EY Law Central America

The labour and employment team at regional firm EY Law Central America draws on the deep bench strength of eight offices in seven countries to advise national corporates and household-name multinationals on a wide range of matters across the practice area. With an active client roster spanning such sectors as consumer goods, IT, tobacco, manufacturing, tech, food, pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles (and including Kimberly Clark, Accenture and Bridgestone), the group’s full offering covers matters ranging from labour assistance related to market entry, due diligence and risk management to compensation scheme and employee policy review and representation in administrative proceedings. The team is led by Fernando Vargas and Laura Navarrete, who is the senior manager of the firm’s employment practices in Central America, Panama and the Caribbean, and who directs multi-jurisdictional projects. Key support at the senior associate level is provided by Guillermo Vargas, who handles the review and preparation of working hours schemes and training in labour issues; Karina Piedra, who provides advice and guidance in the presentation of employer or independent worker registration before the Costa Rican Social Security Fund; and Melany Pérez, who joined from BDS Asesores in July 2023.