‘Impeccable in quantity, quality and timeliness’, boutique firm Alvarez, Lievano, Laserna S.A.S is revered by many as a gold standard for labour and employment law in Colombia. Acting for an impressive raft of leading domestic and multinational companies, the team advises major Colombian employers across the full suite of consulting, auditing, collective bargaining, restructuring plans and litigation — it also provides complementary support on immigration law. Firm founder and labour law head Carlos Alvarez Pereira has been at the helm for 50 years and is an invaluable resource for complex collective bargaining matters. Claudia Liévano is also widely regarded as a ‘nationally recognised expert’ due to her expertise in collective labour law, benefit plans and litigation; she recently represented Electrificadora de Santander (ESSA) in its collective bargaining process. Other key partners include Felipe Alvarez Echeverry, who specialises in collective bargaining and labour consulting, with an emphasis on advising aviation clients such as LATAM Airlines and Avianca; María Lucía Laserna Angarita, who leads the labour audits and inspections area; and Carlos Arturo Barco Alzate, who focuses on litigation. The enviably deep bench further draws on numerous dedicated senior associates, including Andrea Ortega (labour due diligence and consulting) and Carolina Otálora (labour law and social security).

The commercially oriented labour and employment offering at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. scores highly for its ‘understanding of business complexity’. Among its other key attributes, the group stands out for its ability to plug into the wider firm’s global practice, which marks it as a popular choice to represent multinational companies on local labour and employment issues. Particularly noted for its activity in high-level cases, the team’s recent highlights include supporting employers on cross-border business restructurings, large-scale employee terminations and collective bargaining negotiations. Department co-head Tatiana Garcés provides advice that is ‘clear and comprehensive’; she recently advised Broadcom on terminating the employment of almost 70 employees following the closure of its Colombian entity. Evelyn Romero co-leads the team and recently advised a multinational on the labour and employment aspects of the carve-out of one of its business segments. The group also draws on up-and-coming partner Daniela Liévano, whose recent work has been mainly concentrated in the litigation area. Recommended associates include Gabriela Delgado, who was promoted to senior in July 2024 and co-ordinates the termination and redundancies section; and María Paula Dueñas, who was promoted to senior in January 2025 and heads the constitutional and administrative litigation units for the practice. In September 2024, María Cecilia Reyes left to study abroad.

Sector monolith Godoy Córdoba member of Littler Global stands as the largest single practice firm in Colombia, with eight partners and 114 lawyers dedicated to labour and employment law spread across its four offices. The boutique is further distinguished by its international reach, with its membership of global labour and employment legal network, Littler Mendelson, P.C., alongside its partnership with international immigration firm, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, providing it with a unique global platform. Among the names to note, founding partner Carlos Hernán Godoy heads the collective bargaining area, where he is widely recognised as a market leader. Ana Cristina Medina leads the advisory unit and provides ‘advice tailored to each company’; she recently advised Optum Global Solutions Colombia on a retirement plan for all the company’s workers in Colombia. Other key figures include litigation head Gustavo Gnecco, hailed as ‘one of the best cassation lawyers in the country’; Santiago Martínez, who leads the audits and due diligence area; Federico Bernal, who oversees the corporate reorganisation and labour ministry unit; experienced veteran Francisco Buriticá, who serves as a consultant and litigator in labour matters; and Andrés Fernando DaCosta, whose recent activity spans advisory and litigation work. Associates Diego Chaparro, Daniel Contreras and Laura Buriticá are also noted.

