Labour and employment in Mexico

Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C.

The sizeable Baker McKenzie Abogados, S.C. labour and employment practice is especially well-regarded for its support to multinationals in major cross-border workforce reorganisations. This is, however, one of the numerous services provided by a practice whose offering covers the gamut of matters in the labour and employment field; a deep bench features practitioners with specific expertise in a number of market segments. At the firm’s Monterrey office, practice head Ricardo Castro-Garza is a seasoned counsel to Mexican businesses operating internationally and works closely with the firm’s corporate and M&A practice. Also in Monterrey, Alfonso García-Lozano’s practice includes corporate employment advice and employment litigation; while in Mexico City, Manuel Calderón heads the labour litigation department. Javiera Medina-Reza is another key name for labour and social security litigation, while Salvador Pasquel-Villegas is one of the most experienced practitioners in the department and a trusted counsel to international companies on employment and social security matters arising from M&A, divestitures and redundancies, international contracts and  the termination of high-level executives. Maria del Rosario Lombera-González is noted for employment law, particularly compensation and benefits and pension plans; and the firm’s Tijuana office houses employment law experts Carlos Martín del Campo and René Pérez. Liliana Hernández-Salgado and Gabriel Ortiz both continue to develop their practices at the more junior end of the partnership scale, while Humberto Ruiz Correa, in Monterrey, is the senior associate to note.

Practice head(s):

Ricardo Castro-Garza


Work highlights


  • Assisting a finance institution based in Monterrey with nationwide labour union matters relating to labour law reform.
  • Assisted a toy manufacturing and entertainment company with labour union matters and provided related HR training.

Basham, Ringe y Correa, S.C.

The labour and employment practice is a key pillar of Basham, Ringe y Correa, S.C. through which it has cultivated strong client relationships in the public and private sectors, accumulating strong experience in union negotiations and collective bargaining in the process. The team acts as day-to-day counsel for a variety of businesses, as well as fielding a strong litigation team that is a regular in some of the country’s most notable labour and employment cases. Jorge de Presnois undoubtedly a benchmark in practice in Mexico’, a senior lawyer who specialises in both collective and individual labour, employment and social security law. He co-leads the group with David Puente, who is the main contact at the firm’s Monterrey office and has extensive experience in collective bargaining, particularly in the automotive and electrical energy industries. Litigator and employment strategist Luis Álvarez is an experienced senior associate with broad experience across the practice area, and fellow senior associate Alejandro Hernández is the leader of the litigation side of the practice. Alvaro Gonzalez departed the firm in January 2023, since when Álvarez has been raised to the partnership - effective as of July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Jorge de Presno; David Puente


Testimonials

I find cooperating with Basham, Ringe y Correa very fruitful. They are always to the point with their advice and they stand out as having an excellent labour law practice with reliable and professional employment lawyers.

I work primarily with Luis Antonio Alvarez Cervantes, who is professional, responsive, competent and very knowledgeable. I truly enjoy working with Luis. Also, I have been working with Jorge de Presno who is also a true pleasure to work with.

Very good team with specialists in the different areas of labor practice.

Key clients

Barclays Bank


Nacional Financiera


AMPCO Pittsburgh


British Petroleum


UBS Bank


TI Automotive


Becton Dickinson


Arizona Beverages


Omnicom Media Group


Yazaki


Stellantis


Pentair


Consorcio Minero Benito Juarez Peña Colorada


Crown Mexico


O&M Halyard Mexico


Work highlights


  • Acting for Barclays Bank in litigation brought by former Lehman Brothers employees in Mexico claiming a surrogate employment relationship deriving from the purchase of the assets of Lehman by Barclays after Lehman filed for bankruptcy.
  • Advising Nacional Financiera SNC on a lawsuit brought by the heirs of a service provider of one of its trusts claiming employee rights.
  • Representing AMPCO Pittsburgh in litigation brought against the company by a former independent contractor claiming an employment relationship.

Marván, González Graf y González Larrazolo, S.C. (MGGL)

Marván, González Graf y González Larrazolo, S.C. (MGGL) is one of Mexico’s foremost labour and employment law boutiques whose caseload ranges from high-profile disputes and collective bargaining matters, to the labour aspects of high-end M&A and corporate restructurings. The six-partner team is supported by more than 80 lawyers, allowing the firm to take on a huge volume of cases that constitute a substantial share of the market. Recent labour law reforms that prohibit insourcing/outsourcing contracts have been a significant source of work for the firm recently, given the numerous multinationals from a variety of sectors that feature on its client roster. The trio of Héctor González Graf, Santiago Marván Urquiza and Nelson Guerrero Robles co-ordinate the practice and all draw on a wealth of experience in the field. In earlier stages of their labour law careers are younger partners Emilio Israel Garzón Juárez, a strong litigator with experience of strategic advice to the pharmaceutical, health and retail industries; Cristian Jesús Lamas Peregrina, who has a similarly broad practice with particular niche expertise in the automotive sector; and José Genaro Pérez Velázquez, who leads the offering at the firm’s Guadalajara office. Among the aforementioned team of non-partner lawyers, associates Paulina Mendietta and Oscar Bojorge stand out. Since publication, Bojorge has been raised to the partnership – effective as of January 2024.


Practice head(s):

Héctor González Graf; Santiago Marván Urquiza; Nelson Guerrero Robles


Testimonials

It seems to me a team committed to providing solutions for our business.

We appreciate the knowledge in labor matters of Nelson Guerrero.

