ECIJA's ‘deep knowledge of the Costa Rican labour environment’ and its extensive footprint in Latin America and strategic partnership with international firm Taylor Wessing LLP are significant assets for its multinational client base, which includes prominent names from the tech, telecoms, agroindustry, pharmaceuticals, retail, services and tourism sectors. In particular, the team has in-depth expertise in the new technologies space, enabling it to advise on employment issues relating to social networks and information security tools. The firm is also well equipped to assist with the standardisation of regional policies and compliance with labour laws in jurisdictions across Central America and the Caribbean, in addition to handling labour due diligence on M&A transactions, complex labour litigation and social security investigations. Practice head Daniel Valverde, a specialist in labour and human rights law, provides clients with ’outstanding support’ on matters ranging from employment discrimination consultation and litigation and the termination and adjustment of employment contracts to work-from-home schemes and technology issues in the workplace.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strengths: Client relations. Technical knowledge. Ease of using different communication channels for work.’
‘They are good people - very kind, and very respectful. They are very good lawyers.’
'The labour law practice of ECIJA Costa Rica is excellent. The service provided by Daniel Valverde and his team is essential for the resolution and prevention of conflicts for the company. The speed with which the team attends to our requests makes a big difference.'
'The clarity with which Daniel Valverde responds to queries is excellent, as is the response time when something is urgent.'
'What makes this team unique is its highly personalised approach and deep knowledge of the Costa Rican labour environment. The team is distinguished by its availability, agile responses and clear advice, which generates great confidence in decision-making. They have notable strengths in the prevention of occupational risks and negotiation, always aligned with the business objectives of their clients.'
'The main factor differentiating the firm's lawyers is their availability and willingness and ability to thoroughly understand both the business and the internal dynamics of each organisation. Beyond their technical knowledge, they stand out for their ability to support us through processes with a strategic perspective, which balances legal compliance with the operational reality of the company.'
Key clients
- Pfizer
- Viatris
- Sanofi
- Centenario
- CMA CGM
- Herbalife
- UPL
- Grupo SEGA
- Quálitas Seguros
- FUNDES
- Mercantil Farmacéutica (MEFASA)
- DHL
Work highlights
Succeeded in defending Herbalife against the claim of the Social Security Administration that its commission structure created an employment relationship and managed the return of the fine imposed.
Advised the World Bank on determining whether Costa Rica and Honduras were compliant with its environmental and social standards regarding labour and working conditions (ESS2).
Gave legal advice to Artificial Intelligence Integrations (AII), a software developer of AI, on starting operations in Costa Rica.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Daniel Valverde