Lawyers at labour and employment boutique Lopez & Asociados Abogados impress with their ‘leadership capacity and holistic vision of the law’. Housing specialists across all key pillars of the sector, the full-service practice is particularly renowned for its track record in high-stakes labour disputes, collective bargaining matters and large-scale corporate restructurings. Recently, reappointed associate judge (‘conjuez’) of the labour appeals chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, name partner Juan Pablo López Moreno is commended as a ‘strategic ally’ and heads the labour corporate counselling group. Firm managing director Angélica María Carrión Barrero is primarily recognised for collective bargaining negotiations and regulatory compliance; she recently advised Colcerámicas on the successful management of a complex labour case involving 74 employees submitting fraudulent documentation to unlawfully withdraw severance benefits. Rounding out the partner-level group are labour litigator Alejandro Miguel Castellanos López, who leads the trials and litigation division; next-generation partner Rocío Lagos Prieto, who is responsible for the labour relations area; and Ana María Rubiano Delgado, who steers the advisory practice. A strong second line of associates includes former labour judge María Teresa González; Ismael Babativa, who focuses on procedural law; Manuel Germán Torres, who serves as senior leader in the consulting department; Camilo Fonseca, who co-ordinates the tutela actions team; and Suhaida Santander Safa, who focuses on labour law consulting.

Labour and employment boutique Chapman Wilches scores highly for its ‘problem-solving focus, and practical and disruptive solutions’. The practice is distinguished by its comprehensive national coverage, which takes in platforms in Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga and Barranquilla, while it also has an ownership stake in Bucaramanga-based associated firm Pilonieta Alvarez Abogados Laboralistas. Firm founder Charles Chapman co-heads the department and is highly regarded for his expertise in collective bargaining matters; he recently represented the Colombian Football Association and DIMAYOR (the Major Division of Colombian Football) in resolving a conflict with their unions. Fellow co-head Mirna Wilches is also a high-profile name in the market; she is a key contact for individual and collective labour law and administrative litigation. A deep pool of experienced associate directors includes litigation manager Heimy Blanco; Medellín office director Elizabeth Jiménez; Mauricio Crespo, who manages the consulting area; Leda Mejía Martínez, who manages guardianship disputes; and Daniela Matute, who serves as co-ordinator of advisory services.

During 2024/25, Quintero y Quintero Asesores signalled its ambitions with a flurry of hires and internal promotions, including the elevation of senior associate Alejandra Soler to partner in January 2025. Additionally, Sebastian Navas Arias was promoted to senior associate in the same month, while senior lawyer Laure Montenegro joined from Grupo Éxito in October 2024. Furthermore, in February 2025, the firm associated itself with four other specialist boutiques — Ibarra Abogados Rimon Law, MPV Abogados, Prias Cadavid Abogados, and Torrado Angarita & Pinzón Abogados — to create new legal platform, Signature Legal Group, with a far broader offering. The expanding firm continues to excel in collective bargaining matters, where it is considered a market leader, while it also stands out for its 90% success rate in labour litigation. Co-founding partners Ivan Quintero and Saida Quintero are highly regarded for collective bargaining procedures and labour law consulting, respectively. Other recommended partners include firm general director Felipe Quintero; litigation head Alejandro Arias; and Dina López, who serves as director of the collective labour department. Senior associate Jaime Solano is also noted.

‘Offering practical solutions aligned with commercial needs’, Brigard Urrutia’s labour and employment group attracts particular praise for its commercial acumen. The one-partner team advises domestic and multinational employers across a wide range of consultancy and contentious matters, with strong skill sets in due diligence, collective bargaining, pensions, labour audits and litigation. High-profile department head Catalina Santos is a ‘leader in the sector’ and recently advised Akorbi on a voluntary retirement plan following its decision to close its Colombian operations. Also recommended are practice directors Daniela Caicedo and Camilo Mutis, as well as associate Rafael Reyes.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ labour and employment group strikes the right note with its ability to provide ‘expeditious solutions aligned with the realities of the client’s company’. The firm’s growing team, coupled with its global reach, has significantly enhanced its appeal to multinational employers and it added a raft of major global companies to its roster during 2024/25. Lorena Arámbula leads the department and is ‘always one step ahead’; she advises on a broad mix of day-to-day consultancy, restructurings and litigation. Clients also highlight newly promoted (April 2025) partner Laura Mateus, associate Ángela Cubides and junior associate Manuela Lozano.