Key clients

CitiBanamex


Avon Mexicana


Walmart


Nissan Mexicana


Veritiv


HSBC


Mead Johnson


Smurfit-Kapp


Procter & Gamble


Xerox


Chanel


Liomont


Atento


Renault


Essity


Santamarina y Steta

Santamarina y Steta’s labour and employment team is ‘one of the most recognised in Mexico’ and its ‘excellent lawyers’ are some of the country’s best-regarded advisors for collective bargaining issues and designing union negotiation strategies. Union conflicts are a standout specialism and the team has recently seen plenty of activity assisting companies with rapid response mechanisms. The team is also well-versed in representation before the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the local labour ministries in several Mexican states. On the non-contentious side, the department works closely with transactional teams to support clients with M&A processes. Clients strongly endorse employment litigator Francisco Udave, who is one of four practice heads, along with Juan Carlos de la Vega, the firm’s Monterrey-based managing partner; Andrés Rodríguez, whose expertise includes legal audits focused on labour compliance; and counsel María Elena Abraham, head of the firm’s immigration law department. A further key contact is counsel Jaime Vázquez, who represents clients at all court levels, as well as in investigations.

Practice head(s):

Juan Carlos de la Vega; Andrés Rodríguez; Francisco Udave; María Elena Abraham


Testimonials

Santamarina y Steta’s labour team is one of the most recognised in Mexico, it has excellent lawyers with very competitive rates compared to other firms of similar quality.

Francisco Udave is capable of clearly and precisely communicating the legal and operational aspects related to his practice. His quality of being bilingual (Spanish-English) is undoubtedly a great differentiator in the matter. Reliable and with a very deep knowledge not only of the letter but also of the operation of the law.

The Santamarina and Steta labour practice team is an expert, collaborative team, with excellent service, both in the quality of their work and their response times. Their practice is recognised inside and outside the office and they have extensive knowledge and experience in collective issues, which is very useful today.

Juan Carlos de la Vega is a reference in the field, an expert in collective issues and with very good handling of complex issues. He anticipates the risks we may have, which makes us feel protected and well advised. Nicolás Acevedo is an expert in the field, he is very creative in solving the problems that arise, and he works on clients’ issues as if they were his own. He is a very reliable lawyer, very focused on giving results, and who shows excellent disposition.

The S&S office provides comprehensive labour advice, not only stopping to see the specific query but always analysing the matter as a whole, and additionally supporting budget management.

The quality of its services is excellent, coupled with the fact that it has a very good relationship with the authorities, always within the framework of legality and ethics; Likewise, being an office with multiple clients provides the opportunity to analyse matters from different perspectives.

Key clients

General Motors de México


Teksid Hierro de Mexico


Martinrea Internacional de México


Absormex


Morgan Stanley


Grupo Mexico


Endeavour Silver


Pfizer Mexico


Unilever


Home Depot Mexico


Envoy Global


Holcim Mexico


Editorial Santillana


Diario el País


Elektra


Work highlights


  • Represented Teksid Hierro de México against claims of violations to the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining.
  • Acting for Martinrea Internacional de México on a claim in which the CTM local union in Sonora demanded recognition as representative of the majority of employees and a party to the collective bargaining agreement of in the company’s Hermosillo plant.
  • Advising Preferred Compounding de Mexico on a claim filed by an alien union demanding the execution of an agreement to manage the mandatory collective bargaining agreement for the rubber industry in Mexico, without including the union with which the company has executed a private ordinate collective bargaining agreement.

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C.

One client of Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez, S.C. credits its practice head Francisco Peniche’s ‘great experience and leadership’ with making its labour and employment group ‘an incredible team’. The department is a key component of the firm’s full-service offering and advises on all relevant issues that result from the transactional work handled by its market-leading corporate and M&A practice. The department houses specialists in union matters, harassment and discrimination, and social security, raising it above being a simple support team. Peniche is an experienced advisor to multinational companies and covers matters ranging from employment compliance, restructurings and hiring structures, to collective bargaining agreements and investigations. Julio Álvarez has a focus on the labour aspects of M&A, reorganisations, and both employee and executive compensation. The partners are ably supported by senior associates María Fernanda Pariente, who specialises in conflict resolution, and Rodrigo Espíritu Santo, an experienced counsel to finance and oil-and-gas clients. At the firm’s Monterrey office, senior associate Alicia Abúndez heads the sub-group dedicated to social security matters.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Peniche


Testimonials

In general, the team seems very good to me and, above all, empathetic with the issues that happen in the company, always providing support; I do not see that they have any shortcomings compared to other offices.

Rodrigo Espíritu Santo seems very professional to me, always giving an answer, even when the situation gets complicated. Julio Álvarez, always very objective, taking care of the interests of his clients. Francisco Peniche, without a doubt his great experience and leadership of the team makes Creel an incredible team.

They have good depth of people and knowledge, are responsive, client-focused and intelligent, and able to handle complex legal matters.

Key clients

Citigroup


Steel Dynamics


Sizzling Platter


Groupe Latécoère


Reckitt Benckiser Group


Mead Johnson & Company


Siemens


Mondelēz International


L’Oréal


Alveg


Nord Anglia Education


Herman Miller


PayPal Holdings


Prologis Property Mexico


Grupo Valoran


Work highlights


  • Advising Citigroup on the analysis and structuring of the sale of its consumer banking business in Mexico.
  • Acted for Sizzling Platter on its union strategy in Mexico, including designing and implementing the process to comply with changes to labour law and international treaties regarding freedom of association.
  • Advised Mondelēz on a multi-union conflict that affected its manufacturing site in Puebla.

De la Vega & Martínez Rojas, S.C.

