Alta QIL+4 Abogados‘s broad labour practice spans contentious and non-contentious matters, with the team advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and assisting with the termination of employment contracts. On the litigation side, the department is particularly renowned for its counsel to clients in the BPO industry. Another key area of activity has been advising employers on workplace issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccination rollout. Practice head Evelyn Rebuli is highly experienced in labour matters ranging from disputes to compliance and labour audits, counting many major multinationals among her clients. Also noted are senior associate Javier Castellán, who has 11 years of labour law experience, and associate Ingrid Fuentes, who advises on social security and immigration issues. Since publication, Castellán has been raised to the partnership - effective as of February 2023.

Singled out for its ‘high-quality advice, expertise’ and ‘reputation in the market’, Arias has been highly active in advising its multinational clients on the labour law aspects of M&A and restructurings, as well as on implementing global employment policies. The practice is well known for its advice on labour compliance, as well as on hirings, collective terminations, benefits policies, and complex labour litigation. Guatemala managing partner and practice head Liz Gordillo has vast experience of handling employment issues, including labour audits and investigations. Rosa María Arenales has been particularly active advising on the employment side of corporate transactions and senior associate María Elena Barrientos specialises in occupational health and safety matters, and has client recommendation for her ‘speed, experience and flexibility’.

The ‘exemplary’ team at Consortium Legal stands out for its expertise in labour litigation, in addition to its advice on regulatory compliance and conflict prevention. With numerous multinationals among its clients, the team is also experienced in advising on the employment aspects of M&A, collective bargaining processes, and social security and immigration matters, including contracts for foreign workers. The practice is led by Lionel Aguilar, who is highly regarded for his experience in labour litigation. Federico Zelada was promoted to partner in December 2021 and is known for his expertise in collective labour disputes and collective bargaining, clients noting that his ‘experience and practical knowledge of employer regulations is extraordinary’. Senior associate Cristina Sandoval focuses on immigration and occupational health and safety matters.

BLP’s employment practice specialises in advising multinationals, particularly those operating under Guatemala’s free trade zone regime, on employment issues arising from corporate transactions. The team is also active in defending employers in labour litigation, and in advising on employee compensation and benefits, occupational health and safety issues, and workplace policies stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. Practice head Luis Ruiz is experienced in advising on the employment aspects of M&A and other corporate matters, and director Fernando Méndez handles global mobility and relocation matters. Senior associate Jacobo Martínez assists with day-to-day matters.

The lawyers in Mayora & Mayora, S.C.’s labour practice ‘always go the extra mile’ and are particularly focused on non-contentious matters, including work and residence permits, occupational health and safety issues (particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic), employment contracts and internal labour policies. The team is also active in labour disputes and negotiations with trade unions. As president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala, practice head Rafael Briz is well placed to advise Spanish companies on labour and immigration issues. Senior associate Suzel Obiols is also highly regarded for her advice to major multinationals.

Aguilar Castillo Love focuses on advising corporate clients on day-to-day employment issues, including the termination of contracts, health and safety regulations, outsourcing agreements and employee benefits. Led by litigator René Vicente Rodriguez, the team is also able to handle labour disputes.

Deloitte Legal Guatemala regularly advises on labour due diligence and the design of compensation plans, drawing on the tax expertise of its global consultancy arm. The team assists a predominantly international client base with contracts, immigration and work permits for foreign employees, and disputes relating to the termination of employees and benefits claims. Estuardo Paganini leads the team, while manager Manuel Lara advises on labour, migratory and social security law.

EY Law Central America is well placed to advise international clients on immigration issues, utilising the wider organisations global network of labour lawyers. The Guatemala office most frequently advises on obtaining work and residency permits for foreign employees. In addition, the team assists with the employment aspects of M&A and restructurings, and advises on day-to-day contractual and health and safety issues. Managers Mirla Tubac and Elmer Vargas are the primary contacts at the Guatemala office, coordinating with Hernán Pacheco and Fernando Vargas in Costa Rica to oversee the practice. Associate Diego Mendoza comes with client recommendation for his ‘excellent service’.