Labour & Employment
Latin America Guide 2025 : Guatemala
Band 2
About
Provided by Consortium Legal
The Labor Law team in all our offices has over 15 years of experience and expertise in developing processes and products aimed at preventive and proactive legal labor advice. We provide labor advisory services to numerous companies in various economic sectors with different compliance requirements, always with the goal of growing their businesses and making them more competitive.
Through a legal service supported by accredited technical specialists, we can reduce long labor disputes while simultaneously boosting morale and employee retention. We believe in preventive advice, so we conduct courses and seminars on labor topics for the company’s attorneys and HR teams, enabling them to avoid common mistakes.
Consortium´s Labour, employment and immigration department is recognized as one of the most important in Guatemala for providing legal advice to multinational corporations on collective bargaining processes, litigation, acquisition and merger integration, retirements and pension plans, contract and expatriate structures, corporate immigration and occupational health & safety matters. The expertise of the department allows to profile them as a department that gives comprehensive and strategic legal advice.
Chambers Review
Consortium Legal has a respected labour department with a solid regional presence in Central America. The firm routinely acts as counsel to multinational corporations from the retail, food and beverage, and banking sectors on a broad range of labour issues in Guatemala. The legal team is particularly active in collective bargaining, and has additional involvement in lawsuits relating to terminations and obtaining work permits for foreign workers. InTouch and Archroma are new client wins for the firm.
Work Highlights
- Consortium Legal provided legal counsel to Walmart on all matters regarding occupational health and safety, including policy reviews, disciplinary processes, managing licenses, addressing accidents or incidents, and providing administrative defence in matters before the authorities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Consortium Legal are always one step ahead. Communication has been one of the strongest links as they inform us of what is about to happen and give time to prepare for each situation."
"Consortium Legal have a strategic and thorough approach, showing a deep understanding of intricate issues. I have confidence in their capabilities as they consistently deliver exceptional results."
"Consortium Legal are always one step ahead. Communication has been one of the strongest links as they inform us of what is about to happen and give time to prepare for each situation."
"Consortium Legal have a strategic and thorough approach, showing a deep understanding of intricate issues. I have confidence in their capabilities as they consistently deliver exceptional results."
Notable Practitioners
Distinguished department head Lionel Aguilar maintains a reputation as a leading figure in the Guatemalan labour and employment market, acting for clients across a range of sectors, including telecommunications and food and beverages. He is particularly noted for his prowess in complex negotiations with trade unions.
"Lionel Aguilar is very professional. He clarifies the situation very well and looks to give me guidance regarding how to resolve a situation so that it is favourable for the company."
Up-and-coming partner Cristina Sandoval enters the rankings this year after obtaining recognition for her expertise in immigration matters, as well as in day-to-day labour and employment issues in Guatemala.
"Cristina Sandoval's exceptional abilities and commitment to outstanding work set her apart, making her a great choice for any leadership role. She approaches responsibilities with serious dedication."
Up-and-coming partnerJosé Federico Zeladareceives notable market recognition for his adept handling of union matters and site closures as well as advice on labour lawsuits.
"José Federico Zelada makes Labour law seem so simple. He provides very accurate assistance and feedback."
Ranked Lawyers at
Consortium Legal
Guatemala
Members
Provided by Consortium Legal
Clients
Provided by Consortium Legal
Archroma
Asofarma
Bananera Tepeyac, S.A. (DOLE)
Banco de América Central
Banco de América Central (BAC)
Citibank, N.A.
Conduent
Corporación Multi Inversiones
Deloitte, U.S.A
Grupo Golan
Haskell
IFF
Industrias Alimenticias Kern´s (FIFCO)
Intouch
Marhnos
Novoswiss, Sociedad Anónima (LUMINOVA)
PepsiCo
Rodio Swissboring
Samsung Electronics Latinoamerica (Zona Libre)
TIGO / MILLICOM
Ternium Internacional Guatemala, Sociedad Anónima
United Airlines
Walmart
Walmart