Carey's ‘partners and associates all have excellent knowledge and expertise’. The full-service firm’s labour and employment law team is sought out by both national and international companies to advise on corporate employment matters, labour litigation and union issues. The practice comprises experts in investigations, fundamental rights, employment compliance, global mobility, expatriates, immigration, and compensation and benefits packages. It also advises on M&A-related labour due diligence, employee taxation, social security, terminations, labour auditing and subcontracting. In relation to litigation, the group routinely acts in complex contentious cases before the Labour Courts that concern wrongful dismissals, sexual harassment claims, anti-union practices and workplace-related accidents. The department is led by renowned labour law specialist Óscar Aitken, whose recent mandates cover collective bargaining agreements, internal investigations, outsourcing, terminations, benefits and compensation structures. Also key to the practice, Francisca Corti is an employment and corporate immigration law expert; Francisco Arce assists with labour litigation, union-related matters and collective bargaining, and is ‘up to date with market changes, cases and jurisprudence’; and experienced employment, labour and immigration law practitioner Valentina Kuscevic (raised to counsel in November 2023). In the firm’s associate team, Carla Karzulovic and Constanza Trisotti both maintain wide-ranging employment and labour law practices.

The Chilean member of Ius Laboris (a worldwide alliance of employment, immigration and pension law firms), Munita & Olavarría ‘stands out for its specific knowledge and extensive experience in labour law matters’. The 19-strong practice is home to experts in labour litigation, health and safety regulations, internal policies, collective agreements, collective bargaining and strike-related support. It also assists with labour contracts, terminations, employee benefits, disciplinary proceedings, fringe benefits, due diligence, audits and corporate restructuring. The ‘excellent’ team additionally advises on mediations, settlements, immigration, visas, pensions, social security, and workplace and sexual harassment investigations. Among the firm’s several experienced practitioners, renowned labour law specialist Enrique Munita and Paola Casorzo both ‘have a great deal of experience in labour cases’; Cristián Olavarría is an expert in collective bargaining and complex labour trials; Marcela Salazar acts for companies on benefits-related policies, working conditions, hirings, terminations, subcontracting, audits, social security, administrative filings, mobbing actions and visas. In the firm’s associate ranks, Felipe Vargas acts in defence-side labour lawsuits, José Tomás Honour predominantly assists with complex litigation, and Catalina González rounds out the group. Former partner Gonzalo Urcelay and associate Jorge Reyes departed the firm in November 2023, while fellow-former associate Josefina Riveaux followed the duo in January 2024.

Della Maggiora Eyzaguirre Abogados Laborales fields a ‘highly specialised team for labour issues that has solid knowledge and practical experience’. Routinely acting for both national and foreign companies on labour, social security and immigration issues, the firm’s sector expertise covers the mining, energy, IT, retail, construction, real estate, oil, financial, transportation, agriculture, education, engineering and manufacturing industries. The practice’s expertise encompasses general labour advice, labour relations, litigation, collective bargaining, terminations (including large lay-offs), and audits. The 11-strong practice also assists with restructurings, pensions, remunerations, benefits, and health and safety issues. The group is co-led by Francisco Della Maggiora, whose broad workload covers labour law, social security, immigration, litigation, collective bargaining, internal policies, employee taxation, pensions, and health and safety; fellow name partner Domingo Eyzaguirre, who ‘constantly monitors the best strategies for clients’ labour cases’; Camila Herrera, an adviser to multinational and domestic corporations on individual and collective labour law, social security, litigation, and ADR schemes; and labour law specialist and former associate Anibal Zalaquett who was raised to the partnership in April 2023). In the current associate team, Diego Allende, Josefa Delgado and Francisco Sierra all advise on individual labour law, internal policies, social security, litigation, visas, immigration, and remuneration and benefits.

