Aguilar Castillo Love's labour practice is singled out for its ‘combination of technical excellence, regional strategic vision and a genuinely client-oriented approach’. The firm’s core strengths lie in labour compliance and investigations, disputes and audits in the context of M&A and reorganisations, with a client base that includes prominent regional and international companies. In particular, the team is skilled in post-M&A workforce restructurings, including handling sensitive issues such as mass layoffs, in addition to high-profile labour litigation and conciliation proceedings involving high-level executives. Regional practice head Álvaro Aguilar, who attracts strong praise for his ’sound legal judgement and strategic approach’, enjoys a strong reputation for labour compliance issues, including executive dismissals. Other key names at top-level are Andrea Sáenz, an expert in mass terminations and in the free trade zone regime, seasoned labour litigator Eric Romero, and Mary Ann Drake, who focuses on labour consultancy and non-contentious administrative processes. Associate Gloriana Lara Ramos provides capable support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Aguilar Castillo Love's practice is characterised by offering highly specialised and personalised attention, support throughout the process and a deep involvement in the client's business, which stands out compared to other firms.’
‘Each of the partners and associates demonstrates an exceptional commitment to resolving and addressing our business needs and cases. In addition to possessing extensive technical knowledge, they are willing to put that knowledge at the service of their clients and share it within their team, creating a strong and cohesive team. Álvaro Aguilar, Andrea Sáenz, Eric Romero and Gloriana Lara Ramos stand out in their practice.’
‘What makes Aguilar Castillo Love's practice unique is its combination of technical excellence, regional strategic vision and a genuinely client-oriented approach. The team not only masters local and international law but also has a deep understanding of the business environment, enabling it to offer viable, agile legal solutions aligned with the organisation's commercial objectives. The team's experience, both in advisory and litigation, generates trust from the first contact, and its ability to anticipate legal risks and opportunities sets it apart substantially from other firms.'
'In short, the Aguilar Castillo Love team not only compares favourably with other firms, but also sets a high standard in terms of availability, technical strength and responsiveness. They are true strategic allies.'
‘Among the individuals who have stood out the most in our experience are Álvaro Aguilar, for his sound legal judgement and strategic approach, and Eric Romero, whose agility, availability and clarity in communication make working with him fluid and efficient. Both stand out for their ability to simplify complex issues, an increasingly rare and valuable skill in the legal world.'
'There is cultural coherence throughout the team: from partners to the most junior associates, everyone shares the same standard of excellence, ethics and professional treatment. This consistency is not a coincidence, it is a reflection of strong leadership and a well-maintained organisational culture.'
Key clients
- VMWare – Broadcom
- Marieta Herrera
- British American Tobacco
- Cargill - Pipasa
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Assa Abloy
- AstraZeneca
- Stryker
- Hologic
- Epson
- TUI Destinations Services
- Moody’s
Work highlights
Assisted with the closure of VMWare’s Costa Rican operations following its acquisition by Broadcom, overseeing more than 1,200 dismissals without a single labour claim being made against the client.
Represented Marieta Herrera, the former legal counsel of National Bank of Costa Rica, in a claim for wrongful dismissal following the high-profile theft of $6m.
Defended British American Tobacco in the highest-value labour lawsuit in Costa Rica, estimated at $2.8m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Álvaro Aguilar