Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez wins praise for striking an ‘excellent balance between consulting and litigation‘, advising on employment contracts and the employment aspects of corporate transactions, negotiating collective bargaining agreements with unions, and representing clients in labour disputes. The team is also well versed in immigration law, including obtaining work and residency permits for foreign nationals. Its broad domestic and multinational client base spans the aviation, ports, hospitality, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and financial sectors, among others. The highly experienced leadership group is made up of ‘eminent practitioner‘ Enna Ferrer (an expert in both labour and immigration law), Juan Gabriel González and ‘dedicated labour litigator‘ Francisco Iglesias. ‘Young talent‘ Nelson Sales stands out at the associate level.

Counting key local and international players from the retail, manufacturing, hospitality, technology and ports sectors among its clients, Morgan & Morgan houses a comprehensive labour practice, which ranges from advising on employment contracts and employee dismissals to assisting with collective bargaining negotiations with unions and labour litigation. The firm also has an active immigration practice group, which is overseen by Albalira Montúfar. Ricardo Alemán, who brings to bear four decades of experience in employment law, steers the team alongside Maria Teresa Mendoza, whose wide-ranging practice also takes in social security matters. Senior associate Milagros Caballero is a name to note for employment issues relating to establishing regional headquarters in Panama.

Arias has a regional presence, making it a strong choice to advise multinational companies, with a diverse client base including high-profile names in the pharmaceutical and media sectors. The team regularly assists with day-to-day labour, immigration and social security matters, as well as joining up with the active corporate department and the firm’s Central American offices to provide support with the labour aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A. Its recent workload also includes handling sensitive investigations involving fraud and sexual harassment allegations. ‘Very responsive‘ Panama managing partner Siaska SSS Lorenzo heads the practice, bringing extensive regulatory and compliance expertise to the table.

Praised by clients for its ‘exemplary service‘, the labour practice of global firm ECIJA is frequently engaged by well-known multinationals to advise on compliance with local labour regulations, employment contracts, employee transfers and dismissals, social security, immigration and human resources policies. The team’s extensive client roster covers the logistics, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and retail industries, and it also has niche expertise in the sports sector. The ‘exceptional‘ Antonio Alberto Vargas combines his strengths in employment law and litigation and arbitration to represent employers in labour disputes before the Ministry of Labour and the national courts. Associate Diana Tejada is highly regarded.

Fabrega Molino‘s labour team is highlighted by clients for its ‘experience and mastery of the subject‘, covering the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm frequently assists with day-to-day issues such as the drafting of employment contracts and compliance with local labour regulations, in addition to handling labour disputes and the employment aspects of M&A transactions. Practice head Miguel Urriola has a strong track record in labour litigation and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. He receives stellar support from the ‘outstanding‘ Carlos Molino, who heads the immigration department, and senior associate Lourdes Bishop, who has a focus on advising multinational companies.

Standing out for its ‘response times, flexibility with fees and quality of responses‘, LOVILL advises a host of multinationals and local SMEs on the drafting of employment contracts, adapting global policies to their operations in Panama, employee dismissals (including in sensitive cases) and immigration matters, as well as the labour aspects of corporate transactions. In addition, the team handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements with unions and frequently represents employers in labour litigation. The ‘exceptional‘ Jeannette Bravo, who was elevated to the partnership in July 2023, leads the team and is particularly sought after for her advice to major multinationals on day-to-day employment issues.