The practice at Escandón Abogados is highly regarded for its track record in collective bargaining matters, with clients commending its ‘team of experts who are recognised for handling collective labour law issues’. The full-spectrum group also advises on individual labour law and brings experience across the full range of compliance and strategic planning, restructurings, due diligence and dispute resolution. The four-partner team is co-led by experienced labour veteran Alberto Escandón; María Claudia Escandón, who spearheads the litigation area; Juan Fernando Escandón, who manages day-to-day consultancy and also advises on collective bargaining processes; and María Jimena Escandón, whose focus spans consultancy, due diligence and collective bargaining negotiations.

The labour and employment team at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría ‘goes above and beyond to provide the necessary support’, according to some. Acting for a diversified mix of domestic and multinational clients, the group advises on both individual and collective labour law, while also providing supplementary support in immigration, social security, and occupational health and safety law. Department head Carolina Porras maintains a broad practice spanning individual and collective labour law, social security, immigration and litigation, including termination proceedings. Senior associate María José Rondón is similarly equipped to advise on consultancy, transactional support and contentious matters. In July 2024, senior associate Isabella Huertas left the firm.

Practitioners in Posse Herrera Ruiz’s labour and employment team impress with their ‘highly specialised technical knowledge’, according to clients. The group advises a broad mix of domestic and multinational employers across the gamut of related work, including day-to-day advisory matters, collective bargaining negotiations, restructurings, transactional support and litigation. Department head Vicente Umaña, praised for his ‘very practical vision’, is experienced in all key pillars of the practice. The group further benefits from a strong bench of non-partners, including talented senior associate María Paula Romero — noted for her ‘in-depth analysis’ — as well as directors Andrea Ochoa and Carolina Castro, and associate Edwin Camargo.

Lauded for its ‘proximity, integrity and expertise’, Scola Abogados supports clients across the full spectrum of individual and collective labour law, social security and immigration. The group acts for employers in all major industry sectors, with recent experience spanning energy and natural resources, financial services, life sciences and transport. High-profile sector specialist Diego Felipe Valdivieso serves as an associate judge (conjuez) of the Labour Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice. Other key partners include Nicolás Rico Álvarez, who handles consulting and union negotiations; Pablo Hernández Hussein, who leads the litigation area; Joaquín Rico Lara, who specialises in life sciences-related matters; and Nicolás Yemail Charum, who made partner in October 2024.

CMS Rodríguez-Azuero is recognised for its robust social security and pensions offering, which advises on the full range of day-to-day compliance risks through to high-level matters, such as the implementation of multilateral pension agreements between countries. On the traditional labour and employment front, the team advises on disciplinary proceedings — where it can lean on its white-collar crime practice — as well as regulatory compliance, transactional support and litigation. Highly regarded specialist Adriana Escobar heads the employment and pensions group, while senior associate Valentina Ojeda provides support. In September 2024, senior associate Sandra Mora moved in house at Keralty.

Cortés, Romero & Asociados Ltda is praised for its ability to adapt to the ‘new challenges facing companies in labour matters’. Demonstrating strong skill sets in individual and collective labour law, restructurings, compliance and dispute resolution, the human resources law boutique further stands out for its multidisciplinary team of lawyers accountants and economists. The practice is co-led by Catalina Romero, who provides ‘comprehensive advice’; and José Luís Cortés, who ‘proposes solutions that add value’. María Victoria Romero, who handles litigation and consultancy; Juan Pablo Sarmiento, who was promoted to partner in February 2025; and senior associate María Camila Peñaranda, are also recommended.

‘Highly resourceful and dedicated to service’, Garrigues’ Colombian labour and employment team is noted for its international-facing practice, with the group frequently acting as counsel to multinational employers throughout the country and the wider region. Oriented towards individual, collective and transactional labour advice, the team’s work encompasses collective bargaining processes, business restructurings, due diligence reviews and litigation, among other matters. Carolina Camacho Solana is an ‘expert labour law attorney’; she leads a team that also includes ‘highly experienced’ senior associate Manuel Parra. Principal associate Andres Felipe Paz departed in February 2025.

