Considered by many as a benchmark for labour and employment law in Colombia, boutique firm Alvarez, Lievano, Laserna S.A.S ‘provides solutions that adjust not only to compliance with the law, but also to compliance with company culture’. The full-spectrum practice fields premier offerings across all key pillars of the area — including collective bargaining negotiations, advisory and compliance work, and litigation — and draws on one of the deepest benches in the market, with 54 specialist lawyers. Among the senior names to note, firm founder and labour law head Carlos Alvarez Pereira is a labour law veteran who continues to be active in high-stakes disputes and collective bargaining matters. Claudia Liévano handles advisory and contentious matters but is particularly noted for her top-level experience in collective bargaining processes, including recent work for Ecopetrol, and Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá. Felipe Alvarez Echeverry specialises in collective bargaining and labour consulting, with niche expertise in the aviation sector; he recently advised LATAM Airlines on collective bargaining matters. Additionally, Maria Lucia Laserna Angarita is recommended for labour audits and inspections, as well as collective and individual labour law; while Carlos Arturo Barco Alzate leads the litigation area. At associate level, senior Andrea Ortega stands out for her focus on labour due diligence and consulting work.

The labour and employment practice at Baker McKenzie S.A.S. impresses with its ‘strong client knowledge and ability to provide immediate responses’, according to some. A prominent player in large-scale, cross-border, transactional support work, where it can link up with lawyers from across its global platform, the group also handles collective negotiations, high-stakes litigation and advisory matters, among others. Department co-head Tatiana Garcés contributes three decades of experience in advising on individual and collective labour law; she recently advised Huntsman International on the labour and employment aspects of the separation of its two business segments. Fellow co-head Evelyn Romero additionally leads the immigration practice for all of Latin America and is noted for her broad coverage of advisory, contentious and corporate support matters; she acted for Snowflake Colombia on the labour and employment aspects of its acquisition of an entity with a subsidiary in Colombia. The group also benefits from the growing experience of next-generation partners Maria Cecilia Reyes, who was promoted to partner in July 2023 and specialises in pensions, compensation and benefits, and labour negotiations; and Daniela Liévano, who was promoted to partner in January 2024 and heads the group’s litigation division. A deep pool of associates includes senior Gabriela Delgado, who co-ordinates the termination and redundancies’ team; and intermediate María Paula Dueñas, who leads the constitutional and administrative litigation units for the department.

As the largest single-practice firm in Colombia, labour and employment boutique Godoy Córdoba member of Littler Global is uniquely positioned for the depth of its service offering. Alongside its extensive national presence — which takes in lawyers across four offices — the group also leverages formidable cross-border firepower due to its membership of global labour and employment legal network, Littler Mendelson, P.C.. It additionally maintains a partnership with international immigration firm, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy. Widely recognised as a leading light, Carlos Hernán Godoy is a go-to specialist in labour and employment matters and directs the collective bargaining department; he recently paired up with Ana Cristina Medina, who leads the labour consulting team, to represent Alpina in collective negotiation-related matters. Other senior names include Francisco Buriticá, who co-directs the labour and employment team; Gustavo Gnecco, who, as a former Assistant Judge of the Labour Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, contributes strong contentious experience; Andrés Fernando DaCosta, whose practice is divided between advisory and litigation work; Santiago Martínez, who chairs the labour audits practice; and Federico Bernal, who serves as the responsible partner for the corporate reorganisation and labour ministry unit. Among the firm’s sizeable band of associates, Diego Chaparro is noted for consultancy work. In November 2023, Ricardo Alonso left for an in-house position at the IDB.

‘A precise and successful firm in all of its processes’, Lopez & Asociados Abogados ranks among the market’s leading labour and employment boutiques. The full-spectrum practice draws on the services of over 120 lawyers, which equips it to provide standalone offerings in consulting matters, judicial and administrative litigation, collective bargaining procedures, immigration law and labour planning, among other areas. Managing partner Angélica María Carrión Barrero is highly regarded for her experience in non-contentious work, including collective bargaining processes and compliance matters. One of the most highly respected labour and employment specialists in the market, Juan Pablo López Moreno heads the labour corporate counselling practice and brings to bear extensive experience in labour conflict resolution and labour relations. Alejandro Miguel Castellanos López heads the litigation group, where he keeps busy advising on strategic and high-stakes disputes. Other experienced names include labour relations head Rocío Lagos Prieto and Ana María Rubiano Delgado, who fronts the consulting area. The department also draws on a sizeable band of experienced associates, including former labour judge Maria Teresa Gonzalez, who leads the litigation unit; Manuel Germán Torres, who serves as senior leader for consulting and third parties; Ismael Babativa, who co-ordinates the litigation team; Camilo Fonseca, who specialises in tutela actions; and the ‘capable, responsible, willing and kind’ Suhaida Santander Safa, who handles labour law and consulting.

