lawyer in Lima
When you search for a lawyer in Lima, you may be looking for a US-licensed attorney who understands the legal needs of clients in Peru. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that serves international clients with US legal matters. The firm does not maintain a location in Lima, but it regularly assists individuals and businesses in Peru who need representation in US immigration, business, or family law. For any aspect of a matter that turns on Peruvian law, the firm collaborates with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
How a US Lawyer Assists Clients in Lima
A US-licensed attorney can represent a client in Lima on matters governed by US federal or state law. Many individuals and companies in Peru encounter US legal issues—such as applying for a US visa, forming a US business entity, or resolving a cross-border family dispute—that require a lawyer admitted to practice in the United States. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides that representation from its US locations, working with clients in Lima through secure electronic communication and, when necessary, travel.
The firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle the US-law side of a matter directly. For example, if a Peruvian entrepreneur needs an E-2 treaty investor visa, the firm prepares and files the petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Immigration and Nationality Act. If a US citizen living in Lima needs to enforce a US child-support order, the firm can pursue the matter in the appropriate US state court. In each case, the client in Lima receives the same legal services as a client in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, or New York—the five US jurisdictions where Mr. Sris is admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US lawyer or a Peruvian lawyer for my matter?
It depends on which country’s law governs the issue. If the matter involves US immigration, a US business, or a US court proceeding, you need a US-licensed attorney. If the matter involves Peruvian family law, property in Peru, or a Peruvian court case, you need a Peruvian-licensed attorney. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. handles the US-law side and, through its Of Counsel relationship with Martín Mayandía, can coordinate the Peruvian-law side. Mr. Mayandía is admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and is not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm.
Can the firm help me get a US visa from Lima?
Yes, the firm’s US-licensed attorneys can prepare and file US visa petitions for clients in Lima. The process is the same as for any client outside the United States: the firm analyzes eligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act, assembles the petition, and submits it to USCIS. Once the petition is approved, the client attends the visa interview at the US Embassy in Lima. The firm does not appear at the consular interview, but it can prepare the client for the questions that are typically asked.
What if my case involves both US and Peruvian law?
The firm handles the US-law portion directly and collaborates with a Peru-admitted Of Counsel for the Peruvian-law portion. This division ensures that each side of the matter is addressed by an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. The US-admitted attorney and the Peru-admitted Of Counsel coordinate as needed, but each remains responsible only for the law of their own jurisdiction. This structure protects the client and complies with the unauthorized-practice-of-law rules in both countries.
Does the firm have an office in Lima?
No, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. does not have a location in Lima. The firm’s US locations are in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Clients in Lima work with the firm remotely, and the firm can travel to Lima when a matter requires an in-person meeting. The firm’s Of Counsel, Martín Mayandía, is based in Peru and can meet with clients there on Peru-law matters, but he is not a US-licensed attorney and does not provide US legal advice.
How do I start working with the firm from Lima?
Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the initial call, the firm will ask about the nature of your matter and determine whether it is primarily a US-law issue, a Peruvian-law issue, or a combination. If the matter requires both US and Peruvian counsel, the firm will explain how the collaboration with Martín Mayandía works and what each attorney will handle. Consultations are by appointment only.
Can the firm help with a US business I want to open while living in Lima?
Yes, the firm can assist with forming a US business entity and advising on US regulatory requirements. The choice of entity—such as a limited liability company or a corporation—and the state of formation depend on the business’s goals. The firm can also advise on US tax identification numbers, US bank account opening procedures, and compliance with US federal and state laws. Peruvian law aspects, such as the tax treatment of the US entity in Peru, would be handled by Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Peru and not in any US state bar.
What about document authentication for use in Peru?
The firm can assist with obtaining US documents and having them authenticated for use in Peru. The authentication procedure depends on the type of document and the requirements of the Peruvian authority that will receive it. The firm verifies the current authentication method—whether apostille or consular legalization—for each matter, because treaty membership can change. The firm does not make representations about Peru’s treaty status; it confirms the applicable procedure at the time of the request.
Can the firm represent me in a Peruvian court?
No, the firm’s US-licensed attorneys cannot appear in Peruvian courts. Only an attorney admitted to practice in Peru can represent a client before a Peruvian tribunal. For any matter that requires a Peruvian court appearance, the firm refers the client to Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar. The firm can continue to handle any related US court proceedings.
Is the firm familiar with Peruvian business culture?
Through its Of Counsel relationship with Martín Mayandía, the firm has access to a practitioner who understands Peruvian business and legal culture. Mr. Mayandía, admitted in Peru since 2009, provides insight into local practices, regulatory expectations, and the practicalities of cross-border transactions. This collaboration helps the firm’s US-licensed attorneys serve clients in Lima more effectively, while keeping the US-law and Peru-law roles clearly separated.
How are fees handled for cross-border matters?
Fees are discussed during the initial consultation and depend on the scope of the US-law work. The firm’s engagement letter will specify which services are provided by the US-licensed attorneys and which, if any, are provided by the Peru-admitted Of Counsel. The client pays the firm for the US-law services; any separate arrangement with Martín Mayandía for Peru-law services is disclosed and agreed to in writing. The firm does not charge a fee for simply referring a matter to Mr. Mayandía.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel Network
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has built a practice that serves international clients with US legal needs. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor; he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g).
For matters involving Peruvian law, the firm works with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel. Mr. Mayandía is admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and is not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm.