ECIJA Otero's five-strong labour and employment practice has notable experience in labour litigation, as well as administrative claims and the development of internal policies that focus on conflict prevention. It also covers labour restructurings, senior executive dismissals and contracts, collective bargaining agreements, foreign employees’ visa applications, and expatriation agreements. The group additionally advises on labour audits, due diligence, outsourcing, unfair labour practices, occupational accidents, harassment, maternity protection, and human rights violations. The practice of Chile managing partner Gerardo Otero includes contract negotiations and lawsuits; Dolores Echeverría advises domestic and overseas companies on labour law issues; and both 2024-promoted manager María Ignacia Romero Arrau and associate Juan Pablo Cortés Roncagliolo ‘stand out’. María de los Ángeles Fernández Sierra rejoined as partner in September 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Excellent disposition towards their clients.’
- ‘They respond quickly, accurately and flexibly.’
- ‘They thoroughly handle the issues and provide fundamental support for clients’ daily local operations.’
- ‘Quick responses, flexibility and excellent disposition, in addition to their expertise in the field.’
‘They inform clients promptly and train them on changes to the laws, along with their implications and safeguards.’
‘Kindness, availability, and knowledge.'
Key clients
- Microsoft
- SSC Space Chile
- Copper Andino
- The Boston Consulting Group
- Michael Page
- FCC Construction
- Epson
- Urbana Group
- Lexmark
- CAMACOES (Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Chile)
- Energizer
- BASH
Work highlights
Provided training for Microsoft on Chile's 40-hour working week, labour inclusion legislation, and the Karin Law, which included updating protocols and regulations.
Assisted Swedish Space Corporation with its investigation into a harassment claim by an employee against the commercial manager.
Acted for Copper Andino in two labour lawsuits, which were filed by senior executives for significant sums for alleged outstanding salaries, differences in severance payments, and social security debts.
Practice head
Gerardo Otero; Dolores Echeverría; María de los Ángeles Fernández Sierra