The Bogotá labour and employment team at Miami-headquartered Holland & Knight is acclaimed for its ‘effectiveness, clarity and assertiveness’. The firm’s extensive international network ensures strong ties with multinational employers — with Softys and Phillips among its representative clients — while it also acts for leading domestic companies. The group is co-led by the ‘deeply committed’ Camilo Cuervo Diaz, whose practice spans consulting, collective bargaining and labour litigation; and Diego Acevedo, who advises on individual and collective labour law, as well as social security. Key associates include intermediate Juan Pablo Romero and junior Mariangela Cáceres.

Lloreda Camacho & Co. is primarily recognised for its work with employers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and food and beverage sectors, aligning with the wider firm’s signature strength in IP. Well versed across the full range of compliance, transactional support and litigation, the team handles a strong volume of corporate-related labour matters, including M&A, spin-offs and restructurings. Associate practice director Rafael Abuchaibe is the key contact and specialises in labour, social security, immigration, and occupational health and safety law. The practice is overseen by regulatory specialist Enrique Álvarez and corporate partner Andrés Hidalgo.

Pérez-Llorca, which entered the Colombian market in July 2025 following its merger with local firm Gómez-Pinzón Abogados, fields a labour and employment team that ‘clearly presents risks so that internal decisions can be made’. Historically recognised for its focus on corporate support matters, the practice also handles compliance, restructuring and — increasingly — judicial and administrative litigation. Recently promoted partner (January 2025) Mauricio Montealegre spearheads the group and advises on compensation schemes, labour audits, M&A-related matters and litigation. The team further comprises senior associate Natalia Suárez Caicedo, along with intermediate associates Lina Tapiero and Daniela Mendieta.

Bucaramanga-based Pilonieta Alvarez Abogados Laboralistas stands out for its broad national coverage due to its strategic relationship with multi-office labour and employment outfit Chapman Wilches, which holds a 51% stake in the firm. The practice is geared towards supporting domestic and international clients across a wide range of collective bargaining, litigation, and occupational health and safety matters. Key contacts include founding partners Eduardo Pilonieta Pinilla and Patricia Álvarez Ribero, along with senior associates Diana Sepúlveda Reyes and Diana Carolina Ortiz Vargas.

Labour and employment micro-boutique Tannus & Asociados specialises in corporate immigration law, where it attracts strong reviews for its ‘seamless support to global clients on workforce mobility’. Recognised for its adept handling of the full range of regulatory, transactional and contentious matters, the growing practice added a raft of multinationals to its client portfolio during 2024/25, including Deel and Lesaffre. Founding partner Rodrigo Tannus is hailed for his ‘knowledge, consistency, discipline and track record’ and is highly sought after for his specialist expertise in the area. Associate support is provided by ‘extremely diligent’ Milton Fonseca.

Characterised by its ‘strategic, business-oriented approach’, Deloitte (Colombia)’s labour and employment team routinely collaborates with professionals from across the global firm’s corporate, risk advisory and human capital practices — among others — to provide comprehensive, ongoing support to key clients. Well equipped to handle consulting, litigation and administrative proceedings, the team’s experience also spans social security and immigration law. Department head Isabella Gandini supports domestic and multinational companies on regulatory compliance, transactional matters and contentious work.

The labour and employment practice at DG&A-Abogados is composed of lawyers with a ‘deep understanding of the subject, both theoretically and practically’, according to some. The team acts for a diverse mix of domestic and multinational companies, with leading retail chain D1 and technology giant IBM de Colombia among its marquee clients — it also represents employers in the industrial and life sciences spheres. Adriana Martínez and Karin Rojas co-lead the department and specialise in advisory work and litigation, respectively.