Lawyers in Brigard Urrutia’s labour and employment group are ‘agile and very effective in their responses and deliverables’, according to some. The wider firm’s corporate prowess ensures that the team is routinely called upon to advise on M&A due diligence, while it also handles collective bargaining, social security issues, labour audits and litigation. Catalina Santos heads the department and handles a comprehensive range of collective and individual labour law matters; she successfully represented Signify Colombia in employment litigation brought by a former employee requesting reliquidation of all employment accruals. The team additionally draws on the experience of two recently promoted (January 2024) practice directors: Camilo Mutis and Daniela Caicedo are well versed across a mix of corporate support, advisory and contentious matters. Associate Rafael Reyes is also singled out by clients.

Labour and employment boutique Chapman Wilches scores highly with many for its ability to provide ‘solutions that are in tune with the purpose and culture of the company’. In a significant development, it acquired 51% of associated firm Pilonieta Alvarez Abogados Laboralistas in September 2023 (both firms maintain their independent branding), which should strengthen its service offering going forward. The two-partner practice is led jointly by firm founder Charles Chapman, who is recommended for collective bargaining matters, and Mirna Wilches, who handles the full range of labour and employment work, with recent strong showings in administrative law cases. A deep bench of associate directors includes Heimy Blanco, who serves as litigation manager; Leda Mejía Martínez, who manages guardianship disputes; Mauricio Crespo, who co-ordinates the advisory practice; Orianna Gentile who co-ordinates the cassation unit; and Elizabeth Jiménez, who directs the Medellín practice. In July 2023, the team hired senior associate Jorge Agudelo from Lopez & Asociados Abogados.

Quintero y Quintero Asesores is lauded by some for providing ‘labour law strategy that is aligned with the client’s business’. The boutique firm is primarily recognised for its record in collective bargaining agreements, where it has represented domestic and multinational companies in over 1000 cases. The group’s experience additionally spans litigation (where it was successful in 85% of cases during 2024), transactional support work and general advisory matters. Ivan Quintero is commended for his ‘ability to unite legal and business strategy’ and is considered by many as a leader for collective negotiations; he recently teamed up with Saida Quintero and next-generation partner, Felipe Quintero, to advise Promigas on the transfer of 250 workers from its subsidiary, Enlace, to Accenture. Other key contacts include litigation head Alejandro Arias; Dina López, who serves as director of the collective labour department; and associate directors Jaime Solano and Alejandra Soler, who both maintain broad labour and employment practices.

Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas’ labour and employment team is valued for its ‘rigour and attention to detail in the analysis of consultations’. Alongside its core work in advisory matters, the group also handles litigation and transactional support work, including advising on the employment aspects of corporate restructurings. Lorena Arámbula leads the team and specialises in labour and social security law; she acts for a growing roster of domestic and multinational clients, including Ericsson, Grupo Sancho and Fresenius Medical Care. The group also includes Laura Mateus, who was promoted to partner in April 2024, and ten-year associate Ángela Cubides.

Escandón Abogados’ commercially oriented approach strikes the right note with clients and one source testifies, ‘it cares about understanding its clients’ business and providing advice focused on the business’. The four-partner strong boutique stands out for its expertise in collective bargaining matters, while it also shines in dispute resolution, strategy planning and due diligence. Key names include seasoned specialist Alberto Escandón, who is highly regarded for his experience in collective bargaining processes; and María Claudia Escandón, who heads the litigation team, where she has handled over 200 labour and employment cases. Also noted are consultancy head Juan Fernando Escandón and due diligence lead María Jimena Escandón.

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría’s labour and employment team attracts praise for its ‘dynamism and ability to seek solutions’. The seven-lawyer group handles a broad mix of work, with its recent experience spanning transactional support — including employment restructurings — compliance matters and labour litigation. Next-generation partner Carolina Porras spearheads the department and specialises in individual and collective labour law, social security and immigration-related issues. The group also includes capable senior associates María José Rondón, whose practice spans administrative and judicial litigation as well as day-to-day consultations, and Isabella Huertas, who contributes niche expertise in health and safety regulations. In June 2023, associate Mariana Torres left to join Vélez Trujillo Legal.

In September 2023, Pilonieta Alvarez Abogados Laboralistas strengthened its relationship with national labour and employment firm Chapman Wilches, with the latter acquiring 51% of the former (both firms maintain their independent branding). Its relationship with Chapman Wilches provides the Bucaramanga-based boutique with the potential for broader geographical coverage and supports its already robust practices in collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, dispute resolution, and recruitment, among other areas. At partner level Eduardo Pilonieta Pinilla and Patricia Álvarez Ribero are recommended for the full range of collective and individual labour law, while senior associates Diana Sepúlveda Reyes and Diana Carolina Ortiz Vargas provide effective support.

