Atchuthan Sriskandarajah Colombia
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, is a US law firm with an international clientele. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris (Atchuthan Sriskandarajah, Esq.), is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For clients whose legal matters involve Colombia, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar; that role is limited to Colombia-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. This page provides general information about the firm’s cross-border practice and is not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing it or contacting the firm.
Cross-Border Legal Services for Clients with Colombia Connections
Individuals and businesses with ties to Colombia often need US legal guidance on immigration, business transactions, family law, and asset protection. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US-law counsel to clients whose matters cross the US-Colombia border. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the US side of the matter, while the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, provides Colombia-law support and serves as a liaison for international clients. This division of responsibility ensures that each aspect of a cross-border matter is addressed by an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys advise on US immigration petitions, US business formation, US family law proceedings, and US estate planning for clients with Colombian assets or family members. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) facilitates communication and document handling for clients in the region, but all US legal work is performed by attorneys admitted in the United States.
How Mr. Sris and the Colombia Of Counsel Collaborate
When a matter involves both US and Colombian law, the firm structures the engagement so that each attorney works within their licensure. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar, advises on Colombian-law questions that arise in the same matter, such as the validity of a Colombian marriage, the requirements for a Colombian apostille, or the enforceability of a Colombian judgment. The two attorneys coordinate as needed, but each remains strictly within the bounds of their respective bar admissions.
This collaborative model allows the firm to serve clients whose legal needs span two legal systems without any attorney practicing law in a jurisdiction where they are not admitted. Clients benefit from a single point of contact for the US side of the matter while receiving Colombia-law input from a licensed Colombian attorney. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) is used for client meetings and document collection; no US legal advice is provided from that location.
About Mr. Sris and the Colombia Of Counsel
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted 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 clients across the United States and internationally. Mr. Sris 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). His legislative involvement reflects a commitment to understanding the statutes that affect his clients.
Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, is admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar. His practice with the firm is limited to Colombia-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-licensed attorneys. Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s background includes service as Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union and as Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce, giving him deep familiarity with Colombian institutions and cross-border business issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What US legal services does the firm offer to clients with Colombia connections?
The firm provides US-law representation in immigration, business, family, and estate matters for clients whose personal or business affairs involve Colombia. On the immigration side, the firm assists with family-based petitions, employment-based visas, and consular processing at the US Embassy in Bogotá. For business clients, the firm forms US entities, drafts cross-border contracts, and advises on US regulatory compliance. Family law services include US divorce, child custody, and property division when one spouse resides in the US and the other in Colombia. Estate planning covers US wills and trusts for clients with assets in both countries. All US legal work is performed by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
Does the firm handle Colombian law matters directly?
No. The firm does not practice Colombian law. Colombian-law questions are addressed by Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. If a matter requires representation before Colombian courts or agencies, Mr. Duport Jaramillo can provide that representation as independent Colombian counsel, separate from the firm’s US engagement.
How does the firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia work?
The Pereira location is a meeting and document-handling point, not a US law office. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) allows clients in the region to meet with the Colombia Of Counsel, drop off documents, and discuss their matters in person. No US legal advice is given at that location; all US legal services are provided by attorneys admitted in the United States from the firm’s US locations. The Pereira location helps bridge the practical distance for clients who need to coordinate between two countries.
Can the firm help with a US visa for a Colombian national?
Yes. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys prepare and file US visa petitions for Colombian nationals. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle the preparation of Form I-130 (family-based), Form I-129 (employment-based), and other USCIS petitions. The firm also assists with consular processing at the US Embassy in Bogotá, including preparing clients for the visa interview and addressing any administrative processing issues. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, serves as a liaison, helping clients understand the process and gather Colombian documents, but the legal representation before USCIS and the Department of State is provided exclusively by US-admitted attorneys.
What should I bring to a consultation about a cross-border matter?
Bring any documents that relate to both the US and Colombian aspects of your situation. For immigration matters, this includes passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any prior USCIS notices. For business matters, bring incorporation documents, contracts, and tax records from both countries. For family law, bring marriage certificates, property deeds, and any existing court orders. If documents are in Spanish, the firm can arrange translation. The initial consultation will help identify which aspects of your matter require US-law counsel and which may need Colombia-law input from the Of Counsel.
How do I engage the firm for a cross-border matter?
Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, the firm will assess the US-law dimensions of your matter and determine whether Colombia-law support from the Of Counsel is needed. If so, the firm will explain how the engagement will be structured, with Mr. Sris or another US-admitted attorney handling the US side and Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, providing Colombia-law input. All engagements are governed by a written agreement that clearly delineates the scope of each attorney’s role and the jurisdictions in which they are licensed.