Law Firm Littler Mendelson, the largest labor and employment law firm exclusively devoted to representing management, with over 980 attorneys world wide, hast just expanded its offices by forming “Littler Global,” a Swiss Verein structure, joining with two Latin American firms — Godoy Córdoba Abogados of Colombia, and BDS Asesores
“As our clients increasingly view labor and employment law as an international, rather than a strictly local challenge, Littler continues to grow to meet their needs,” said Jeremy Roth, Littler’s co-managing director. “Godoy Córdoba Abogados and BDS Asesores are preeminent practitioners, and our connection accords Littler instant name recognition and credibility on the ground in Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and throughout the region. This is a mutually beneficial move for all three practices as we are teaming up to form a single-source solution for the global employer community.”
In taking on Godoy, they are taking on a leading firm in Columbia, with 26 years of experience; in taking on BDS they are taking on the leading firm not only in Costa Rica, but in the Central American area.
“Globalization of business is driving the increasing interconnection of corporate operations where we are seeing the rapid evolution of technology and the integration of markets,” said Littler’s co-managing director, Tom Bender. “This combination of leading practices in the region through a Swiss Verein structure will enable us to stay ahead of that trend, which we expect to accelerate in the years ahead.”
The joint venture is all about anticipation, and how they expect markets to move in Latin America. It is also consonant with Littler’s trends to global expansion and streamlining flows from market to market. They already have over 150 Spanish-speaking attorneys globally.
“We felt the time was right to continue our expansion in Latin America, particularly with Godoy Córdoba Abogados and BDS Asesores, which are premier legal services providers in their respective countries,” added Peter Susser chair of the firm’s International Employment and Labor Law practice group. “Equipped with abundant natural resources, including oil and gas, mining and agricultural products, both Colombia and Costa Rica are well positioned for sustained growth, which will result in tremendous opportunities for local businesses and their workforces.”
As one of the world’s largest L&E firms, the move is anticipated to further spread their reach and make them more effective in working with clients across markets.