Challenge
Our client was a small business in the education industry that had become concerned regarding their employment contracts.
They had been operating in Australia for a number of years, however, their previous legal representation that had assisted with the set up had not advised them of the importance of getting their employment contracts in order so they had ended up using existing contracts from their Latin American branch that were not suitable for use in Australia.
Solution
A senior lawyer from Harris Gomez Group visited the client’s offices to get to know the team and gain an understanding of how the business worked and what their legal needs were. Our lawyer was able to identify that apart from updating the employment contracts, other agreements (such as client terms and conditions, contractor services and workplace policies) were also required.
Benefits
Our client is now able to feel more secure in their dealings with not just employees, but also clients and customers. By having a workplace policy implemented, they have commented that the office culture has dramatically improved. The client now asks us to complete annual ‘legal health check-ups’ to identify and correct any potential issues.
Need the help of a commercial lawyer who specialises in small business? Book a free call with Harris Gomez Group.
Client Feedback
Harris is fully bilingual and attuned to the subtle nuances of both the Australian and Latin American cultures. As such he bridges the business and cultural gaps that so many companies do not
see nor appreciate and thus are subject to delays and the tendency to “fall into pot holes” in setting up and also in ongoing operations. He also has a wide network including businesses and
government departments both in Chile and Australia. In fact it can be said that he acts as the Honorary Australia Ambassador in Chile.
NAVIERA Y TURISMO SKORPIOS S.A., a cruise ship company from the Republic of Chile, is thankful to have been assisted by the Australian law firm Harris Gomez Group with the completion of an international cross-border transaction. All the lawyers assigned to our matter provided advice that was complete, timely and efficient. We thank the team for their service, professionalism and excellent disposition to supporting us from the moment we first engaged them.
ISG first engaged HG back in 2015 because we were doing a lot of work in Chile and needed some help with some patent issues. Since 2015 we have used the services of HG in Chile and Bolivia.
They act as legal representatives for ISG in both Chile and Bolivia. Our relationship has grown over the last three years with us now operating a Chilean company which is administered out of the HG’s Santiago office. The HG team are efficient and professional and we would have no hesitation recommending them for both Australian, and South American legal matters. It is very important to have a local legal team when performing contracts in South America.
HGG has been a trusted advisor to IMDEX for over 4 years. The HGG team has provided excellent support and guidance to our Latin American operations, spanning Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru. The team has invested in our relationship and taken the time to understand our business and where our legal risks lie to enable it to provide valuable and tailored legal advice. It is a pleasure to work with all members of the HGG team, they are reliable, commercial, provide quality advice, professional and service driven. Thank you to the HGG team for your commitment to IMDEX.
We were very impressed with the diligent and professional service provided by HGG. Working to a tight deadline the service provided was prompt and efficient. Having used larger firms previously we were particularly enthused about the way HGG took the time to understand our business and the unique requirements involved. The service level was outstanding.
We are greatly satisfied with the diligent services provided by HGG. Different from our previous experience working with Larger Law firms, their service has a very friendly and personalized approach. Also, the availability of bilingual staff was a high value bonus to us. We will definitely consider them for future legal assistance.
Harris Gomez has provided Sedgman with excellent services by differentiating themselves with knowledge of both the Australian and Chilean legislation. It was always challenging to explain to our Australian colleagues the differences between Chile and Australia but Harris has made our lives easier by giving us the best of both worlds.
When Jord won a contract and had to set up a company in Chile, it seemed like a daunting task. We had no people on the ground in Chile and most documents were in a foreign language. However, we were introduced to the Sydney office of the Harris Gomez Group who guided us through the set up process. After our company was established in Chile, the Harris Gomez Group continued to provide support and assistance and ensured we met statutory deadlines and requirements. Their staff have always been friendly and responsive, and always willing assist.
HGG besides being professional with great experience, is always available, always responds in a short period of time with great promptness and attention. Every time we needed HGG, they gave
me all the support I needed. I have great confidence in their work and therefore their recommendations are always very valuable.
HGG really makes the difference for my company even though being physically in another country. It is a pleasure working with the HGG team!
If you are a United States-based company entering the Latin American market, Harris Gomez is the law and business consulting firm to use. They help me navigate startup, complex, and day-to-day issues and transactions at the most affordable rates while providing best-in-class service and advice. They are also bilingual so that language barriers are easily surmounted.
