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Partner

Practice Areas

LOURDES BISHOP

Lourdes Bishop is a partner at FABREGA MOLINO, specializing in Labor and Employment Law. With more than 23 years of experience in this field, her main focus is to provide legal advice on labor-related matters to both multinational and local companies, as well as economic groups that operate under special economic regimes

Throughout her career, Lourdes has led high-profile cases, developing strategies to promote efficiency in management, optimize resources, strengthen relationships between employers and employees, and prevent labor conflicts.

She has provided legal advice to pharmaceutical, food, beverage, and maritime companies on labor issues in dealings with government authorities, including union negotiation tables, processes, and requests before the Ministry of Labor, Conciliation Boards, and Labor Courts.

Lourdes is particularly well-regarded for her expertise in advising international companies and economic groups seeking to operate in Panama under the special economic regimes SEM (Multinational Company Headquarters) and EMMA (Multinational Company for the Provision of Services Related to Manufacturing), allowing them to maximize the tax, labor, and immigration advantages that these regimes offer.

Beyond her legal work, Lourdes is a prominent speaker at national and international forums, where she addresses topics related to labor, immigration, and special investment regimes in Panama. She also imparts her knowledge as a university professor at prestigious academic institutions in Panama, where she teaches Labor Law.

Within FABREGA MOLINO, Lourdes actively participates in various committees, including the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, the Special Health and Hygiene Committee, and the Human Resources Committee. She enhances the firm’s support to its employees, foundations, and non-profit associations focused on children and education through her valuable insights and contributions.

Education

  • University of Panama, Panama (LL.B., 2001).
  • University of Louisville, Panama (Master of Business Administration, 2004).
  • Interamerican University, Panama (Diploma in Labor Law (2010).
  • Columbus University, Panama (Master of Higher Education, 2020).
  • Hosanna University, Panama (Diploma in Methodology of the Investigation, 2023).
  • Austral University, Argentina (Master of Labor Law and Labor Relations, in course)

Languages

  • Spanish (Authorized Public Translator)
  • English (Authorized Public Translator)

Memberships & Associations

  • American Bar Association (Labor & Employment Commission)
  • National Association of Human Resources Professionals of Panama (ANREH)
  • Panamanian Institute of Law and Technology (IPANDETEC)
  • Women In the Profession- Panama Chapter.
  • National Association of Jurists of Panama (ANAJUPA). President of the Labor Law Commission and member of the Academic Affairs Commission.
  • Panama Bar Association.

Relevant Transactions

  • Participation in significant mergers and acquisitions transactions where he has led the analysis team of the labor and immigration area of ​​the business.
  • Negotiate and successfully manage hiring processes and termination of employment relationships for high-profile positions, avoiding high-impact effects such as judicial processes for claims for benefits or unjustified dismissals.
  • Legal advice to support managing and handling foreign personnel who work in multinationals and local companies.
  • Legal advice in defending the interests of multinational and local companies against labor claims before the competent courts.
  • Legal advice in obtaining SEM and EMMA (Special Economic Regimes) licenses for multinational companies operating in Panama in the following sectors: Pharmaceutical, food and beverages, maritime, and sports industries.