"2022  is also a very important year for the energy industry"

Raúl Lara Maiz, Partner of Fegamo & Vasaf and leader of its Labor Law practice, holds 17 years prior experience term in one of the larger size international firms world wide. During his previous post, served to the Executive Committee of International Movility ("Comité Ejecutivo de Movilidad Internacional"), representing Latin America. Lara is a practitioner with a great ability to deal with both global and domestic matters, evidencing an innovative approach and specialized in labor law, social secutity and migration issues. Raúl Lara Maiz has talked with LATIN COUNSEL regarding the future of law firms during the current year.   

Latin Counsel: What are the main challenges facing law firms in 2022?
Raul Lara: Much like in 2021, the challenge for firms in 2022 will likely be the controversial legal reforms of the current government, as well as the implementation of reforms already in place.  Firms will increasingly need to specialize in particular rather than general issues and in specific industries, being experts in particular industry segments or areas of law.

LC:  Which areas or industries will see major changes in 2022?
RL: 2022 still brings many labor changes related to the implementation of the 2019 labor reform focused on the Freedom of Association to Unions, with 2022 being the most important year for the implementation of these changes, as well as for the implementation of the Labor Courts, now as part of the judiciary.  We also expect to see the authorities verify compliance with the labor reform related to subcontracting, from a labor perspective through Labor Inspections, as well as fiscally.  Obviously it is also a very important year for the energy industry, pending whether the controversial energy reform will be voted on and implemented or not.

 LC: What will be the firm’s main focus to remain competitive?
RL:.Our focus will continue to be on updating our practices to satisfy the market´s needs , attracting the best talent, as well as maintaining and creating strategic alliances so that we can always provide a service that meets our clients’ expectations.