Alta QIL+4 Abogados' labour practice attracts strong praise for its ‘excellent advisers' and ‘comprehensive service', which covers the full range of matters, from advising on the employment aspects of M&A transactions through to assisting with labour compliance and inspections by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the Institute of Social Security. The team is also adept at handling internal investigations into issues such as employee fraud and workplace harassment, and at representing clients in collective bargaining negotiations and labour disputes. Practice head Evelyn Rebuli is a go-to contact for leading local and multinational clients, with experience across all the key pillars of labour and immigration law. Javier Castellán and associate Ingrid Fuentes are also highlighted for their ‘client service and knowledge' in areas including labour litigation, corporate immigration and social security matters.

Arias fields a team of ‘experienced lawyers who provide practical and effective recommendations', covering compliance, transactional and contentious labour matters. Counting an array of major international companies among its clients, the team is well versed in advising on the employment aspects of regional M&A transactions (frequently working alongside the firm’s other offices in Central America) and workforce restructurings, as well as related immigration issues and compliance with local regulations. Representing employers during internal investigations and in labour disputes is another core area of strength. Managing partner Liz Gordillo, who maintains a strong all-round labour practice, leads the team alongside Rosa María Arenales, who has growing expertise in the implementation of ESG programmes. The deep pool of junior lawyers also includes of counsel Marco Cruz, who joined from Conservis Abogados in December 2023, and litigation-focused associate Karla Gómez.

Hailed as ‘the best labour lawyers in the country', the practitioners at Consortium Legal advise a stellar roster of multinational and multilatina clients on employment issues relating to M&A and business closures, in addition to compliance with local labour regulations and the relocation of foreign personnel. Collective bargaining and labour litigation form another key dimension of the practice, and the team is well versed in representing employers in union negotiations and disputes regarding employment benefits, severance pay and other issues. Lionel Aguilar, who draws on almost 40 years’ experience in labour law and compliance matters, leads the practice, alongside Federico Zelada, who garners praise for his ‘knowledge of the most complicated aspects of the field of labour law'. Senior associate Cristina Sandoval is also commended for her expertise in immigration and occupational health and safety matters.

BLP's ‘excellent' team is routinely the first port of call for leading international companies seeking advice on labour issues in Guatemala and Central America (supported by the firm’s extensive network of regional offices), including labour and social security compliance and immigration matters. On the contentious front, the team is increasingly active in representing employers in internal investigations, collective bargaining and disputes. Luis Ruiz, a standout adviser to multinational clients, leads the team, which was strengthened significantly with the additions of special counsel María Elena Barrientos (an expert in immigration and occupational health and safety issues) and director and seasoned litigator Fernando Zelada from Arias in 2023. Director Fernando Méndez is also noted for his strength in union negotiations.

‘With extensive experience and knowledge in all areas of law', the labour team at Mayora & Mayora, S.C. leverages the full-service firm’s strong corporate and litigation practices to handle issues such as the employment aspects of M&A and company closures and labour disputes. The team also provides advice on labour compliance relating to hiring and dismissals, disciplinary procedures and immigration matters, and is increasingly active in assisting with occupational health and safety issues. Practice head Rafael Briz is a strong draw for international (particularly Spanish) clients thanks to his role as president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala. Senior associate Suzel Obiols is another key name for all labour and immigration issues.

Benefitting from the firm’s full-service model, the labour team at Aguilar Castillo Love frequently joins forces with its corporate and litigation departments to assist an impressive roster of multinational clients with issues affecting their local operations. Natalia Callejas Aquino takes the lead on the advisory side of the practice, which is active in handling day-to-day matters such as employment contracts, HR policies and compliance with local regulations, as well as labour due diligence for M&A and reorganisations. René Vicente Rodríguez is the key contact for labour litigation, with a strong record of defending employers in claims concerning employee dismissals and severance payments.

As part of an extensive global network, Deloitte Legal Guatemala is well equipped to advise a host of major international companies on labour and immigration matters in Guatemala, with a strong focus on handling the labour due diligence of local target companies in M&A transactions. Under the leadership of Estuardo Paganini, the team also assists with labour audits, employee dismissals and compensation, as well as handling labour disputes. In addition, clients benefit from the support of the firm’s business process solutions division with payroll and compliance issues, and various tech tools, including its international employment law guide. Manager Manuel Lara provides capable assistance.