We have worked with HGG as our legal advisor in Chile since 2015 and have come to trust their expert advice. Beyond HGG’s quality of service we highly value their speedy response times, as we also need to act fast and flexibly to match the nature of our business. HGG has provided support to Magna IV on day to day topics involving local day to day labour law and client contracts review. Most recently HGG provided us with clear, concise and actionable information on how to best use the newly launched (and many times confusing) government programs aimed as a response to COVID-19. We have also received HGG’s solid support on an special assignment concerning various aspects of conducting business in another country in Latin America.
It has been a pleasure working with Harris Gomez Group, high level professionals. When we have requested the services of HG, they have responded with great efficiency and professionalism, and in a very timely manner, without delay. Great legal support in the Latam region.
Working with Harris Gómez Group has been a good experience. Their team is very supportive and professional, allowing us to understand the legal requirements in Chile and provided key guidance to set up contracts in this regards. In the commercial side, they have provided proposals with cost that are aligned with our requirements and budget, we trust our relationship with Harris Gómez Group in Chile will continue growing over the years.
HGG has provided us with legal counsel for our Chilean subsidiary since 2015. They are at the forefront of the legal challenges and changes in Chile for multinational companies and have provided excellent advice over the years, as we have grown in number as well as counsel on upcoming new laws that may impact us in the future. They assist us in all aspects of our business including immigration; employment; corporate and licensing.Their lawyers are prompt and efficient and have gone the extra mile when advice is needed urgently. We highly value their opinions and their foresight.
Harris Gomez Group has acted as Rubicon’s legal representative in Chile and the broader South America region for almost 2 years. They have provided a wealth of knowledge and assistance in getting Rubicon established in the region; from incorporation to banking, employment, compliance with local laws, advise on local customs and administrative assistance – To date there has been no limit to the scope of services they have been able to provide. Their knowledge of both the Australian and Chilean market has proven invaluable, being able to describe the nuances between the two has made cross border dealings and interactions very seamless. Their staff have always acted professionally and are prompt to reply with thorough and researched responses. In particular, consistency in the staff dedicated to the various activities on our account (Legal, Banking, Administration) has helped build good relationships and increasingly streamlined processes. We hope our relationship with Harris Gomez Group continues well into the future.
As an Australian iconic Company, when we took the decision to create and register a local company to support our growing business in Chile we needed to feel assured that we would be well represented. We selected Harris Gomez Group to advise and act as our representatives throughout the process. HGG provided guidance and advice throughout the entire process and assisted with administrative duties that greatly assisted in unnecessary drain on our local limited resources. The effective manner in which HGG carried out and continue to provide support allows us to focus on doing what we do well, supporting providing value to our customers.
Harris has been a great champion of Australian companies taking their first steps towards exporting into Latin America. He has a very thorough knowledge of doing business in LATAM and has consistently provided excellent advice, helped find effective solutions and has delivered great results at all stages – from just starting out to establishing operation in this region.
Harris is fully bilingual and attuned to the subtle nuances of both the Australian and Latin American cultures. Has lived and in both Australia and Chile and been brought up in an Anglo-Chilean society As such he bridges the business and cultural gaps that so many companies do not see nor appreciate and thus are subject to delays and the tendency to “fall into pot holes” in setting up and also in ongoing operations. He brings the “gringo” into the Latin world, which can be very different to the Anglo culture and laws. He also has a wide network including businesses and government departments both in Chile and Australia. In fact it can be said that he acts as the Honorary Australia Ambassador in Chile.
Since its inception almost 50 years ago , Hofmann Engineering, one of Australia’s largest family owned high performance engineering and manufacturing company for gearing and industrial engineered products, has been pursuing business opportunities overseas. The Latin American mining and minerals processing market has been particularly attractive for Hofmann Engineering. At the same time, the differences in business culture, language, local laws and regulations to those in Australia limited the company in fully exploiting the opportunities offered by the minerals rich countries such as Chile and Peru. Harris Gomez and his professional team at HGG have been instrumental in overcoming such barriers and have been guiding us through the process of setting up and growing Hofmann Engineering Sudamerica. HGG have become trusted advisors for almost 10 years and our success in Chile is unequivocally linked to their expert advice and their sound understanding of our business objectives vis-a-vis the local business environment and regulative framework
Harris Gomez Group have been a reliable partner of Coolon LED Lighting at all stages during the establishing of our operations in Chile providing legal and compliance assistance in a unfamiliar and often challenging Chilean business environment. HGG continues to support our business with timely legal updates, advice on IP, trademarks and employment and also running our administrative function, which allowed us to focus on further development of our business
I would like to acknowledge the work that you and your team in Santiago have done over the past few years in helping Scanalyse develop its presence in the South American market. Setting up the company was easier (and cheaper) than I thought it would be and your ongoing attention to ensure that we complied with all regulatory processes have been appreciated. The advise you and your team have provided has always been thoughtful and considered and your co-operation and flexibility in attending to urgent matters have been of great assistance.