Exclusively focused on labour law, GNP Canales Abogados Laborales' 20-strong labour practice, which ‘stands out for its high-level technical knowledge and availability’, routinely acts for large companies from the mining, sanitary services, retail, supermarket and tourism sectors, as well as highway concessionaires, educational establishments and food processing businesses. The group, which has extensive experience in collective bargaining, union relations, due diligence, litigation and immigration, comprises several experienced practitioners, namely: veteran labour and employment law specialist Alfonso Canales, the firm’s lead partner for labour strategy and collective bargaining; labour litigator Carlos Gutiérrez and former corporate affairs director Lilia Jerez Arévalo (at partner level since June 2023), who ‘have extensive knowledge of labour matters’; Francisco Plass, whose workload encompasses labour-related corporate advice, employment strategy, and complex labour litigation; and litigator Diego Nodleman, an adviser to companies on inclusion and diversity issues. In the firm’s senior associate group, César Rivas assists with general labour advice and litigation; María Luisa García Riffo acts in litigation involving occupational accidents and illnesses; and Francisco Pinilla V is an experienced labour law and litigation lawyer. The practice also includes former Minister for Labour and Social Security Nicolás Monckeberg Díaz, who serves as the firm’s legal and public affairs director.

The 18-member group at specialised labour law firm Lizama Abogados ‘stands out for its support on labour matters’. The practice’s labour law expertise covers corporate matters, labour and tax compliance, updating internal guidelines on individual and collective labour law, pension and social security regulations, and complex litigation before Chile’s administrative and jurisdictional authorities. In relation to litigation, the firm consistently represents clients in relation to proceedings involving unjust and constructive dismissals, protection of fundamental rights and anti-union practices, as well as administrative instances and hearings before Chile’s Labour Inspectorate. It also routinely advises on collective bargaining, where the team is ‘exceptionally skilled at negotiating with powerful unions on difficult issues’. The firm’s principal figures are founding parter and pratice head Luis Lizama, who is a former Labour Directorate legal head who has ‘a broad and strategic view of complex situations’; and corporate director Diego Lizama Castro, who focuses on labour litigation, corporate labour advisory work and collective bargaining. Former labour and tax compliance director Paula Warnier established her own practice in March 2023 (but remains of counsel at the firm); while former collective bargaining director Osvaldo Parada left the firm in March 2024.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría fields a ‘tremendously experienced team’ in Santiago. The full-service, international firm’s labour and employment law practice is highly experienced in labour-related advisory work, litigation and collective bargaining. The nine-strong group’s expertise ranges from new areas such as diversity and AI, to more traditional labour subjects, including hirings, terminations (mass lay-offs, office closures and senior executives’ severance), HR company policies, discrimination prevention, internal harassment investigations, and privacy and fundamental rights. The practice further assists with due diligence, internal employment audits, restrictive covenants, subcontracting, labour taxation, union relations, and compensation and benefits packages. The group is co-led by Paulina Miranda, an adviser on international employment law, incentive plans, gig economy issues, AI, data privacy, internal investigations and compliance, who ‘has extensive experience in labour matters and great negotiation skills’; and labour and social security law expert Sergio Montes, who has notable experience in high-stakes labour trials, collective bargaining processes, and conflicts between companies and their employees and unions. In the firm’s senior associate pool, Aref Cosma acts for major companies from the mining, forestry, agriculture, retail, and technology sectors on general employment matters, as well as the employment law side to domestic and cross-border M&A and reorganisations.

Fielding ‘a competent team that is always available to resolve issues’, PMV Abogados‘ 11-strong department acts for both domestic and international companies on ongoing labour and employment issues, as well as on the global mobility aspects of management and employees. It also assists with trade union matters and lawsuits involving fundamental labour rights. The group additionally recently advised on new Chilean legislation, such as the April 2024 40-Hour Law; and the August 2024 Karin Law, which establishes (as an obligation for companies) protocols for the prevention of workplace and sexual harassment and violence.  In recent highlights, the team acted for Sweden-headquartered global appliance company Electrolux de Chile on collective bargaining involving two unions, the collective agreement reached averting shutdown of its production plant and huge losses. The practice is co-led by labour law specialist Sebastián Parga, who ‘particularly stands out’; Jorge Montes, whose experience covers labour lawsuits, individual and collective matters, collective bargaining, strategic labour advice for upper management, employees’ global mobility, and immigration matters; and complex litigation expert Pablo Vasseur, a 2023-appointed labour arbitrator for Labour Directorate collective bargaining cases involving strategic companies, where the right to strike cannot be exercised. Former partner Alexandra de Grenade departed the firm in September 2023.

