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Labor Law

Tailored Labor Law Strategies Aligned with Local and International Standards

LOVILL’s labor law team provides expert legal counsel to local and international companies, including multinational and Fortune 500 corporations operating in sectors such as construction, telecommunications, logistics, commerce and distribution, private security, and non-profit organizations.

We collaborate closely with HR departments to support daily operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage labor relations. Our legal strategies are tailored to the specific operational needs of each client and are aligned with Panamanian labor regulations and support efficient workforce management.

We assist employers across all stages of the employment relationship, offering practical support in areas such as:

  • Labor Law Advisory
    Guidance on the application of labor regulations and the drafting of individual and collective employment contracts.
  • Termination Strategy and Negotiation
    Legal advice and representation in the negotiation of labor terminations, mutual agreements, and severance settlements.
  • Workforce Restructuring and Compliance
    Development of strategies for workforce restructuring, assessment of labor liabilities, and compliance audits.
  • Administrative Procedures before MITRADEL
    Handling dismissal authorizations, union-related procedures, and representation before the Ministry of Labor and Conciliation and Decision Boards.
  • Collective Bargaining and Union Negotiations
    Support in negotiating and drafting collective agreements, as well as managing union relations.
  • Labor Policies and Internal Regulations
    Preparation and approval of Internal Work Regulations and Labor Handbooks, aligned with corporate policies and labor standards.
  • Training and Capacity Building
    Designing and delivering employee training programs related to labor compliance and internal workplace policies.
  • Social Security and Risk Procedures
    Assistance in professional risk cases and other administrative processes before Panama’s Social Security authority.
  • Labor Litigation and Dispute Resolution
    Representation in administrative proceedings and labor courts for conflict resolution and litigation matters.

Client and Global Rankings Testimonials

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"They know the legislation and jurisprudence in detail. Jeannette Bravo leads the labour practice responsibly and diligently, providing accurate and timely responses to clients."

The Legal 500, 2025.
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"The timing and content of their responses is very good. They are very easy to work with and provide a very professional service."

The Legal 500, 2025.
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"I appreciate the consistency and calibre of Jeannette Bravo's work. Through our collaboration, she has proven her knowledge, sophistication and dedication..."

The Legal 500, 2025.

Some of Our Representative Cases

1

LOVILL assisted a laboratory of cement and concrete analysis, as one of the few companies related to this area of expertise in Panama, as their sole legal counsel before the negotiation with the union of construction workers who intended to apply their union statutes to our clients company, even though they are a service provider, not a construction company. The union caused work stoppages at all of our client’s work sites and threatened further actions, which will have resulted in millions of dollars in losses to the projects involved. Lovill assisted successfully with the legal analysis and actions to remedy the situation with the union. The issue was resolved in favor our client, due to the successful strategy devised and its correct implementation.
2

Lovill recently assisted with all labor aspects related to the closing of operation of a hotel in Panama City. We advised client on the termination of more than 75 employees as well assisted in the negotiation with each employee. Our expert representation resulted in zero employee complaints being filed before the Labor Ministry. We have assisted businesses in other industries with similar terminations of their labor force.
3

LOVILL is the sole legal counsel of one of Panama’s largest private security companies. We devised their strategy for negotiation with their Union and assisted in negotiations before the Ministry of Labor, which avoided a Union strike, that would have resulted in hundreds of job losses. We also assisted client in restructuring their operations, providing and executing a strategy for correcting and mitigating expenses and risks, compliance with applicable legislation, contracts, employment matters, and other related matters.
4

LOVILL has successfully advised and represented some of the country’s most important corporations in the termination of contracts with senior management employees, both securing advantageous mutual termination agreements and winning actions before the labor courts.
5

LOVILL has given comprehensive advice during the Covid-19 global pandemic in labor matters. LOVILL has given its clients comprehensive and proactive assessment of all labor regulations, to manage mandatory closing of their operations and actions in order to protect the source of employment and guarantee employees’ rights.

Recent Articles

May 7, 2025 in Labor Law

Reforms to the Organic Law of the Panamanian Social Security Fund (CSS)

Writing by: Lic. Jeannette Bravo, Partner - Labor and Administrative Law The Reform to the Organic Law of the Social Security Fund, established by Law 462 on March 18, 2025, introduces…
Read More