The ‘combination of extensive experience and excellent legal strategy in labour matters’ makes De la Vega & Martínez Rojas, S.C. a strong choice for complex labour and employment matters in Mexico. The specialist boutique is without doubt one of the go-to names for multifaceted matters relating to collective bargaining agreements, and for tricky negotiations with unions across the spectrum of sectors. In 2022, Audi was a new addition to the firm’s impressive client base of multinationals; the team inspires loyalty in much of its client base, having retained a number of them over decades. The group is led by its two founding partners: Oscar de la Vega Gómez, whose recent caseload has included negotiations to avoid major strike action; and Ricardo Martínez Rojas, whose four decades of experience includes employment contracts, collective conflicts, employment litigation and employee compensation and benefits. Other key contacts in the practice include collective bargaining negotiations’ specialist, José María Galindo; and Jimena Adriana Sánchez Argoytia, who is the main contact for compliance matters and is strongly endorsed by clients. in a significant move, since publication the firm has opened an office in Monterrey (Nuevo Léon), positioning it well to deal with the labour aspects of near-shoring - effective as of February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Oscar de la Vega Gómez; Ricardo Martinez Rojas


Testimonials

This practice is characterised by its excellent lawyers, with great management of the most diverse labor issues and always at the forefront of labor law trends.

‘Excellence, business vision and timing. Especially Jimena Sanchez Argoytia.

Robust firm with experienced partners with an excellent track record and reputation.

The partners are up-to-date, have the ability to anticipate delicate situations in labor matters and advise us in a timely manner.

This firm has a combination of extensive experience and excellent legal strategy in labor matters. All members of the firm provide legal services of the highest quality.

In addition to legal services, they provide training and advice to improve labor relations in companies. They call it “labor engineering” and from my own experience I can say that it is a service that adds a lot of value to the human resources team and to companies in general. Notable members: Oscar de la Vega Gómez, Héctor de la Cruz, Jimena Sanchez Argoytia, Jose Maria Galindo.

Key clients

Audi Mexico


Volkswagen Mexico


Saint Gobain


Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico


Royal Tech


Eaton Industries


Niagara Water


Sierra Norte Truck Center


Fruehauf de México


Goodyear


Continental Tire de México


Work highlights


  • Advised Audi México on an agreement on a 9.4% salary increase for 2023 with SITAUDI for employees located in San José Chiapa, preventing strike action.
  • Acted for Volkswagen Mexico on reaching a new agreement with a union that extended a pre-strike period.
  • Assisted Saint Gobain with a voting process to legitimise its union’s collective bargaining agreement.

Hogan Lovells

Hogan Lovells fields a ‘great team that combines experience and innovation’ in the labour and employment area; it is a trusted counsel to multinationals in sectors ranging from automotive and aerospace, to finance and food. The practice handles the gamut of labour and employment issues, frequently assisting with collective bargaining agreements, high-profile terminations, investigations, and employment benefits; moreover, as a key pillar of a full-service international firm, the department also works closely with the firm’s corporate and M&A practice. Luis Ruiz Gutiérrez and Hugo Hernández-Ojeda can draw on combined experience of over seven decades in the Mexican market, acting on consultancy and litigation, union negotiations, and social security matters. They co-lead the department with Mary Carmen Fuertes, who is experienced in handling the labour components when coordinating regional projects in Latin America. Counsel Luis Adrián Rosas Ortega is a key contact for labour litigation; while at senior associate level, Oswaldo Chávez Uribe and María Regina Torrero  provide key support to the partners.

Practice head(s):

Luis Ruiz Gutiérrez; Hugo Hernández-Ojeda; Mary Carmen Fuertes


Testimonials

They master all aspects related to their area of practice, not only from the theoretical, but also from the practical. They do not give format or macho solutions, but analyse each case individually and give their personalized perspective to the company.

Experience, but above all that they are always available to their clients, coupled with the fact that they respect the agreed delivery times without fail.

The depth of its analysis and the response time are unique.

The partners are always aware of the needs of their clients and find availability at all times. They are very proactive.

Great team that combines experience and innovation.

Luis Ruiz is of course a great lawyer, but above all he is a great person.

They are a strong firm in Mexico. They have coverage for all legal needs (labor, tax, claims…), with an excellent group of professionals. Their network is also important for more bureaucratic issues. During the last year they have focused in all diversity issues, and are very updated with the changes that the new labour law applied in Mexico.

Its strengths are the speed of response, the quality of its reports, with all the legal aspects that can be referred to, even if the partner or lawyer who is giving you the advice is from another field, they seek to give the complete version. Our main contacts are Hugo Hernandez Ojeda and Luis Rosas, although we have worked with almost the entire team.

Key clients

Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España


Ford Motor Company


Gavilon de México


Tenneco-Driv Group


Coca Cola


Mercado Libre


3M Group


Lufthansa Cargo Servicios Logísticos de México


Grupo Calidra


Usana


Solunion Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España during the annual revision of its collective bargaining agreement, thereby avoiding a strike risk.
  • Advising Ford Motor Company on the restructuring of its internal labour and employment procedures to reduce labour risks for its Mexican operation.
  • Acted for Gavilon de Mexico on the legitimisation process of its collective bargaining agreement handled by the union.

Pizá Abogados

Pizá Abogados is a labour law boutique that is structured in separate, specialised practice groups for consultancy and litigation in the area. On the consultancy side, internal audits, employment document reviews, compliance evaluation and risk prevention are all key components. Enrique Ballesteros Alvarado heads that sub-group and has been particularly active for finance sector clients recently. For dispute resolution, managing partner Gabriel Pizá is a specialist in individual and collective high-risk litigation and constitutes a reference point in the market for such work. Pizá co-leads the litigation department with Alejandro Díaz, an expert in amparo trials and their procedures before collegiate courts and the Supreme Court. May 2022 partner appointment Pamela Bello Zárate is a name to note for risk prevention and human resources counsel; while at associate level, Susana Flores Verlón and Fernando López Soriano are the key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Gabriel Pizá; Enrique Ballesteros; Alejandro Díaz


Testimonials

The way in which the partners attend to us in each consultation is exceptional and understand our needs first-hand in order to provide us with solutions. The tracking of cases and issues is also unique. It is a diverse team. The way in which team members collaborate with each other significantly enriches the solutions and consultations with which they support us. They know the authorities directly and attend first-hand all the processes that we assign to them.