Labour and employment lawyers at Posse Herrera Ruiz stand out for their ‘ability to adapt their legal recommendations to the reality of the client’s company’. The practice is noted for its experience in cross-border matters, where it shines in advising multinational corporations on local employment and pensions compliance. It also handles collective bargaining agreements, litigation and due diligence-related matters. Group head Vicente Umaña has a strong record in labour law, including collective bargaining agreements. The team also draws on several dedicated senior associates, including María Paula Romero, Andrea Ochoa and Carolina Castro; as well as intermediate associate, Adriana Villafañe. In December 2023, senior associate Lucia Salazar joined from Alvarez, Lievano, Laserna S.A.S.

Scola Abogados houses a four-partner labour, social security and immigration practice that is noted for its focus on advising employers in the life sciences, construction, energy and natural resources, TMT and financial services spheres, among others. Names to note include Diego Felipe Valdivieso, who handles a broad mix of advisory, contentious and transactional support matters, with a focus on collective bargaining work; and Nicolás Rico Álvarez, who specialises in consulting and union negotiations. Rounding out the partner-level group are Pablo Hernández Hussein, who heads the litigation unit; and Joaquín Rico Lara, who contributes over three decades of experience in labour and social security law.

CMS Rodríguez-Azuero’s group is distinguished by its expertise in social security and pensions work, where it leans on the wider CMS network to excel in cross-border matters, including advising on multilateral social security agreements between countries. On the traditional employment front, it is additionally well versed in compliance issues, disciplinary proceedings, corporate support work and litigation, among other fields. Department head Adriana Escobar maintains a broad human resources practice, with experience in labour, social security and immigration law. Senior associate Sandra Mora is also noted for her ‘ability to provide alternative solutions to conflicts’. Associate Mariana Garcés  and associate director Juan Carlos González left the firm in August and October 2023, respectively.

A boutique firm focused on human resources law, Cortés, Romero & Asociados Ltda provides ‘comprehensive solutions in everything related to labour’, according to clients. During 2023/24, the team kept busy advising on general advisory issues, collective bargaining processes and judicial and administrative litigation — it also possesses complementary strength in pensions and social security law. The practice is co-led by Catalina Romero, who specialises in disciplinary measures, personnel management and transactional support; José Luís Cortés, who is noted for labour litigation; and María Victoria Romero, who advises on litigation and compliance. Key associates include seniors Juan Pablo Sarmiento and María Camila Peñaranda.

The Bogotá-based labour and employment group at Madrid-headquartered Garrigues is a popular choice to represent multinational employers on local matters, with sources praising its ‘knowledge and extensive command of Colombian labour issues’. Carolina Camacho Solana spearheads the department and leverages 25 years' experience handling labour, social security and immigration work. A strong second line of associates includes principal Andres Felipe Paz, who is noted for collective bargaining and litigation; and senior Manuel Parra, whose answers are ‘always accurate and to the point’.

Lauded by some for its ‘dedication, efficiency and quality of work’, Gómez-Pinzón Abogados (GPA) is equipped to provide a broad range of labour and employment advice, with a focus on corporate support matters, compensation schemes, regulatory compliance issues and contentious work. The six-strong team is led by director Mauricio Montealegre, who brings over 15 years of advisory and litigation experience to his role. Associate support is provided by senior Natalia Suárez Caicedo, who specialises in individual labour matters and social security law; and intermediate Lina Tapiero, who has a focus on individual labour issues, social security and litigation.

Holland & Knight LLP continues to consolidate its labour and employment offering, following the May 2023 absorption of Cuberos Cortés Gutiérrez, which included its two-partner labour and employment team. Primarily recognised for its strength in labour relations, the group also handles a significant volume of labour litigation, migration matters and general consultancy work. Camilo Cuervo Díaz specialises in collective bargaining, labour litigation and regulatory compliance and co-heads the department together with Diego Mauricio Acevedo Gamez, whose focus is individual and collective labour law as well as social security-related issues. Intermediate associate Juan Pablo Romero provides dedicated practice support.

Lloreda Camacho & Co.’s labour and employment lawyers receive plaudits for their ‘practicality, systemic vision and knowledge of Colombia’s business reality’. The wider firm’s formidable life sciences and IP offerings are reflected in its labour work, where it is particularly active in representing clients from the pharmaceutical, consumer and advertising industries on a mix of corporate support, regulatory compliance and employee termination-related claims. All-round regulatory partner Enrique Álvarez steers the practice with strong support from Rafael Abuchaibe, who serves as associate director of the labour practice.