Fielding ‘professionals who understand the needs of companies and their policies’, Provoste Matamala Abogados acts for a range of clients, from small family-owned enterprises to large, multinational corporations. The specialised labour and social security law firm comprises specialists in health and safety, litigation, corporate affairs, collective bargaining, and administrative labour matters. Among the 29-strong practice group’s several experienced practitioners, Pedro Matamala Souper has a notable track record in labour litigation, corporate-related labour advice and collective bargaining; labour and employment law specialist Matías Provoste Vargas is sought out for his collective bargaining law experience; Catalina Ojeda Oyarzún leads the firm’s recently-developed compliance offering; and Raimundo Mira Gumucio routinely acts for mining companies in labour litigation. The firm further showcases litigation group director María José Cea Catalán; fellow-director Camila Garrido Cisterna, who heads the administrative labour, sanctioning and immigration sub-practices; and Belén Aliste Garáte, an adviser to major clients on collective bargaining negotiations. At associate level Juan Carlos Díaz's career includes working for over five years at the Labour Directorate; Edmundo Borel Rey handles workplace accident and occupational disease cases, as well as general occupational health matters. Former associates Valentina Vergara Lam and Luis Celis departed the firm in December 2023 and January 2024, respectively.

Specialist labour and employment boutique Uribe Legal provides tactical and strategic advice regarding individual and collective labour law, covers social security matters, and undertakes judicial representation at all court levels. The team also handles matters ranging from preventative advice regarding labour restructuring and labour due diligence, to documentation, dismissals, remuneration, immigration issues, investigations, and defending administrative proceedings and fines. Already enjoying a strong client roster, the firm has also proved attractive to new clients, adding more than 15 in little over a year. An eminence among labour practitioners, senior partner Enrique Uribe Casasbellas has over 40 years’ experience and today focuses on the design and implementation of highly complex litigation strategies. Currently managing partner of the firm, Enrique Uribe Errázuriz heads up the individual and collective counselling areas, as well as leading on various complex litigations. Heading the firm’s contentious practice, Silvestre Lyon specialises in complex litigation – his significant recent mandates include the successful defence of Sodimac against former supplier Microblend, and advising Starbucks Coffee Chile on the strategy and defence of an anti-union practice lawsuit. Pablo Prieto focuses on labour and social security law, particularly complex litigation, collective bargaining, strategic labour planning, and labour advisory; he is also a specialist in public policy regarding labour issues, having formerly worked at the Ministry of the Presidency and Ministry of the Interior and Public Security. Completing the partner team, María de los Ángeles Bittner is an established labour litigator; while senior associate Trinidad Castro G is active in complex litigation and labour advisory, as well as handling both labour and sexual harassment investigations.

Aguad Bañados Izquierdo Abogados (ABI Abogados)’ labour department predominantly acts for clients from the mining, construction, technology, manufacturing, hotel and cosmetic sectors. The practice has significant experience in hiring, employment terminations, compensation packages, and dispute prevention and resolution. The group also houses experts in collective bargaining, union relations, migration, subcontracting, due diligence, and labour-related administrative and judicial litigation. The team is led by Eduardo Izquiero Bacarreza, who maintains a broad labour law practice; and fellow name-partner Francisco Bañados Geywitz is litigation group director. Former senior associate Daniela Vidal Saldías exited the firm in September 2023 to pursue overseas studies.

Baker McKenzie Chile's four-strong labour and employment department specialises in high-stakes employer-side litigation involving unlawful dismissals, employee benefits, discrimination and sexual harassment. The firm is also home to collective bargaining experts; and clients benefit notably from the practice’s leveraging of its global network for cross-border, executive transfers and multinational company employment matters. The Santiago office’s labour and employment practice group is led by Andrés Valdés, an expert in employment contracts, litigation, immigration, social security, pension funds, international executive transfers, workforce reductions and union negotiations. At associate level, José Ignacio Muñoz, Paulina Vargas and Agustín del Río (an August 2023 hire from Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr) all assist with labour litigation, hirings, terminations, collective bargaining and subcontracting.

Delivering ‘effective solutions quickly and efficiently’, Barros & Errázuriz's nine-strong employment and immigration practice is increasingly mandated to assist with workplace harassment investigations, as well as labour-related litigation. The full-service firm’s team is co-led by Juan Cristóbal Iturrate, a longstanding manufacturing and education sector expert who is ‘exceptionally knowledgeable about labour jurisprudence’; and María Fernanda Espinosa (raised to partner in January 2023), whose practice encompasses international clients’ M&A-related labour matters, due diligence, internal investigations, and immigration issues in relation to expatriates and international mobility. Senior associate Pavel Alvarez is experienced in individual and collective labour law, day-to-day labour and employment advice, employment litigation and manufacturing industry-related collective bargaining.