They excel in direct attention to all matters; in the passion with which they defend their clients; the integrity with which they work as well as the total rationality of their billing and economic proposals. The outstanding partners are those who directly attend to any of our queries: Gabriel Pizá, Enrique Ballesteros and Alejandro Díaz.

Their ability to respond and deep knowledge of the subject. Timely billing management.

Immediate response.

Key clients

The Coca-Cola Export Corporation Mexico


Boehringer Ingelheim Mexico


Willis Towers Watson


Microsoft México


Puma México Sport


Honeywell México


Netflix México


American Express Global Business Travel


Televisa


AES Mexico


American Express Mexico


Capgemini


Geodis Wilson México


BASF Mexicana


Johnson Controls


Navistar International


Energold de México


Daimler Financial Services México


PriceWaterHouseCoopers


Cardinal Health


Komatsu México


Niagara Bottling


Atlas Copco


Global License Stichd Group Mexico


Grupo WPP


Ogilvy & Mather


Mindshare de México


Air France


IGT Lottery México


Sandvik de México


Lectra Systémes


Coats Mexico


Allergan Mexico


Grey México


AMECO México


Zoppas Industries


Acciona Mexico


Perrigo Group


Holcim/Lafarge


Work highlights


  • Assisting BASF Mexicana with the determination of the best strategy in terms of the obligation of legitimation of the collective bargaining agreement due to the freedom of association.
  • Acted for Johnson Controls in a claim filed by a former executive from an American company who sued two companies in Mexico.
  • Advising Navistar International on labour practices for both unionised and non-unionised employees.

Sánchez Devanny

Sánchez Devanny’s labour and employment group has strong relationships with the in-house legal and human resources departments of major domestic and international clients, and acts on complex cases involving union negotiations, as well as ongoing day-to-day issues such as employment agreements, terminations, and fringe benefit planning. The practice has a robust litigation arm, and the firm also supports clients on immigration matters. Practice head Alfredo Kupfer-Dominguez has broad experience across the corporate and labour areas, and is instructed on core labour and employment law matters, as well as being the firm’s go-to lawyer for relevant support to M&A and other transactional matters. Senior associate support comes from the firm’s satellite offices: in Queretaro, Fermin Lecumberri-Cano and Sebastian Rosales-Ortega act for national and foreign clients, with Rosales-Ortega being in charge of individual and collective litigation in the Bajio region. Monterrey-based Francisco Garcia-Lerma left the firm in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Alfredo Kupfer Dominguez


Key clients

Stellantis


Nissan


MasterCard


Orbia


Nu Bank


Constellation Brands


IBM


Airbnb


Grainger


Robert Bosch


Work highlights


  • Assisted GE/Fieldcore with the negotiation of new terms and conditions of employment for unionised workers represented by the union Suterm.
  • Advising Nissan on an inter-union conflict, where a union (Catem) is challenging the current union (CTM) holding the collective bargaining agreement with the client in its manufacturing plants in Aguascalientes.
  • Advised SC Johnson and Son on the collective labour structure at its plant in Toluca, where workers rejected the current union.

Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal’s labour and employment offering has recently been engaged by a host of its multinational clients regarding compliance with the raft of labour reforms enacted by the López Obrador administration. The team is also a reliable choice for labour and employment aspects of major M&A, a case in point being its recent advice to Productos Mondelez regarding its acquisition of Ricolino – a standout mandate in the transactional segment. That advice was led by practice co-head a well-regarded figure in the market, most notably for complex collective bargaining agreement negotiations. De la Garza shares departmental leadership with labour generalists Octavio Novaro Holguin, who has a multinational client base from diverse sectors that include automobiles, tech, pharmaceuticals, and insurance; and Victor Manuel Avila Estudillo, who of late has been to the fore on advisory matters concerning outsourcing reform compliance. Claudio Marroquin Mowat retired from practice in 2023, and former practice co-head Germán de la Garza de Vecchi joined Fisher Phillips in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Octavio Novaro Holguin; Victor Manuel Avila Estudillo; Bernardo Martinez Rivas


Testimonials

We admire their speed of response and technical preparation. The complete response, attention of a partner to resolve issues, and the update on relevant issues.

Full response in a timely manner. Follow-up and assertiveness in handling issues. Accompaniment of a partner in punctual consulting.

Key clients

Cemex


Novartis


Productos Mondelez


Acciona


The Walt Disney Company


ESPN


Chefmart


Cementos Moctezuma


Organon


Shell


CFE


Telefonica


Lenovo/Motorola


Alpura


Grupo Alen del Norte


Toyota


MSD


Roche


CTDI


ABC Hospital


Work highlights


  • Assisted Productos Mondelez with all the labour issues involved in the acquisition of Ricolino.
  • Advising Cemex on the implementation of outsourcing reform.
  • Assisting Novartis with the implementation of the collective labour reform.

EC Rubio

For companies operating in the industrial, manufacturing, mining and maquiladora industries, EC Rubio makes for a robust choice in labour and employment law, where it advises a host of multinationals doing business in Mexico. Assisting with USMCA labour compliance is one of the team’s standout strengths, and while the practice is dedicated to day-to-day advice that shields its clients from conflict, it also houses labour litigation capability for cases brought to court. Javier Canseco has deep accumulated know-how in investigations and compliance, with experience acting for Fortune 500 companies. Canseco co-leads the practice alongside Perla Arreola, whose broad practice includes litigating individual and collective employment suits, administrative labour law, executive employment agreements, benefits, union relations, and the review of collective bargaining agreements. Ana María Becerra covers preventative aspects of the practice area, while Roberto Alvarez-Malo frequently represents local and foreign companies in the courts on labour disputes, as well as being active in union negotiations. Eduardo Cortes, Alma Oviedo, and Elisa Cortés are the associates to note.

Practice head(s):

Javier Canseco; Perla Arreola


Ferran Martinez Abogados

Labour law boutique Ferran Martinez Abogados is warmly endorsed by its clients, who recommend the ‘exceptional service‘’ from ‘a diverse team that, although young, has extensive experience in labour matters’. The team advises on the labour elements of projects from start to finish, encompassing consultancy as well as potential litigation. Since its inception in January 2020, the firm has handled a wealth of enquiries regarding Mexico’s most recent employment reforms; specifically, those related to outsourcing, holiday provision and remote working. Its launch at the height of the pandemic not only meant a busy market but also spurred a technology-focused approach to counsel that is a hallmark of the practice. Practice head and managing and founding partner Carlos Ferran Martínez is dedicated to assisting multinational companies with consultancy, labour restructurings, compliance, and social security matters. He is aided by José Alberto Sánchez Medina, who was raised to the partnership in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Ferran Martínez


Testimonials

The lawyers Carlos Ferrán and José Alberto Sánchez truly mark a differentiator with respect to lawyers from other firms because they have a marked ability to respond to problems in companies with the necessary speed. They understand and listen to the needs of the company in order to find a viable and timely option. They do not centralise the consultation in a single person, which usually causes delays and, above all, they have extensive knowledge of individual and collective labor issues.

Exceptional service in all inquiries, they try to make the client feel that it is their priority and understand the business in such a way that they provide adequate advice that understands the company’s objective and tolerance for risk management.

It has a diverse team that, although young, has extensive experience in labor matters with several of the most important companies and sectors in the country.

Its personalized attention from partners who also actively participate in government commissions related to labor law legislation, which allows them to have updated information for decision-making.

It seems to me that being a very specialized firm in the labor area, the knowledge they have on the subject is deep and very up-to-date, which is why they differ from other firms that only have a labor department which often remains “short” before recommendations. In addition, the attitude and availability of all its members make it appear that they are “in house”, which makes them an excellent business partner in the company’s operations.

José Alberto Sánchéz always has a very good disposition, he has very good communication tools and therefore he is clear in transmitting things. The knowledge he has in labor issues is extensive and very up-to-date, which makes him an outstanding lawyer and an excellent ally for companies.

Carlos Ferrán is someone who is highly prepared, he understands the complexity of situations quickly due to his experience and his critical analysis of the issues, making him a partner of the company.

Synergy, innovation and teamwork are three of the strengths of this team. They are a team whose main objective is the well-being of their client, therefore they take the time to understand them and their particular needs. They take great care of the overall client experience, providing litigation and consulting services that complement each other.

Key clients

PepsiCo


NTT Mexico Commerce Centre


Grupo Adamantine


Foodology Mexico


Entoria Generación Solar


CI Banco


Stori


Bic


IEPI/OHLA


Dow Chemical Company


Pepperl & Fuchs


Tasmicro


TechMahindra


Nestlé


Work highlights


  • Assisted IEPI/OHLA with a due diligence process, taking into consideration the most recent labour and employment reforms.
  • Advising PepsiCo on labour and employment inspections by the employment ministry.
  • Acted for CI Banco in labour litigation.

Littler Mexico

Littler Mexico, the local outpost of the global labour and employment firm, houses experienced advisors on the full range of labour and employment matters, both collective and individual, contentious and advisory. The firm has been established in the Mexican market since 2012 and assists a multinational client base from offices in Mexico City, Monterrey and Saltillo. The main names to note include litigation-focused managing partner León Rodríguez; senior practitioner and one of the founding partners, Mónica Schiaffino; and Tania Terrazas, whose broad advisory practice encompasses compensation and benefits, terminations, employer substitutions, international assignments and immigration matters. after two years at the firm, Jorge Sales Boyoli left in July 2023 to relaunch his own boutique.

Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC

In August 2022, Von Wobeser y Sierra, SC upgraded its labour and employment law offering with the hire of Rafael Vallejo, formerly practice head at Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa. Counsel Adrián Castillo (from De la Vega & Martínez Rojas, S.C.) was a further addition, along with three associates, thereby increasing the breadth and depth of the ‘agile, efficient team’ considerably. The department stands out for its experience in workforce restructurings as a result of M&A and joint ventures, advising on employee implications and transfers, as well as carrying out due diligence procedures and providing employment advice on commercial expansion. The practice also has capabilities in collective bargaining agreements, social security matters, and labour litigation, among other segments. Vallejo has joined the department as practice co-head, alongside Rodolfo Trampe, who advises a number of Fortune 500 companies. Senior partner Javier Lizardi is a corporate and M&A partner with labour law experience and a focus on the pharmaceuticals sector. Associate Alejandra Arizpe is recommended by clients and supports on a broad swathe of labour and social security law issues.

Practice head(s):

Rodolfo Trampe; Rafael Vallejo


Testimonials

I have worked with the labor area, and I can say that they are unique. Their commitment and knowledge of what is happening with the country and the legislation is unique.

Rodolfo Trampe is always up to date to support us and clarify doubts. He perfectly understands the needs of the company and supports to achieve strategic solutions.

They are characterised by being always updated and up-to-date with changes, and by having timely and adequate availability. Provided in-depth analysis of the issues.

They are up to date on issues, both changes or reforms and internal issues that we have in process with them.

The labour team is an agile, efficient team, with minds that come out of the box and that undoubtedly helps the company’s strategy. They are reliable lawyers, who know the industry and the matter and are always willing to support the company looking for alternatives in each query that is requested. They are very close to the company and knowing us means that they always give us added value.

The support and accompaniment of Rafael Vallejo has been invaluable, he is a lawyer who knows the subject deeply and thanks to this he has made us make the best decisions that have improved the company’s strategy and has even brought us savings.’

Diverse team, very hands-on. Very knowledgeable and sensible to client’s needs.

Rodolfo Trampe and Alejandra Arizpe advised on a very sensible lay-off. Very humane, and professional.

Key clients

L´Oréal


H&M


Airbnb México


Diageo México


Ghafari Associates


Motherson Group


KHS México


Pernod Ricard


Logitech


Etsy


Work highlights


  • Advised Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on the follow-up labour aspects of its $2.2bn acquisition of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ global mobility business.
  • Assisted Etsy with all labour aspects of its soft landing in Mexico.
  • Advised Pernod Ricard on the labour aspects of its $100m acquisition of Varo Holdings and its Mexican component Varo Destileria.

Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa

Clients of Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa appreciate its ‘non-traditional outlook’ and the ‘deep level of knowledge’ of its practice head Mayeli Cabral. She has taken over leadership duties for the team following the October 2022 departure of Rafael Vallejo . The practice is fully integrated with the firm’s international trade and tax practices, and thus has a particular strength in restructurings and organising foreign companies’ operations in Mexico. Cabral is an expert in labour risk management and also assists with labour litigation, where Juan José Soto is the main contact. At associate level, Gabriela Farias, Fabiola Lazcurain, and Denise Lechuga are the names to note.

Practice head(s):

Mayeli Cabral


Testimonials

Extraordinary team always at the forefront of customer needs with a non-traditional outlook.

Mayeli has an approach to customer issues at the center of her strategies. Great empathy for her clients.

The labor practice led by Mayeli Cabral is impeccable. She has a deep level of knowledge, a sense to solve complex issues in a balanced way for both the company and the workers, in addition to the fact that she knows her subject a lot, it shows that he loves what he does and enjoys it. Mayeli is a pleasure to work with.

The difference from other firms is that Mayeli Cabral, in addition to having extensive knowledge of the subject, has experts on hand in different areas (social security, tax) that make the advice comprehensive and comprehensive, beyond just the labor aspect.

Key clients

IBM


Metlife


H&M


Famosa (Crown)


3M


Femsa


Kellogg


Grupo Alpura


First Cash


Club Med


Macquarie


Shiloh


Bachoco


Sanofi


DuPont


Sidel


Work highlights


  • Advised IBM de Mexico on the implementation of the outsourcing reform when the merger of three companies took place, impacting 10,000 employees.
  • Advised Improving HoldCo on the acquisition of Zigatta’s Mexican subsidiary.
  • Advised Saavi Energía on its group restructuring in Mexico, in compliance with labour and energy regulations.

Cuesta Campos y Asociados S.C.

Gerardo Valencia coordinates the labour and employment work at Cuesta Campos y Asociados S.C., whose recent slate of work has had a focus on labour law compliance with Mexico’s international trade agreements. Other market segments on which the practice is frequently engaged include, due diligence on transactional matters, industry-specific compliance regarding employee relations, on-site health and safety conditions, and collective negotiations with national unions. The firm’s broad client base in this area has seen recent additions in both the IT and automotive sectors.

Practice head(s):

Gerardo Valencia


Testimonials

We recommend them for their updates on labor law and the team’s availability.

Key clients

Pretium Packaging


Epam


Hella


Rappi


Kueski


HyCite (Royal Prestige)


Súper Kiosko


Flex


Wastequip


Lixil


Work highlights


  • Advised Kueski on an inspection related to health and safety conditions, work environment and validation of employees’ rights.
  • Advised Flextronics on the coordination of more than 630 labour procedures.
  • Assisted Pretium Packaging with the labour due diligence of an acquisition.

Greenberg Traurig, S.C.

The ‘attention, professionalism and specialised knowledge’ of Greenberg Traurig, S.C. is brought to bear on labour and employment strategies for a wide ranging client base in Mexico, be it for day-to-day running of the company or relating to transactional matters. The practice is also active in dispute resolution, focusing primarily on conflict prevention but with capability and experience in labour law litigation. The practice is jointly led by Leslie Palma, who has vast experience assisting clients with the transfer of employees and standardisation of benefits; and Marité Villanueva, a name to note for union negotiations regarding large-scale layoffs. The practice heads are supported by associates Jorge Andazola and Karla Copka. Since publication, Jorge Andazola left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Leslie Palma; Marité Villanueva


Testimonials

GT employment lawyers have the capacity and experience in their field, which allows me as their client to seek them as my main advisors on this matter. In addition, they perfectly understand the operation of the company, which allows them to give a more appropriate legal opinion.

Attention, professionalism and specialized knowledge in the matter.

Key clients

Pepsico International


Tiendas Soriana


Lottus Education


Sodimac


Prysmian Group Mexico


UPS


Kepco Holdings


Somos Reyes


Bishop Fox MX


Procaps


Digitalagility


Chromalloy


Corescan


Vientos del Altiplano


Plastiglas De México


Barclays México


GE International México


Albany International México


Work highlights


  • Assisted PepsiCo with 650 termination agreements by virtue of a restructuring procedure carried out by the company.
  • Advised Tiendas Soriana on the design and execution of a compensation package of all of the employees from Comercial Mexicana (former employer) to the new owner of the company, Tiendas Soriana.
  • Advised Loftus Education on red flags in connection with labour and employment risks prior to an acquisition.

