Employment: Barcelona | Europe

The law firm Cuatrecasas enjoys a stellar reputation for representing both local and international corporations in the Catalan labour arena. With its unrivalled bench strength, the firm is in a prime position to advise clients on a myriad of issues, including collective bargaining agreements, redundancy plans and dismissals. An additional strength lies in the handling of corporate reorganisations and restructuring-related mandates. Assisting with factory closures, the hiring of self-employed and cooperative workers and the setting up of pension schemes also fall within the firm's offering. In addition to its excellence in advisory mandates, Cuatrecasas is held in high esteem for its strength in employment disputes relating to collective claims brought by unions as well as workplace accidents and labour inspections. Its prestigious clientele comprising national and international household names from the technology, automotive and financial sectors further attests to the firm's outstanding market share.

Garrigues is widely considered a legal powerhouse with an outstanding labour department, well versed in a plethora of mandates. The team is well versed in handling collective bargaining agreements, often in close negotiation with various trade unions, as well as complex collective dismissal and lay-off procedures. It also assists with the modification of working conditions, handling of collective claims in relation to employee benefit entitlements and restructurings. Its prestigious client base encompassing multinational players from the automotive, finance and pharmaceutical as well as food and beverage industries further speaks to the firm's brilliant market position.

As a well-known international law firm, Baker McKenzie is renowned for its excellent employment services. The team is particularly appreciated for its handling of collective dismissal and redundancy procedures as well as collective bargaining agreements, with further expertise in temporary lay-offs. Additionally, clients benefit from the firm's strength in negotiations regarding gender equality plans and remote working policies. Baker McKenzie also handles labour law questions in relation to restructurings and corporate reorganisations. The firm augments its offering with its strength in the dismissals of top executives and harassment-related litigation. Its clientele includes players from the pharmaceutical, retail, hospitality and chemicals sectors.

RocaJunyent is a Spanish law firm with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, advising on a broad spectrum of employment law. The team is highly active in the implementation of ERTEs for domestic and international clients from the manufacturing, travel and automotive sectors. Clients often seek the firm's assistance with collective bargaining agreements and workforce restructurings. The firm also handles labour litigation, representing clients against dismissal claims, as well as collective dismissals and the implementation of equality plans. While an attractive choice for prominent corporates from various industry sectors, RocaJunyent also acts for private individuals.

Uría Menéndez is home to a highly regarded labour department, benefiting from significant experience in collective bargaining agreements and temporary layoffs. The team is equally adept at handling the employment aspects of corporate M&A transactions, including negotiating with unions over changes to labour conditions. Collective redundancies and employee transfers are also handled by the team. Furthermore, the firm often assists with contentious mandates related to dismissals, collective claims and health and safety standards as well as remuneration disputes. Uría Menéndez's frequently acts for Spanish corporates from the retail and industrial sectors.

Sagardoy Abogados is a specialised employment law firm with a well-established position within the Catalan labour market. Its team often assists clients with labour disputes as well as providing comprehensive day-to-day employment advice. Workforce restructurings and social security law mandates are also handled by the firm. Regional and national companies across various sectors such as retail, healthcare, hospitality and banking seek the firm's assistance.

Suárez de Vivero is a boutique employment law firm with offices in Barcelona and Madrid. The team often acts for both domestic and international clients on contentious and day-to-day employment law matters, including litigation, internal policies and related immigration advice. Particular areas of expertise include redundancy plans, dismissals, collective bargaining agreements and investigations. Corporate restructurings and related employment issues are also handled by the firm. The retail and software sectors form key industries covered by Suárez de Vivero.

Augusta Abogados debuts in the rankings this year. Its Barcelona office proposes an experienced team advising international clients on collective negotiations and dismissals as well as company reorganisations. The law firm is sought after by clients in a range of sectors, including consumer goods and aviation.

Ceca Magán Abogados joins the rankings in recognition of its labour law offering in Barcelona. The law firm advises on a variety of matters, including litigating the defence of employee dismissals. Its lawyers have experience in collective negotiations and ERTE procedures for multinational clients.

The law firm Crowe Legal y Tributario regularly handles collective redundancy procedures, often involving close negotiations with workers' unions, and contract negotiations with top executives. Additionally, the team is well placed to design and implement company-wide harassment, compliance and remuneration policies as well as equality plans. Clients benefit from the firm's strength in judicial procedures and termination and dismissal-related disputes. Prominent retailers, engineering and logistics groups belong to Crowe Legal y Tributario's client roster.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is a law firm with a recognised presence in the Catalan labour market. Prominent corporates from the retail, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors frequently seek the firm's assistance with remote working policies and temporary contracts. The team is also equipped to handle litigation pertaining to terminations and claims brought by employees and is known for advising on day-to-day employment issues. Social security law, employee transfers and labour inspections also fall within the firm's area of expertise.

Oleart Abogados has a Barcelona office providing contentious and advisory labour law support to its clients. The law firm has experience in collective negotiations, contracting and restructurings. Its lawyers have also defended clients before national courts including the Supreme Court.