With ‘deep specialisation and comprehensive coverage of labour law and social security’, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría's 10-strong practice undertakes mass lay-offs, office closures, senior executive severance packages, discrimination prevention, privacy and fundamental rights. The Ibero-American firm’s labour and employment law team also fields specialists in expatriate recruitment, due diligence, internal employment audits, restrictive covenants, subcontracting, outsourcing, labour-related taxation, stock option plans and internal investigations into harassment. Other areas of expertise for the full-service department include collective bargaining, union relations, and labour litigation concerning unfair dismissals and anti-union practices; while the department is increasingly mandated to advise on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and diversity. With ’up-to-date knowledge of regulatory, union and jurisprudential trends’, labour law, social security and immigration expert Paulina Miranda advises domestic and multinational companies on Chilean labour law, human resources and M&A-related labour issues, along with assisting employers with global employment issues; while fellow practice co-head Sergio Montes routinely assists with high-stakes labour trials, collective bargaining processes, and disputes between companies and their employees and unions. ‘Prioritising the best interests of client organisations’, senior associate Aref Cosma assists with general employment, as well as the labour issues surrounding corporate reorganisations and domestic and cross-border M&A.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘What makes this practice unique is the deep specialisation and comprehensive coverage of labour law and social security. They are experts in these areas, providing precise and effective solutions.’

  • ‘The team’s specialisation, comprehensive approach, and commitment to results make them a strategic partner for clients.’

  • ‘The plus is the combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and a client-centered approach. They understand the impact of their recommendations on clients’ businesses.’

  • ‘PPU maintains a strong position, with a team that combines strategic employment litigation expertise with high-level negotiation skills and extensive experience.’

  • ‘The team is characterised by its commitment and response times.’

  • ‘Sergio Montes - very successful in his defence and prediction of labour process outcomes.’

Key clients

  • Codelco Chile
  • Mitsubishi Chile
  • Panamerican Silver
  • Minera Meridian
  • Ford Motor Company
  • Alcon Laboratorios
  • Laboratorio Saval
  • Decathlon Chile
  • Samsung Electronics
  • Mediciones Geolec
  • Ascendal Group

Work highlights

Assisted Codelco with labour litigation, particularly in relation to cases initiated by union leaders who allege anti-union practices.
Advised Ascendal Punta Arenas on the labour aspects of its public transport operation.
Assisted Atex with labour matters, including an investigation into sexual and workplace harassment, and the implementation of working schedules.

Lawyers

Leading partners

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Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Paulina Miranda; Sergio Montes