Maillard Abogados Laborales

The labour and employment specialists at Maillard Abogados Laborales have capabilities across the full range of matters in the sector, providing ongoing consultancy on labour law compliance, as well as representing clients in labour litigation and workplace inspections. Senior figure and founding partner César Maillard Canudas; labour litigation department head Ary ArgumedoCésar Maillard Cárdenas, who is also in the litigation team; and Denise Evelyn Palma García, who is in charge of consultation and inspections, are the main contacts.

Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C.

In support of its market-leading corporate team, Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes S.C. fields a labour law team with capabilities on both the contentious side and the consultancy aspects of the sector. The practice acts for clients in general labour litigation as well as amparo cases, and has an active alternative dispute resolution component, while also focusing on conflict prevention and proactive union negotiations. For transactional matters, the team is experienced in labour and employment due diligence, and also advises US law firms if they have enquiries on Mexican labour law on their clients’ behalf. Practice head Claudio Jiménez de León is an advisor to national, foreign, public and private companies on the full range of labour and employment matters, from consultancy to individual and collective litigation, and appeal proceedings. He is supported by July 2022 partner appointment Rodrigo del Valle, who frequently assists with workforce restructuring post-M&A, and with compensation structures for high-level executives, compliance strategies, collective dispute resolutions and employee transfer processes. From a deep pool of associates, Francisco Cisneros is noted for his expertise in individual disputes.

Practice head(s):

Claudio Jiménez de León


Key clients

SoftBank


Riverstone


Actis


Grupo Televisa


Work highlights


  • Advised Actis on the labour and employment aspects of its acquisition of MT Falcon Holdings Company from Mitsui & Co., Tokyo Gas Co, Chubu Electric Power Falcon and Tohoku Power Investment Company.

Sainz Abogados

Sainz Abogados is frequently instructed on contentious labour law matters that range from litigation to the termination of unionised employees. The team is also active on labour due diligence processes and other matters relating to transactions, and is also the counsel of choice for various companies regarding their day-to-day navigation of the employment regulatory landscape in Mexico. Alejandro Nila leads the department and is primarily focused on the labour strategy and social security aspects of the practice. Associate Omar Zayas concentrates on litigation and other contentious matters, as does fellow associate Marcela Bojorge.

Practice head(s):

Alejandro Nila


Testimonials

They provide an excellent service, their answers are always of very good quality and they meet the required times.

Very professional lawyers, who know their subject matter, and always offer the best recommendations in labor terms.

Management of complex litigation in labor matters.

The commitment to the cause they take up. They think outside the box, looking for ways to improve the legal position they defend.

Key clients

GFSI Southwest


Puratos


McCain Foods


New Fortress Energy


Veritiv


Westrock / Victory Packaging


Delta Airlines


Hanesbrands


FTI Consulting


LTI Mindtree


BI Worldwide


Rush Street Interactive


Work highlights


  • Advising GFSI Southwest on all its collective labour negotiations and employment matters in Mexico.
  • Acting for Puratos in challenging a resolution issued by the Mexican Social Security Institute that increased the hazardous premium and, consequently, the company’s monthly contributions to the Mexican Social Security Institute.
  • Represnting McCain Foods in employee terminations and new hiring schemes under Mexican law.

Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton

With lawyers on the ground across eight office locations in the country (Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Ciudad Juarez, Matamoros, Queretaro, Reynosa, and Tijuana), Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton fields a labour and employment practice that is particular strong on Mexico-US cross-border matters. The team’s expertise encompasses proactive labour strategy and organisation, as well as labour litigation and compliance. Pablo Sáenz and Francisco Peña are the main contacts in Mexico City and co-lead the wider team with Tijuana-based partner Javier Zapata.

Practice head(s):

Pablo Sáenz; Francisco Peña; Javier Zapata


Testimonials

The office always takes care to maintain the personalized treatment that we like to clients. We also appreciate the transparency with which they present their services for charging.

In general, the lawyers we have dealt with are capable and follow up on the issues raised. However, I would like to acknowledge Francisco Peña for his performance on binational issues.

Key clients

Bulk Pack


Fresenius Medical Care


Neology


Chiyoda Integre


Thermo Fisher Scientific


Sensata Technologies


Amphenol TCS


Commscope


Arrow Internacional de México


Asurion México


Briggs Equipmen


Comau Automatización


Fruit of the Loom de México


Howmet de México


Jaropamex


The Jeffrey Group México


OKI BR México Servicios


Work highlights


  • Advised Comau Automatización on the process of updating its collective bargaining agreement.
  • Assisted Grupo Teleflex with the  impact of labour reforms related to outsourcing.
  • Advised Yanfeng on reforms related to outsourcing and on an in-depth review of supplier contracts.

Cannizzo, Ortiz y Asociados SC

Cannizzo, Ortiz y Asociados SC keeps its clients up to speed with the changing regulatory background of labour law in Mexico, while also handling employee termination strategies and related negotiations with unions. The practice is jointly led by Mauricio Moreno-Rey, who has broad business law expertise and is well-versed in assisting companies starting operations in Mexico; and Stefano Amato, whose practice has a transactional focus and is especially strong in the real estate market. Senior associates Anahí Serrano and Andrea Sopranzetti are additional practice contacts.

Practice head(s):

Mauricio Moreno-Rey; Stefano Amato


Bufete Díaz Mirón y Asociados SC

Labour and employment specialists Bufete Díaz Mirón y Asociados SC has three decades' experience in the market and focuses primarily on preventive legal counsel. The firm has offices in Mexico City, Guadalajara, León and Cancun, and the main contacts are Luis Díaz Mirón, along with Luis Enrique Díaz Mirón and Juan José Díaz Miron.