Bofill Mir Abogados’ full-service labour and employment practice routinely advises corporate clients from the mining, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, education and healthcare sectors. The team consists of specialists in hiring, terminations, compliance, collective bargaining, and conflict prevention; and the firm’s labour litigation department covers anti-union practices, violations of fundamental rights, unjust dismissals, and labour benefits. It additionally assists with the elaboration of policies on risk prevention, sexual harassment, non-discrimination, vehicle use and benefits. The department is co-led by longstanding labour, employment and social security expert, Pablo Gutiérrez; and Luis Alberto Cruchaga, an adviser on recruitment, dismissals, immigration, corporate labour, compliance and M&A-related due diligence. Senior associate Rafael Sandoval is ‘appreciated for his clarity, knowledge and pragmatism’.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos' eight-strong practice covers day-to-day labour advice, hiring, collective bargaining, and compensation and incentive packages. It also assists with preventive audits, investigations, outsourcing, downsizing, business restructuring and the implementation of internal policies. On the contentious side, the practice routinely defends employers before Chile’s courts of justice and the Labour Directorate. The group is co-led by Bárbara Zlatar, an expert in litigation, union relations and collective bargaining; and Ignacia López who ‘stands out’ and handles both advisory and contentious matters. At senior associate level, Sebastián Krebs assists with labour litigation, labour relations, hirings and terminations; while Daniela Valencia focuses on both labour and social security issues. Former partner and practice head Ricardo Tisi retired from the firm in August 2023.

‘Always available to answer clients’ questions or concerns’, Clyde & Co’s labour and employment practice is experienced in collective bargaining, union relations, reorganisations, terminations and labour litigation. The three-member team is led by labour law specialist Christian Alvarado, an adviser on collective negotiations, labour disputes, and employee, employer and union relations, who ‘always proposes strategies that are successful’. In the firm’s senior associate group, Agustin Alcalde assists with corporate-related labour issues, and Lily Torrejón also has notable experience in labour matters.

DLA Piper Chile's ‘experience in labour law is outstanding’. The six-strong labour and employment team in Santiago has notable expertise in gig-economy employment issues, as well as the manufacturing, services, healthcare, banking, leisure, cosmetics, energy, construction and real estate sectors. The group also advises on employer-side collective bargaining, along with compensation and benefits. Team head Luis Parada, who maintains a broad labour and employment caseload, also serves as the firm’s Latin America employment practice group co-leader. Providing key support at senior associate level, Diego González is ‘an excellent litigator who handles highly complex cases’, while Ignacio Abogabir focuses on contentious individual and collective labour law issues.

With ‘extensive experience in labour issues’, Estudio Navarro Abogados’ 10-strong team advises both large and medium-sized companies on workplace accidents, layoffs, employment contracts, hiring foreign workers, compliance, maternity protection, workplace inclusion and union relations. The labour law team also assists with individual and collective contracts, disciplinary actions against workers, and the adoption of internal measures. The practice is led by Luis Navarro, a veteran adviser to companies on labour law and collective bargaining; while labour litigator Benjamín Costa provides ‘constantly clear advice’. The team further includes Juan Pablo Fernández, an expert in individual and collective labour law, social security, immigration, audits and human resource policies.

Key areas for Fontaine & Cía's four-strong team include individual and collective employment contracts, social security benefits, collective bargaining, union relations and day-to-day advice on labour regulations. It also acts in litigation concerning accidents at work, work-related illnesses, violations of fundamental rights, anti-union practices and dismissals. The firm is additionally home to sector experts in construction, real estate, medical and public services. The practice is led by Diego Marín, a specialist in construction-related labour issues; with notable support provided by Georgo Peftlouloglou, who advises on work accidents and occupational diseases. In the associate team, Rodrigo Palacios routinely advises companies on labour matters, while Sebastián Rodillo left the firm in January 2024.

Guerrero Olivos' eight-strong labour and employment department is experienced in M&A and restructuring-related labour matters, employment contracts, human resources, and health and safety policies. It also assists with collective bargaining, labour inspections, compliance, hiring processes, outsourcing, migration, and individual and collective dismissals. The practice, which is additionally experienced in labour-related litigation, is led by Rocío García de la Pastora, a specialist in labour disputes, collective bargaining, strategic labour plans and corporate labour matters. At senior associate level, Sergio Fuica is ‘always focused on finding the best solution’; while Tomás Garnham focuses on collective bargaining, labour litigation, and M&A-related labour issues.

Prieto Abogados’ ‘labour practice stands out for its knowledge’. The firm’s seven-strong labour, employment and immigration practice has notable experience in labour litigation, corporate-related labour advice, collective bargaining and immigration. It also includes sector experts in energy, mining, facilities, gaming, ports, tourism, retail, insurance, construction, finance and healthcare. The group is led by Christian von Bergen, an adviser to major companies on human resources strategies, collective bargaining and labour litigation. Providing key support, labour and social security specialist Cristóbal Raby is ‘an excellent lawyer with great resolution skills’; and Valentina Flen (raised to counsel in early 2024) heads the firm’s immigration practice. At associate level, Kilian Vargas' workload encompasses labour litigation, social security, immigration and individual and collective law.

The labour law group at Saavedra & Compañía Abogados comprises specialists in individual and collective employment law, collective negotiations, union relations, social security, immigration and labour trials. The department, which houses industry experts in the retail, banking, mining, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors, is co-led by labour litigation and collective bargaining specialist Juan Pablo Saavedra; and Gabriela Gerpe, an expert in labour litigation, ADR matters, labour advisory work, migration and labour relations. Providing notable support, senior associate Camila Ducassou Leyton assists with labour disputes involving dismissals and violations of fundamental rights. Former partner Cristóbal Muñoz and director Priscilla Serres both departed the firm in early 2024.

The former Sáez & Férnandez – now SAFE Abogados following the December 2023 departure of Raúl Fernández – is a 13-strong specialist labour boutique. Founded in 2016, the firm specialises in labour relations, compliance and litigation; with conflict prevention and union negotiations particular fortes of the practice, which is perhaps best known for its experience working with the country’s largest mining companies. The firm’s broader capabilities additionally encompass corporate labour immigration, labour disputes, defence before the country’s Labour Department, workplace investigations and compliance. Founding partner Felipe Sáez (‘the best support an internal lawyer can have when they have labour issues’) has a standout track record for collective bargaining – particularly as regards the mining and banking sectors; indeed, his recent work highlights include the successful defence of a major mining company against charges of anti-union practices under article 322 of the labour code. Key associate support comes from 8-year semi-senior Erika Leiva, whose practice is centred on corporate labour law advisory, collective bargaining and legal strategy design.

Salinas Toledo Abogados' 11-strong practice has ‘extraordinary knowledge in labour matters’. Dedicated to labour and employment law, the firm’s expertise ranges from due diligence, internal audits, unfair dismissals, HR policies and collective bargaining, to managing relationships with unions, labour litigation, and advising on social security and taxation for foreign executives. Founding partner Jaime Salinas has longstanding experience in providing labour advice to companies; Francisco Ruay focuses on high-stakes litigation, labour-related corporate advice and collective bargaining; and Francisca Montenegro's track record includes leading internal investigations into workplace and sexual harassment. At associate level, Sebastian Fernandez assists with labour-related litigation.

‘Characterised by its speed and efficiency’, SCR Abogados’ six-strong labour, employment and immigration team is particularly experienced in labour litigation and collective bargaining. It also handles hiring procedures, compensation packages, remuneration, terminations, internal investigations, social security, employee taxation, outsourcing, and labour due diligence and compliance. The group additionally advises international mining clients on immigration law in relation to executives. The group is led by ‘outstanding partner’ Constanza Contreras, an adviser to major companies on a range of employment issues. In the associate team, senior María José Chible specialises in labour litigation and general employment advice, while Gabriela Muñoz assists with collective bargaining, mass dismissals, immigration and litigation.

Established in May 2022, TSP Legal is ‘characterised by its provision of excellent labour law advice to companies’. The team has been particularly active recently on behalf of clients from the retail, insurance, finance, metallurgical, agriculture, communications, healthcare and technology sectors. The group is co-led by three partners, namely: Marianela Smith, a labour, employment, social security and human resources specialist who ‘obtains important results’; Pedro Torres, whose practice encompasses collective negotiations, internal investigations, union issues and dismissals; and Edmundo Piffre de Voban, whose track record includes advising companies on collective bargaining, anti-union and unfair practices, and allegations of sexual or workplace harassment.

With ‘great knowledge and experience in labour law and jurisprudence’, UH&C Abogados' eight-strong labour and employment practice is routinely mandated by clients from the retail, construction and insurance sectors. The team covers both labour-related advisory work and disputes in relation to fundamental rights, unions, and sexual and labour harassment investigations. The group’s principal figures are Marcelo Soto, who has extensive experience in complex labour litigation, in addition to advising companies on labour and employment law; and David Tortello, whose litigation practice encompasses dismissals, violations of fundamental rights, workplace accidents, occupational disease, union issues, and administrative fines and claims before the Chilean Labour Inspectorate.

Abdala y Cia's ‘technical knowledge of labour matters is truly remarkable’. The four-member labour and employment practice consists of experts in employment contracts, due diligence, work visas and labour contracts for foreigners. The team also advises on social security, pensions, work accidents, collective bargaining, compliance with labour regulations, and health and safety practices. The group is led by José Ignacio Arteaga, a specialist in labour litigation, collective bargaining and corporate labour issues; and at associate level, Andrea Abdala Ready, who assists with labour, employment and immigration-related compliance.

‘Delivering solutions in a timely manner’, Albagli Zaliasnik’s labour and employment group acts for clients from the technology, pharmaceuticals, banking, and oil and gas sectors (among others). The practice routinely advises on hiring processes, compensation, employment terminations and subcontracting, along with labour litigation, due diligence, corporate policies and collective bargaining. The department is led by ‘very good labour specialist’ Jorge Arredondo; while in the associate team, senior Jocelyn Aros is experienced in labour and pension law, and Felipe Neira focuses on individual and collective labour law matters.

‘Always very up to date on labour matters’, Allende Bascuñán & Cía's labour law group represents employers across a broad range of labour, social security and occupational health matters. The practice’s sector expertise covers the mining, agriculture, science, aviation, construction and services sectors; and its workload covers terms and conditions of employment, handling dismissal claims, contract termination processes, collective bargaining, strikes, lockouts and unfair labour practices. Practice head and labour law and dispute resolution specialist, Andrés Garrido, is ‘always present and his results are extraordinary’. Matías Poblete is the associate to note.

With ‘solid knowledge of labour issues’, Aninat Abogados' labour and employment team covers labour litigation, collective bargaining, migration and corporate-related labour matters. The team is led by Rodrigo Ugarte, an expert in collective bargaining, corporate labour matters and labour litigation. In the firm’s associate group, senior Leyla Alul focuses on labour law and litigation (as well as immigration), while Mariana Ramírez is ‘detail oriented, committed and timely’.

The labour and employment department at Barros Silva Varela & Vigil has notable sector expertise in real estate, construction and food. Key areas for the six-strong group range from sexual harassment, collective bargaining and contentious executive departures, to damages actions and discrimination lawsuits. It also advises on pensions, social security, benefits and immigration law. The practice is led by Roberto Lewin, who is ‘highly specialised in labour matters’; while senior associate Paulina Rivera is experienced in complex labour and employment litigation, collective bargaining and senior executive dismissals.

CMS Carey & Allende‘s ‘team of employment lawyers is impressive’. The employment and pensions practice provides ongoing advice on contracts, pay and compliance, as well as visas and immigration requirements for international employees. The group also assists with redundancy programmes, senior employee dismissals, health and safety issues, collective bargaining, and employment-related litigation and investigations. Following the April 2024 departure of former employment and pensions group head Enzo Canales, former senior associate Julio Frías was raised to partner and practice leader, while former associate Constanza Yáñez is now at director level. Both Frías and Yáñez maintain wide-ranging labour law practices.

Deloitte Legal Chile’s nine-strong multidisciplinary labour team comprises sector experts in mining, energy, manufacturing, retail, and logistics. The practice handles matters including collective bargaining, labour litigation, compliance, sexual harassment and mobbing. It also assists with due diligence reviews, labour restructurings and transfers of executive personnel. Experienced labour law practitioner Ruby Soteras heads the team. She is flanked, at manager level, by: Alvaro Yañez whose workload includes transaction-related labour due diligence; and Santiago Swett who undertakes labour trials, audits, collective bargaining, corporate labour advice, M&A and corporate reorganisations.