Distinguished by its ‘exceptional knowledge of Colombian migration regulations’, Tannus & Asociados is a labour and employment micro-boutique weighted towards corporate immigration law. The practice’s specialist offering marks it as a key partner to clients in the transport, mining, NGO and media sectors, among others, and it advises on a broad scope of regulatory matters, corporate support work and litigation. Managing partner Rodrigo Tannus is a go-to specialist for global mobility issues and ‘provides solutions and advice in the clearest and most understandable way’, according to some.

Labour and employment boutique Cardozo Ordóñez Ltda fields a ‘highly qualified and committed team’, according to some. The group covers a comprehensive mix of labour, social security and immigration matters, with strong skill sets in collective bargaining processes, individual labour issues and litigation. Founding partner Hernando Cardozo spearheads a practice that also includes immigration head Catalina Cardozo Ordóñez; social security specialist Sonia Patricia Martínez; and Camilo Andrés Salinas, who serves as associate director of the litigation department.

Deloitte Legal plugs into its global platform to specialise in advising regional and multinational clients on a comprehensive range of labour, employment, corporate immigration and social security law issues. The growing practice added 11 new clients to its roster during 2023/24 and provides strong coverage of all key pillars of the area, with specialist offerings in tax-related matters, including preventive diagnosis regarding payroll matters — where it notably acts alongside its payroll and tax teams. Isabella Gandini heads the department and ‘permanently looks after the best interests of the client’.

DG&A-Abogados’ labour and employment team is particularly well versed in representing employers in the industrial, retail, technology and life sciences sectors, among other spheres. Among its key attributes, the group is valued for ‘the solidity of the knowledge of its professionals’, with department head Adriana Martínez bringing to bear 20 years of experience in labour and immigration matters. The group also draws on Karin Rojas, who spearheads the labour disputes practice, and of counsel Carlos Arturo Silva, who advises on collective agreements, litigation and labour audits.

Martínez Quintero Mendoza González Laguado & de la Rosa (formerly DLA Piper Martínez Beltrán until its May 2024 disassociation from the DLA Piper network) acts for a wide range of employers, from start-ups moving into new territories through to multinational corporations. The group is particularly recognised for its strength in non-contentious matters, including transactional support, compliance and day-to-day social security issues, while it also has experience in disciplinary proceedings and litigation. Labour and immigration law head, Diana Zuleta, specialises in day-to-day labour law issues and social security matters.

Among Muñoz Tamayo & Asociados’ strong suits, the labour and employment group is noted for its niche expertise in sports-related work, where it specialises in representing football clubs — such as Azul & Blanco Millonarios FC and América de Cal — on employment contracts, pensions issues and labour disputes. A key contact for both sports and labour law, department head Joe Bonilla Gálvez has built a strong record in advising football clubs on labour matters; his recent experience also spans the life sciences, food and drink and technology industries, among others. Associate Alejandra Vidaurre Tugues also focuses on labour and sports law.

Parra Rodríguez Abogados houses a three-lawyer labour and employment team that advises employers on a wide range of labour law counselling and litigation. The group is particularly active in contentious matters, including both judicial and administrative law claims, but its recent work also spans regulatory compliance and due diligence. The group is led jointly by associate director Angélica Pico, who joined in April 2023 from Lloreda Camacho & Co., and tax and transactional partner Álvaro Parra Gómez. Former associate practice director, Mariana García Diaz, left in February 2023.

The newly combined Serrano Martínez CMA — formed in October 2023, through the merger of Medellin-based Correa Merino Agudelo Abogados and Bogota-based Serrano Martínez — draws on a six-lawyer strong labour and employment team with a growing national presence. The increasingly prominent team is equipped to handle the full gamut of compliance, transactional support and contentious matters and it ‘strives to understand the objectives and culture of the client’s company’, according to some. The department is led jointly by Ana María Valdivieso and Darío Ramírez Montoya, both of whom strike a balance between contentious and non-contentious work. Senior associate Dayana Parra provides dedicated practice support.

During 2023/24, Gamboa, García, Roldán & Co.’s labour and employment practice handled a wide spectrum of matters, from advising on hiring processes and immigration issues through to the termination of contracts and labour litigation. The team is co-led by associate directors Ingrid Barrero Valencia, who handles an array of labour, social security, and (im)migration matters; and Federico Pardo Camargo, who joined from Ernst & Young - Bogotá in July 2023 — corporate partner Daniel García additionally oversees the practice. Former department head, Ivan Cardona Restrepo, left to become an independent consultant in February 2024.

Sanclemente Fernández Abogados S.A.’s signature energy and natural resources offering is reflected in its labour and employment practice, which specialises in representing clients in the energy, oilfield services and construction sectors on labour, corporate immigration and social security law. Senior partner Teresita Cardona specialises in human resources law and heads a group that also draws on Ximena Osorio, who focuses on labour, social security and immigration work; and litigator Claudia Rodríguez, whose practice spans procedural, administrative and environmental law.