shoesource de Guatemala


Productos Roche Guatemala


RGIS


Work highlights


  • Advising AC Marriott (Marriott International) on labour disputes, the hiring and dismissal of employees, work regulations and the review of internal policies.
  • Handling day-to-day employment matters for Payless Shoesource de Guatemala, including updating its local labour regulations and policies.
  • Advising Productos Roche on compliance with labour regulations in Guatemala.

Aguilar Castillo Love

Aguilar Castillo Love‘s labour practice works hand-in-hand with the firm’s busy corporate department to advise an impressive array of multinationals. The team frequently handles labour due diligence on transactions, including M&A and reorganisations, and also has strengths in adapting global employment policies to comply with local regulations. On the contentious side of the practice, the team has considerable expertise in disputes over employee dismissals and resignations, particularly in cases involving senior employees. Natalia Callejas Aquino focuses on advisory work, while René Vicente Rodríguez takes the lead in labour litigation; the two jointly head the practice.

Practice head(s):

René Vicente Rodríguez; Natalia Callejas Aquino


Key clients

The Coca-Cola Company


PayPal


Whirlpool


Omni Interactions


Corteva


Epson


IQVIA


Work highlights


  • Advising The Coca Cola Company on potential legislation with respect to remote working, as well as the company’s back-to-work policies for employees in its Guatemalan offices.
  • Advising PayPal in Guatemala on the structuring of its labour policies, with a specific focus on the termination policies adopted by the client in Guatemala.
  • Advised Omni Interactions on the different employment structures available for hiring personnel locally, as it considers entering the Guatemalan market.

Deloitte Legal Guatemala

Leveraging the firm’s sizeable global and regional network, Deloitte Legal Guatemala‘s labour practice focuses on advising international companies, with a client base spanning the food and beverages, consumer products and manufacturing sectors. As a result, the team is highly active in assisting with immigration matters, including obtaining residency and work permits, and performing labour due diligence on the targets of M&A transactions, although it is also skilled in labour disputes. The firm’s tax and business process solutions division also provides support with payroll issues, labour compliance, and salary and benefits administration. Estuardo Paganini leads the practice, assisted by manager Manuel Lara.

Practice head(s):

Estuardo Paganini


Key clients

Kellogg’s


PriceSmart


PayPal


Publicar


Sumitomo Corporation


Whirlpool


Megapharma


Siemens


Maersk


Coca-Cola


Intcomex


Unifin


Grupo Almo


Unilever


Roche


Cementos Progreso


Snetor


Blue Medical


Sae A Texpia


Valenzuela Herrera & Asociados

Boutique labour firm Valenzuela Herrera & Asociados has a broad offering that takes in labour litigation and collective bargaining as well as advice on social security, business immigration, and occupational health and safety. The team advises major local and international companies and state entities, and also has a dedicated practice focused on assisting Guatemalan entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. Founding partner Augusto Valenzuela Herrera draws on more than 35 years’ experience in labour law. He is supported by legal director María Fernanda Valenzuela, who is noted for her expertise in mediation.