Dentons' seven-strong practice is particularly active in mining sector-related labour matters. The labour and employment group in Santiago is co-led by Karlfranz Koehler, whose wide-ranging expertise is focused on labour law-related litigation; and Rodrigo Sanhueza, who has the ‘ability to provide guidance that is both quick and effective’ – he to focuses on labour litigation, along with collective bargaining, corporate labour advice and compliance. In the senior associate team, Francisca Vivaldi predominantly acts for companies from the mining, construction and manufacturing industries; and María Belen Kútulas is an experienced labour law and immigration practitioner.

Doña Riveaux's four-member labour and employment practice focuses on ongoing labour law-related corporate matters, high-stakes litigation and collective bargaining. The team is co-led by Santiago Doña, who is an expert in collective bargaining, labour litigation lawsuits and general labour law advice; and Margarita Riveaux, who acts for companies on a range of labour and social security issues, particularly in relation to labour-related disputes and due diligence processes. In a boost to the team, Fernanda Laborde Poblete joined as senior associate from PAGBAM Schwencke Chile in January 2024.

ECIJA Otero's Santiago office fields experts in innovation-driven sectors such as technology, construction, start-ups, clean energy and financial services. Its labour and employment expertise covers collective bargaining, terminations, day-to-day labour issues, and associated corporate and tax matters. The four-member labour and employment group is co-led by longstanding labour law specialist Gerardo Otero; and Dolores Echeverría, who acts for both national and international companies on labour law matters.

With ‘solid knowledge of labour law’, Garrigues Chile's five-strong department is notably experienced in collective bargaining processes. The group also assists with clients’ interactions with unions; anti-union and unfair practices; M&A-related labour due diligence; and labour litigation concerning dismissals, employee claims and C-Suite executive disputes. The practice is led by collective labour law specialist Bárbara Vera who was promoted to partner in early 2023. At associate level, principal Juan Ignacio Chamorro, senior Ricardo Eckardt and María José Cristi Larraín are all key team members.

Jara Del Favero Abogados' labour and employment department covers unfair dismissals, administrative fines, occupational disease-related issues, workplace accidents, violations of fundamental rights and mobbing actions. The five-strong team also assists with collective bargaining processes. Raised to partner in January 2023, practice head Alfred Sherman assists with individual and collective labour law, collective bargaining, labour lawsuits, dismissals, protection of fundamental rights, and work-related accidents. Sherman is supported by Pedro Errázuriz, who was promoted to senior associate in January 2024; his workload includes hiring and termination processes for national and foreign workers, labour audits and anti-union practices.

Notably active on behalf of mining and education sector clients, Larrain y Asociados Abogados assists with litigation, labour law-related corporate matters, recruitment issues, and cross-border employment and migration work. The four-member practice is also experienced in collective bargaining, M&A, remuneration restructurings, social security matters, and investigations into labour and sexual harassment. The group is co-led by Andrés Silva, who advises on collective bargaining and corporate-related labour issues; and practice director Jorge Parro, who acts in disputes before the Labour Courts and Labour Administrative Authorities. In the associate team, Consuelo Misle and Claudia Espinoza both act in labour disputes, while Valentina Calderón departed the firm during 2023.

Morales & Besa's six-strong team is experienced in collective bargaining negotiations, labour-related contracts, employee terminations, executive employment contracts, labour litigation and immigration law. Raised to partner in March 2024, practice head Valentina Morales is an expert in collective bargaining, union affairs, labour-related mediations, recruitment, terminations and labour audits; she also assists with due diligence, immigration law, and labour lawsuits involving violations of fundamental rights, anti-union practices, unjust dismissals, workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Key senior associate Cristian Cornejo focuses on both labour law and social security matters.

The three-member labour team at PAGBAM Schwencke Chile assists national and foreign clients with employment trials and arbitrations, compliance, collective bargaining and union disputes. It also advises on cross-border employment issues, discrimination and harassment, and corporate reorganisations and liquidations. The department is led by counsel Gonzalo Aravena Frontaura, who focuses on labour law and litigation, and also handles immigration issues. Former senior associate Fernanda Laborde Poblete departed the firm in December 2023.