Working with Harris Gómez Group has allowed MineARC Systems to not only understand the many regulatory processes involved in establishing a business in Chile, but has ensured that MineARC Systems can remain confident that it is meeting all the regulatory requirements at each stage of the process. From the time of our initial engagement with Harris Gomez Group, to MineARC Systems becoming a fully operating company it has been a relatively short period
On behalf of the Australian Military Sales Office (AMSO) and Team Defence Australia delegation, I would like to thank the staff of Harris Gomez Group for the well delivered presentation and briefing on the legal and business aspects of doing business in both Chile and Colombia in April 2013. The presentation clearly delineated the legal framework and structures for those companies wishing to establish their businesses in these countries. Harris Gomez Group was referred to AMSO by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) which provides information and advice to assist Australian companies on exporting and doing business in the LATAM region. I also wish to thank Harris Gomez Group for their offer to assist on any specific matter relating to the Chilean and Colombian respective defence sectors.
HGG was instrumental in assisting Gekko Systems set up its legal entity within South America. Despite the background work completed by Gekko, the retention of HGG helped Gekko avoid a number of potential issues that would have cost the company both time and money. HGG not only assisted Gekko but also its General Manager in setting up tax and legal structures that provided a smooth transition into the Latin American market. Although starting in Santiago Chile, the experience that we gained, with the assistance of HGG, has enabled Gekko to successfully move into several key markets in Latin America.
Harris Gomez have provided us with a worry free environment in which we are able to focus on our business development in Chile. From addressing the complex legal and compliance issues in an unfamiliar setting to providing ongoing advice and assistance particular to our needs, Harris Gomez have been an invaluable partner in our Latin American venture
An important part of the deal with HGG was a fixed two-stage success based price: one part fixed, and the other dependent on success. It’s important to me to be able to call and debate small bits of advice, without getting an invoice for the 6.5 minutes I’m on the phone. Andrea does everything she can to accommodate the awkward 12 hour time difference between Brisbane and Chile (and also while I was in Europe). At this stage, HGG will be our default legal partner going forward.
When Jord won a contract and had to set up a company in Chile, it seemed like a daunting task. We had no people on the ground in Chile and most documents were in a foreign language. However, we were introduced to the Sydney office of the Harris Gomez Group who guided us through the set up process. After our company was established in Chile, the Harris Gomez Group continued to provide support and assistance and ensured we met statutory deadlines and requirements.Their staff have always been friendly and responsive, and always willing assist.
Some of the best advice we received when we started thinking about establishing our Santiago office was to go and see Harris and his team. In addition to helping us wade through all the legal prerequisites for setting up our company, bank accounts, and general administration, we have really appreciated Harris’ introductions and networking focus. Harris truly has his clients best interests as his primary focus.
The establishment of a Chilean entity was an orderly evolution, and was handled in a knowledgeable and intelligent manner. When issues regarding employment law in Chile surfaced, HGG was ready and able to guide us through the “mine fields” of having independent contractors versus employees. We have been impressed by the availability and thoughtfulness of the staff – we were never “put on hold.” Without reservation, I can recommend HGG to represent the legal and business interests of any U.S. company about to enter the Chilean marketplace.
Our experience with HGG Group has been very satisfactory, especially considering that they now act as a support team to various parts of our business. We are very aligned and consider HGG a strategic ally that we count on to support decision making related to the operation and strategic direction of the business. We appreciate their rapid responses and it is often faster than expected. We recommend HGG to any foreign company operating in Latin America.
Harris Gomez Group (“HGG”) established itself in Chile as a binational legal agency, with a capability to provide legal services for Australian companies operating in Chile while maintaining compliance obligations in both Australia and Chile. That HGG has been successful at this is self-evident in that it has survived and thrived, with branches established in Argentina, Peru and Colombia. In my experience of HGG and that, which distinguishes it, is the personal service and initiative. As a small client, I have always been treated as someone special, a rare privilege from a legal entity. I am highly impressed with initiative shown by Harris and his staff in coming up with unique solutions to intractable problems, which shows that they think beyond the legal aspect but consider the true implications of situations to clients. This attitude reflects in HGG’s willingness to share its knowledge of the Chilean and wider Latin American regulatory environment through its newsletters, which are written for non-legalpeople to understand, as well as Harris’ willingness to connect people with common interests at no personal gain to himself.
