Colombia client counsel for US deals
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that serves international clients with US legal needs. For Colombian businesses, investors, and individuals entering the US market, the firm provides US-licensed counsel on the full range of US deal work—from entity formation and contract negotiation to regulatory compliance and cross-border dispute resolution. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and leads the US-law side of every engagement. For matters that also involve Colombian law, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombian-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 how the firm can assist with your US deal, call (888) 437-7747.
How Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. assists Colombian clients with US deals
When a Colombian company or individual needs to structure a US transaction, the legal work falls into two distinct spheres: US law and Colombian law. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. handles the US-law side directly through its US-licensed attorneys, while the Colombian-law side is addressed by Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. This division ensures that each jurisdiction’s requirements are met by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction, and that the client receives coordinated advice without any unauthorized practice of law.
The firm’s US-licensed attorneys advise on entity selection (LLC, corporation, partnership), draft and negotiate commercial agreements, handle US regulatory filings, and represent clients in US litigation or arbitration when disputes arise. For the Colombian-law dimensions—such as the enforceability of a Colombian parent company’s guarantee, the tax treatment of a cross-border investment under Colombian law, or the recognition of a US judgment in Colombia—the firm engages Mr. Duport Jaramillo, who provides Colombian-law analysis and works in tandem with Mr. Sris. The client benefits from a single point of coordination while maintaining strict jurisdictional separation. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of US deals do Colombian clients typically need counsel for?
Colombian clients often need US counsel for business formation, commercial contracts, real estate acquisitions, intellectual property protection, and cross-border financing. A Colombian entrepreneur opening a US subsidiary, a Colombian investor purchasing US commercial property, or a Colombian exporter negotiating a distribution agreement with a US partner all require US-licensed legal guidance. The firm’s US attorneys handle entity formation, contract drafting, due diligence, and regulatory compliance, while coordinating with Colombian Of Counsel on any Colombian-law aspects of the transaction.
Do I need a US lawyer if I am based in Colombia and the deal is in the US?
Yes, a US-licensed attorney is essential for any transaction governed by US law, even if you never travel to the United States. US courts, regulatory agencies, and counterparties expect compliance with US statutes and procedures. A Colombian lawyer cannot provide US legal advice or appear before US tribunals. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US-licensed counsel who can handle the US side of the deal remotely, coordinating with your Colombian advisors as needed.
How does the firm handle the division between US law and Colombian law?
The firm maintains a strict jurisdictional separation: US-licensed attorneys handle all US-law matters, and Colombian-licensed Of Counsel handle Colombian-law matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys are responsible for US entity formation, contract negotiation, litigation, and regulatory compliance. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar, provides Colombian-law analysis and advice. The two sides collaborate to ensure a coordinated strategy, but each attorney works only within the jurisdiction where they are licensed.
Can the firm help if I need to enforce a US judgment in Colombia?
The firm can assist with the US-side enforcement strategy and coordinate with Colombian Of Counsel for the Colombian recognition process. Enforcing a US judgment in Colombia requires navigating Colombian procedural law. The firm’s US attorneys handle the US judgment domestication and related proceedings, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, advises on the Colombian exequatur process. The firm does not practice Colombian law directly; all Colombian-law work is performed by Mr. Duport Jaramillo in his capacity as an independent Colombian-licensed attorney.
What about language barriers? Do I need to speak English to work with the firm?
No, the firm offers Spanish-language capability through its Colombia practice Of Counsel and staff. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys work with these liaisons to ensure that Spanish-speaking clients fully understand the US legal process. Consultations can be conducted in Spanish or English, depending on client preference.
Does the firm have a physical location in Colombia?
Yes, the firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The Pereira location serves as a point of contact for Colombian clients and facilitates in-person meetings with the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel. All US legal work is performed by the firm’s US-licensed attorneys from its US locations. The Pereira location does not provide US legal services; it is a liaison and meeting space for the firm’s Colombia practice.
What should I bring to an initial consultation about a US deal?
Bring any existing contracts, corporate documents, and a clear description of your business objectives and the parties involved. For a US entity formation, the firm will need to know the proposed ownership structure, the nature of the business, and any US regulatory considerations. For a contract negotiation, bring the draft agreement and any prior correspondence. The firm’s US attorneys will review the materials and identify the US-law issues, while coordinating with Colombian Of Counsel on any Colombian-law aspects.
How are fees structured for cross-border US deal work?
Fees vary by case and are discussed during the initial consultation. The firm typically offers flat-fee arrangements for certain US entity formations and hourly billing for more complex transactional or litigation matters. Because cross-border engagements involve coordination between US and Colombian counsel, the firm provides a clear fee estimate that accounts for both sides of the work. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and receive a fee quote tailored to your matter.
Can the firm help with US immigration matters related to a US deal?
Yes, the firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle US immigration matters, including visas for investors, executives, and specialized workers. A Colombian entrepreneur establishing a US business may need an E-2 treaty investor visa or an L-1 intracompany transferee visa. The firm’s US immigration practice, led by Mr. Sris, advises on visa eligibility, prepares petitions, and represents clients before USCIS and US consular posts. Colombian-law aspects, such as the validity of Colombian corporate documents, are addressed by the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel.
What if a dispute arises after the deal closes?
The firm represents clients in US litigation and arbitration arising from cross-border deals. If a contract dispute, partnership disagreement, or regulatory enforcement action occurs, the firm’s US-licensed litigators can appear in US courts and before US arbitration panels. For any parallel proceedings in Colombia, the firm coordinates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who advises on Colombian procedural law and can represent clients in Colombian tribunals. The firm’s US attorneys handle all US-side litigation; Mr. Duport Jaramillo handles Colombian-side matters.
How do I get started?
Call Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the initial call, the firm will discuss your US deal objectives, identify the US-law issues, and explain how the US and Colombian legal teams will work together. Consultations are by appointment only. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys and Colombia Of Counsel are available to meet in person at the firm’s US locations or at the Pereira, Colombia location, or remotely via video conference.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel Network
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He founded the firm in 1997 and has built a practice focused on serving international clients with US legal needs. For Colombia-related matters, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s role is limited to Colombian-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to cross-border engagements, ensuring that each jurisdiction’s legal requirements are met by a licensed professional.
For guidance on related cross-border matters, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.