The labour team at Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee acts for an impressive roster of  leading multinationals and key players in the Panamanian market – including in the banking, public utilities and transportation sectors. The firm is widely recognised for its prowess in collective bargaining negotiations and high-profile labour litigation, frequently representing clients before the Ministry of Labour and the labour courts; its recent caseload includes representing Banco General in a precedent-setting claim against Panama’s Social Security Fund. Practice head Jorge Federico Lee, a former Minister of Labour and Supreme Court judge, has a wealth of experience in the field, particularly in advising on the labour aspects of major investment projects. He is supported by associate Leopoldo Padilla, who is frequently sought out for his skill in labour disputes.

The ‘excellent' team at Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez is hailed for its ‘vast experience' across the full spectrum of labour and immigration law, counting a host of major local and international companies among its clients. The team’s workload ranges from day-to-day planning and drafting of employment contracts to the transfer of employees following M&A and spin-offs, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and disputes with employees. At the head of the practice, Enna Ferrer is renowned for her experience in the field, which also extends to immigration law; Francisco Iglesias focuses on labour litigation and union negotiations; Juan Gabriel González handles both contentious and non-contentious matters; and Nelson Sales, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, is particularly skilled in the employment issues relating to the winding down of clients’ operations.

Winning strong praise for its ‘excellent knowledge of labour law', the team at Morgan & Morgan is distinguished by its ability to work alongside the firm’s top-flight corporate practice to advise major local and multinational clients on the labour issues stemming from large-scale M&A and corporate reorganisations. The team assists with the mass transfer, hiring and dismissal of employees, changes in compensation schemes, payroll and social security issues, and immigration matters. Another key area of expertise is assisting multinationals moving their headquarters to Panama with the relocation of foreign employees. Ricardo Alemán and María Teresa Mendoza lead the employment practice, with extensive experience spanning both contentious and non-contentious mandates, while Albalira Montúfar heads the immigration department. Senior associates Milagros Caballero and Sophia Lee (who joined from Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee in November 2023) provide capable support.

As a full-service firm with a strong regional network, Arias is well equipped to advise an array of household name multinationals from the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, entertainment, construction and logistics sectors on labour issues affecting their operations in Panama. The team assists with employment contracts, compliance with local labour regulations, compensation policies and visas for foreign works, as well as sensitive matters such as the dismissal of employees (particularly high-level executives). Panama managing partner Siaska SSS Lorenzo, who garners praise for her ‘excellent understanding of the legal landscape' and ‘business savvy', leads the practice, and demonstrates notable strength in regulatory and compliance issues.

Fabrega Molino houses a ‘very diverse and very collaborative' practice which is particularly adept at advising multinational clients with a presence in Panama on labour and employment issues, and regularly joins up with the firm’s corporate department to assist with the labour aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A and corporate reorganisations. The team routinely assists with drafting employment contracts, the recruitment of foreign workers, labour audits and internal policies, and the dismissal of employees, including disputes. Miguel Urriola, who is skilled in collective bargaining negotiations and labour litigation, leads the practice jointly with Lourdes Bishop, a go-to adviser to international companies headquartered in Panama. Carlos Molino heads the immigration department.

Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán's ‘very strong' practice has an excellent record of advising leading multinationals from the pharmaceuticals, banking, food and beverages, luxury goods and transport sectors, among others, on labour and immigration issues in Panama. The team assists with the drafting of employment contracts, implementing internal policies, social security issues, the dismissal of employees and obtaining visas for foreign workers, and also has a robust skill set in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. Javier José Vallarino, who has an ‘excellent grasp' of the full range of labour matters, including disputes, leads the team with immigration specialist Ana Graciela Medina. Associate Ayleen Quintero assists with immigration and naturalisation matters.

LOVILL fields a comprehensive labour practice, spanning advice on employment contracts, employee compensation and benefits schemes, the dismissal of employees, immigration issues and collective bargaining negotiations and litigation. In particular, the firm has a notable strong suit in advising major international companies with a presence in Panama (as well as those entering the Panamanian market) on compliance with local labour regulations and the development of global internal policies, and the visas and permits required for hiring foreign employees. Practice head Jeannette Bravo, who is commended for her ‘knowledge, sophistication and dedication', stands out for her advice to multinational clients and her expertise in the implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives.