Introducing Ian
Ian Cárdenas is a Lawyer at Harris Gomez Group, based in Santiago, Chile, where he specialises in Corporate Labour Law and Labour Relations, advising international clients—particularly those operating in the mining industry and its supply chain. Having progressed within HGG from paralegal to lawyer, Ian brings strong institutional knowledge, and a practice focused on strategic labour compliance and preventive advisory.
Ian plays an active role in supporting foreign companies entering or operating in Chile, assisting them in adapting their operations to Chilean labour regulations. His work integrates HR procedures, internal governance frameworks, and regulatory controls to ensure compliance while safeguarding business continuity.
Background and experience
Ian began his legal career through internships at the Documentary Center of the Supreme Court of Chile and Fundación +1000, where he developed a strong foundation in legal research, regulatory analysis, and institutional procedures. He later joined Harris Gomez Group as a Corporate Paralegal, contributing to client advisory work, commercial law, labour compliance matters, and internal legal processes, before advancing to his current role as a Corporate Labour Lawyer.
He is an active member of the Human Capital and People Management Committees at both the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AusCham) in Chile, reflecting his ongoing engagement with the international business community and cross-border corporate environments.
Ian holds an LL.B. from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez and was admitted as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of Chile in 2024. He has further strengthened his expertise in contemporary labour law through specialised training, including a Diploma in Labour Law in the Company from Universidad de los Andes this year and a “Ley Karin” Certificate from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in 2024.
He is fully fluent in Spanish and English, enabling seamless communication with clients, legal teams, and stakeholders across jurisdictions and cultures.
Current projects
Ian is currently involved in providing corporate labour law advisory and labour relations support to international and domestic clients, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, internal governance, and employment risk management. In recent months, he has led the drafting, review, and implementation of internal labour policies for a multinational client, including policies related to the Karin Law, internal regulations, and workplace conduct frameworks. These policies were tailored to the client’s specific business model and operational scope, ensuring alignment between the company’s global standards and Chilean labour law requirements.
In parallel, Ian has actively supported clients in complex employee termination processes, approaching these matters from a labour relations and risk-mitigation perspective. His work has focused on structuring terminations in a legally sound and operationally sensitive manner, balancing compliance obligations with the preservation of workplace stability and employer–employee relations.
Ian also continues to advise on hiring frameworks, labour audits, inspections, and social security matters, assisting foreign companies in adapting their HR procedures and internal governance structures to Chile’s regulatory environment. Additionally, he contributes to internal investigations and compliance processes, particularly in matters involving occupational health and safety and regulatory obligations under Chilean labour law.
Alongside his client-facing work, Ian remains actively engaged in legal analysis and thought leadership initiatives within Harris Gomez Group, preparing insights and updates on labour law developments that impact business operations in Chile.
The value Ian brings
Through his recent projects, Ian has developed a clear understanding of the importance of integrating legal compliance with practical labour relations management. His approach is grounded in the belief that labour law advisory must go beyond formal compliance, providing solutions that are operationally feasible, aligned with the client’s business objectives, and sustainable over time.
Ian brings value by combining technical labour law expertise, regulatory awareness, and a cross-border perspective, enabling him to translate Chilean labour requirements into clear, actionable guidance for international and domestic clients. His progression from paralegal to lawyer within Harris Gomez Group has given him a comprehensive understanding of client needs, internal processes, and the practical realities of corporate legal advisory.
Whether drafting internal labour policies, advising on sensitive employment matters, or supporting compliance frameworks, Ian approaches each engagement with clarity, diligence, and a business-oriented mindset, helping clients navigate labour challenges while maintaining continuity, trust, and compliance within their organisations.
I’ve learned that effective labour law advisory is not just about identifying legal risks, but about understanding how employment decisions impact people, operations, and long-term business objectives. My goal is always to help clients implement solutions that are compliant, practical, and sustainable within their organisational culture.”– Quote from Ian.