ISG first engaged HG back in 2015 because we were doing a lot of work in Chile and needed some help with some patent issues. Since 2015 we have used the services of HG in Chile and Bolivia. They act as legal representatives for ISG in both Chile and Bolivia. Our relationship has grown over the last three years with us now operating a Chilean company which is administered out of the HG’s Santiago office. The HG team are efficient and professional and we would have no hesitation recommending them for both Australian, and South American legal matters. It is very important to have a local legal team when performing contracts in South America.
I have known and worked with Harris Gomez & Associates for many years in Australia, Asia & Latin America. In my roles as Chief Economist of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Visiting Professor at Pontificia Universidad Católica (PUC) in Chile and here at the Australian School of Business, UNSW, in Sydney, I have come to regard Harris Gomez and his firm as the ‘go to’ Australian source of business and legal advice in Latin America. Harris and his firm provide excellent business intelligence, insight, knowledge and have a very practical approach to law, customs and government regulations. Harris’s high standing and reputation in Australia and Asia has transferred effortlessly to South America and he is a prominently leader in the Australian business community in both Santiago and throughout the region. Australian business and government leaders regularly seek his insight, advice and judgment on business and public policy matters affecting Australia, Chile and the Latin American region. Harris has built up a great young team of business professionals, many of whom, such as Cody McFarlane, have assisted me closely in my business and education dealings in Chile.
Power Step (Australia) wishes to acknowledge the professional guidance and services provided by Harris Gomez Group over the past four years. Harris Gomez and his team of professionals have provided professional assistance in the registration of a Power Step branch office in Santiago Chile and provide all necessary assistance to get the new company fully registered, licensed and operational. Additionally the HG group offered tax advice and recommended an accounting service to complete the statutory and annual tax returns. In summary we are very pleased with the calibre of service provided by the HG group and we recommend other Australian companies seeking professional advice in Chile or Latin America in general to consider the Harris Gomez Group.
We’ve been working closely with Harris Gómez from the Harris Gómez Group for about 2 years or so now. Harris was instrumental in ensuring that our purchase of a substantial Chilean resource asset went with out too many hitches. A complex deal; made even more difficult due to the marked differences in the Chilean and Australian legal jurisdictions not to mention the huge cultural divide. Harris’s unique blend of Australian and Chilean knowledge saved us time, energy and in the long run, money.Since taking possession of the project, Harris’s Team has smoothed the way for our integration into the Chilean business world and for this we are grateful. 2006 “National Entrepreneur of the Year” 2009 ANZ “Private Company of the Year” 2007 BRW “#1 Fastest Growing of the Year” 2008 Anthill’s “Coolest Company of theYear”.
Harris Gomez team of specialist lawyers helped us with the incorporation of our Chilean subsidiary and the negotiation of a complex financial arrangement, with the speed and quality of a top tier firm but at competitive rates. They continue to act as our trusted local counsel (hopefully for many years to come!).
HGG helped us identify a suitable acquisition target to enter the South American market, We gave them a brief of the type of business we were seeking and they delivered exactly what we asked for on time. They introduced us to a shortlist of companies and assisted in the negotiation with the preferred companies.
Whenever we encountered an issue, HGG did everything possible to find a solution. They worked tirelessly and proactively to satisfy our objectives. The outcome was a successful acquisition and the start of what we’re confident will be a long-term growth strategy.
I’d recommend HGG to businesses looking to enter and/or grow in South America. HGG has a deep understanding of what’s important to Australian companies and how we operate. They will help navigate the likely challenges.
HGG has helped EXSA Chile with our day-to-day legal needs for the last two years. The HGG legal team helped us through a significant trasaction earlier this year that will lead to a USD$10 million dollar investment in Chile. The service level has been outstanding and we continue to rely on HGG to this day.
Harris Gomez (“HGG”) has become a truly valued advisor for CiDRA’s growth in Latin America. HGG recently assisted CiDRA in the set-up of its Chilean subsidiary and banking operations. Their team of multi-lingual legal, tax and business advisors continue to provide very reliable and responsive advise to help us address our growing needs in the region. HGG has a broad network of relationships that we leverage for additional support such as payroll, bookkeeping and tax compliance. We look forward to working with HGG as our trusted partner.
Our experience working with HGG has been very satisfactory. I would like to highlight their professionalism, commitment and international experience. The assistance provided by HGG perfectly met our expectations.