In February 2025, Gamboa, García, Roldán & Co. boosted its labour and employment offering with the hire of new partner and department head Andres Felipe Paz, who joined from Garrigues, where he was a principal associate. Paz’s arrival reinforces the team’s expertise in advisory services, due diligence, transactional support and high-level litigation. The growing group further draws on Federico Pardo Camargo, who serves as associate director of the labour practice. Former associate director, Ingrid Barrero Valencia, departed for BDO in February 2025.

Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa — formerly DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán until its May 2024 rebranding — houses a robust labour and employment practice that is ‘always at the forefront with up-to-date information’. Particularly recognised for its expertise in regulatory compliance, transactional support and social security issues, the team acts for a growing roster of domestic and multinational companies. Up-and-coming department head Diana Zuleta brings extensive experience in day-to-day labour issues, administrative procedures and litigation. Mid-level associate Esteban Restrepo provides key support.

Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados’ labour and employment team frequently works in tandem with the firm’s sports law practice to provide niche expertise in supporting football clubs on employment contracts, immigration, pensions and contentious matters. Other industry strong suits include the food and beverage, life sciences, manufacturing and technology areas. Department head Joe Bonilla Gálvez — who additionally leads the sports law group — is noted for his strong track record in advising football clubs. Senior associate Alejandra Vidaurre Tugues is also recommended.

Earning praise for its ‘comprehensive and accurate’ advice, Parra Rodríguez Abogados’ labour and employment offering is chiefly active on behalf of clients in the engineering, TMT and transport sectors. Striking a balance between contentious and non-contentious work, the team handles a wide remit of regulatory compliance, employee hiring and terminations, immigration and litigation. Senior associate Angélica Pico leads the labour, immigration and social security practice, with support from partner Álvaro Parra Gómez, who advises on corporate, tax and labour matters.

The broad employment, social security and immigration practice at Serrano Martínez CMA is valued for translating ‘complex legal frameworks into practical recommendations’. Providing advice on regulatory compliance, corporate support and litigation, the team’s client roster includes companies in the energy, financial services, life sciences and TMT sectors, among others. The department is co-led by Bogotá-based Ana Maria Valdivieso — highlighted for her ‘practical solutions’ — alongside the ‘very up-to-date’ Darío Ramírez Montoya in Medellín. Also noted are senior associate Dayana Parra and junior associate Laura Osorio Ayerbe.

Labour and employment boutique Baquero & Asociados S.A stands out for its representation of employees and unions, as well as employers. The team advises across the full spectrum of collective and individual labour law matters, including risk mitigation, collective bargaining, dismissals and disciplinary proceedings, while it also contributes complementary expertise in immigration and occupational health and safety. Partner trio Melba Elvira Guzmán, Guillermo Alberto Baquero and Andrea Calderon co-head the department.

As a specialist boutique focused on labour, social security and immigration law, Casas Pardo Suárez Abogados is well placed to provide partner-led advice to its growing roster of employer and industry association clients. Commended as a ‘firm that listens to client needs’, the group handles the full gamut of related matters, from labour compliance through to dispute resolution, and is active across all key industry sectors. The practice is co-led by founding partners Juan Camilo Casas, Daniel Pardo and Diego Suárez.

Focusing exclusively on labour and social security law, Miguel Ángel Márquez Serrano abogados S.A.S stands out for the ‘speed and effectiveness of its response’. Offering dedicated services in consulting, training, collective negotiations and litigation, the team is noted for its focus on clients in Colombia’s eastern regions (particularly Santander), though it remains active nationwide. Key contacts include firm founder Miguel Ángel Márquez, who is highlighted as an ‘excellent lawyer’; Fabian Ospina, who leads the litigation practice; and supporting associate Daniela Barón.

Sanclemente Fernández Abogados S.A. is distinguished by its focus on representing energy, oilfield services and logistics companies in labour and employment matters, in line with the wider firm’s core industry strengths. The team also garners a significant volume of work from clients in the life sciences sector. Human resources law specialist Teresita Cardona leads the department, which also includes Ximena Osorio, whose practice spans individual and collective labour law, as well as social security-related matters.