IEL Elite

Overview

Santamarina y Steta’s employment department is widely respected for the high quality of its advice.

In particular, firm managing partner and head of department Juan Carlos de la Vega is singled out by peers as “a very sharp attorney”. De la Vega is based in the firm’s Monterrey office; partners Andrés Rodríguez and Francisco Udave are key contacts in Mexico City.

The team is particularly good in labour relations, including in union matters and strikes.

Clients include multinationals, and hail from a variety of sectors – including transport, hospitality, and education.

The firm is the Mexican member of the Employment Law Alliance, allowing it global reach.

Specialisms

The team stands out from its competitors for its stellar reputation in collective labour issues. In particular, it boasts an impressive track record in high-profile union disputes in the mining and automotive sectors.

Its contentious practice extends to individual conflicts, including claims filed by senior employees and administrative procedures for non-compliance with labour regulations. Members of the team are also well placed to advise on inspections by both federal- and state-level labour authorities, as well as the Mexican Institute of Social Security.

Meanwhile, the firm’s substantial advisory expertise comprises the employment aspects of M&A and other corporate transactions, and assistance with updating internal practices in light of the 2019 labour reform, including with relation to union strategies. The group also offers benefits advice.