Gonzalez Calvillo

Gonzalez Calvillo’s labour practice has a particular focus on compliance and litigation matters, and regularly supports clients on risk assessments to identify existing or potential labour and employment issues. The firm is retained by a variety of multinational and domestic companies for day-to-day labour law advice, and has recently seen a notable increase in its fintech client base. Luis Enrique Cervantes, who was made partner in January 2022, co-leads the department with corporate law expert and managing partner Jorge Mondragón. Senior associates Fernando de Buen and María Paula Boustani are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

Luis Enrique Cervantes; Jorge Mondragón


Testimonials

Knows and understand customer needs.

Very good office.

Key clients

Benetton


Carhartt


Choice Hotels


CitiBanamex


David Briggs


Google


Grant Thorton


Nippon Paint Automotive Americas De México


Prince Manufacturing


Qualcomm


Red Bull


Thor Urbana


Triunvirate Environmental


Work highlights


  • Advising Prince Manufacturing on its internal labour policies.
  • Assisting Google with day-to-day labour law compliance.
  • Advising Carhartt Mexico on its code of ethics, human resources policies, and training for employees.

Ibarra, del Paso y Gallego

The labour and employment practice at Ibarra, del Paso y Gallego is appreciated for its ‘very high quality’ service and is the trusted counsel of a number of international companies for day-to-day advice and labour law compliance. Jaime Rodriguez Eguiarte collaborates closely with the firm’s corporate law team and is also a seasoned litigator so can transfers those skills to conflict avoidance in employment law. Rodrigo Diaz Martínez is the associate to note.

Practice head(s):

Jaime Rodriguez Eguiarte


Testimonials

‘Great attention from the team and direct attention from the partner. Comparable in quality to larger offices or larger areas.’

Jaime Rodríguez, partner responsible for the labor area, provides direct and immediate attention with extensive knowledge of Mexican labor law, knowing how to transfer that knowledge to his clients.

The collaboration that they take us as if it were their company, relationship with the people, they know the clients perfectly and with that they give their analysis, and personally they are careful.

The closeness we have with Jaime Rodriguez is extraordinary, we have full confidence in him. And in addition to that, he knows the company and remains close to the area, professionally and personally. Their service is of a very high quality.

They are experts in the labor field, they are always informing us of changes in this matter, they help us a lot to mitigate risks.

The level of service they provide us, they are very close, they do not see us as just another client, and they always look out for our interests, they help us a lot to make the best decisions on labor matters and they are available whenever we need them.

Key clients

Universal Pictures Mexico


Mizuho Bank Mexico


Lottus Capital Fund


Agua de México


Fundacion Rafael Donde


Trax Retail


Sistemas Interactivos de Consultoría


Rackspace Mexico


Universidad Latinoamericana


Carrier Enterprise Mexico


Alcon Laboratorios


Beckers Industrial Coatings


Callison RTKL


E Entertainment


Centro Educativo Tres Culturas


Estudios Mexicanos Telemundo


Work highlights


  • Advising Universal Pictures Mexico on its day-to-day labour and employment matters.
  • Advising Mizuho Bank Mexico on day-to-day advice on labour and employment matters, including labour compliance.
  • Advised The Chermours Company on the Mexican aspects of a cross-border M&A transaction entailing the sale of Chemours’ Mining Solutions Business to Draslovka Holding.

Monsalvo Duclaud

The ‘multi-expertise’ labour offering at Monsalvo Duclaud acts across a broad range of matters, from consultancy and social security matters, to labour litigation and union negotiations. Clients include leading domestic names in a variety of the country’s biggest markets, as well as multinational companies. Key contacts in the team include: co-managing partner Luis Monsalvo Álvarez, who focuses on compliance for foreign investors; fellow co-managing partner and head of social security, Alan Duclaud Ampudia; high-risk collective and individual conflict specialist Luis Monsalvo Valderrama; consultancy practice head Isabel Pizaro Guevara; Lidia Monsalvo Álvarez, who works on constitutional appeals; and Andrés Cámara Pérez, who is also social security partner.

Practice head(s):

Luis Monsalvo Álvarez; Alan Duclaud Ampudia; Luis Monsalvo Valderrama; Isabel Pizarro Guevara; Lidia Monsalvo Álvarez; Andrés Cámara Pérez


Testimonials

Excellent communication. Trained and updated lawyers. Availability of partners in matters of relevance. Good value for money. Process speed. Proximity and understanding of the business.

Luis Monsalvo Álvarez: great team management, impeccable knowledge in labor matters, availability, strategic vision and creativity in proposing solutions.

Multi-expertise firm in the labor world, from social security, consulting to litigation, with a group of reactive experts. Very adapted to transnational companies.

Lawyers very up-to-date, proactive and attentive to clients. in particular Luis Monsalvo Alvarez and Alan Duclaud.

The most sophisticated labor law firm I have ever worked with, attentive, responsive and up to date an all aspects.

Luis Monsalvo Junior is by a mile and a half the most sophisticated labor practitioner I have met, he is a corporate lawyer with a vast labor acumen. He and all of his partners are savvy, professional and a pleasure to work with.

Key clients

Ford Motor Company


Volkswagen de México


Inditex


Coppel Group


Four Seasons at Tamarindo


Irongate / Costa Palmas


Samsung


Beiersdorf


Philips


Biomet


Confederation of Industrial Chambers of Mexico (CONCAMIN)


National Institute for Nuclear Research (ININ)


Work highlights


  • Advised Grupo Coppel on the legitimisation processes of all the collective bargaining agreements that the company has with its unions across the country.
  • Advised the Four Seasons hotel on simultaneous negotiations with the national union leader in Mexico City, as well as those held before the Secretary of Labour in La Paz.
  • Advised Irongate on compliance with the new outsourcing provisions as a result of the 2021 labour reform.