Colombia client counsel for UAE deals
Colombian businesses and entrepreneurs pursuing opportunities in the United Arab Emirates often encounter US legal requirements that can affect the structure, financing, and compliance of a cross-border transaction. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm with an international clientele, and we assist Colombian clients with the US-law dimensions of UAE deals. 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. For Colombia-law matters, the firm works 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 and is not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing it or contacting the firm. To discuss your specific situation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How a US Law Firm Assists Colombian Clients with UAE Transactions
When a Colombian company or individual enters into a deal in the UAE—whether a joint venture, a distribution agreement, a real estate investment, or a technology transfer—US law may apply if the transaction involves US dollars, US-based counterparties, US goods or technology, or a US nexus such as a subsidiary or a US investor. The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq.) can reach conduct by any person while in US territory, and its anti-bribery provisions may affect how a Colombian party interacts with UAE government officials. US export control regulations, administered by the Department of Commerce, may also require licenses for certain goods or technology destined for the UAE. Our firm helps Colombian clients identify these US legal touchpoints early, so the deal can be structured to avoid compliance surprises.
We do not practice UAE law or Colombian law. For UAE-law matters, we coordinate with local counsel in the UAE. For Colombia-law matters, Eric Duport Jaramillo, our Of Counsel admitted in Colombian bar, provides Colombia-law support and serves as a liaison for our Spanish-speaking clientele. The US-law work—contract review, FCPA due diligence, export classification, and advice on US regulatory requirements—is handled by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. This division of responsibility ensures that each aspect of the transaction is addressed by a lawyer licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a Colombian company need a US lawyer for a UAE deal?
A US lawyer can help a Colombian company navigate US laws that apply to cross-border transactions, even when the deal is between Colombia and the UAE. Many international deals involve US dollars, US banks, US investors, or US-origin goods or technology. US laws such as the FCPA and export controls can apply to non-US parties in certain circumstances. A US-licensed attorney can assess whether these laws affect the transaction and advise on compliance measures, reducing the risk of penalties or deal delays. For guidance on your specific cross-border situation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What US laws might apply to a Colombian company doing business in the UAE?
The US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and US export control regulations are two of the most common US laws that can affect a Colombian company’s UAE deal. The FCPA prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records for issuers. Export controls restrict the transfer of certain goods, software, and technology to the UAE, depending on the item’s classification and end-use. Our firm helps clients identify which US laws apply and develop a compliance plan.
How does the FCPA affect a Colombian company’s UAE transaction?
The FCPA can apply to a Colombian company if the company or its agents act in furtherance of a corrupt payment while in US territory, or if the company is an “issuer” of US securities or a “domestic concern.” Even if the Colombian company is not directly subject to the FCPA, its US-based partners, banks, or investors may be, and they will expect FCPA-compliant conduct. We help Colombian clients conduct FCPA risk assessments, draft anti-corruption representations for contracts, and implement compliance procedures that satisfy US counterparties. To discuss the details of your international matter, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a US law firm help with contract drafting for a UAE deal?
Yes, a US law firm can draft or review the US-law-governed portions of a contract for a UAE deal, such as choice-of-law clauses, dispute resolution provisions, and representations regarding US regulatory compliance. We work with UAE counsel to ensure the contract is enforceable under UAE law and with Colombian counsel to address Colombian law requirements. Our role is to make sure the US-law aspects are properly addressed, including FCPA warranties, export control compliance, and US tax considerations. For a consultation on cross-border counsel, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel network at (888) 437-7747.
What is the role of a Colombian Of Counsel in a US law firm?
A Colombian Of Counsel, such as Eric Duport Jaramillo, is a lawyer licensed in Colombia who collaborates with the firm on Colombia-law matters and serves as a liaison for Spanish-speaking clients. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to Colombia-law issues and to facilitating communication between the client and the firm’s US-licensed attorneys. He does not provide US legal advice. This arrangement allows the firm to offer integrated cross-border service while maintaining strict jurisdictional separation.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. has a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The Pereira location supports the firm’s Colombia practice and provides a convenient meeting point for Colombian clients. All US-law work is performed by attorneys admitted in the United States, and all Colombia-law work is performed by Of Counsel admitted in Colombia. The firm’s US principal location is in Virginia, also by appointment only.
How do I start working with the firm on a UAE deal?
You can begin by calling (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the initial discussion, we will ask about the nature of the transaction, the parties involved, and any US connections. We will then identify the US legal issues that may arise and explain how we can assist, including whether we need to engage UAE or Colombian counsel. Consultations are by appointment only. For guidance on your specific cross-border situation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What if the UAE deal involves US export-controlled technology?
If the deal involves US-origin goods, software, or technology that is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a US export license may be required before the item can be transferred to the UAE. We help clients classify the item, determine the applicable export control jurisdiction, and apply for any necessary licenses from the US Department of Commerce or Department of State. We also advise on compliance with US antiboycott laws, which can affect transactions involving the UAE. For a consultation on cross-border counsel, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel network at (888) 437-7747.
Can the firm help with UAE free zone company formation?
We do not directly form UAE free zone companies, but we can coordinate with UAE counsel and advise on the US legal implications of the chosen structure. For example, if the UAE entity will be owned by a US person or will receive US investment, US tax and securities laws may apply. We work with UAE lawyers to ensure the formation documents address US regulatory concerns. Our role is to provide US legal support, not to practice UAE law.
Is the firm experienced with Latin American clients?
Yes, the firm has extensive experience serving Latin American clients, including Colombian businesses and individuals. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience across US and foreign jurisdictions. Eric Duport Jaramillo, our Of Counsel for Colombia, is a former Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union and former Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce, giving him deep insight into the Colombian business environment. This background helps the firm understand the practical concerns of Colombian clients entering Middle Eastern markets.
What should I prepare before contacting the firm about a UAE deal?
It is helpful to have a summary of the proposed transaction, the identities of the parties, the countries involved, and any US connections such as US investors, US banks, or US-origin goods. If you have draft agreements or term sheets, those are also useful. The more information you can provide, the more efficiently we can assess the US legal issues. All communications are confidential. To discuss the details of your international matter, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel Network
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the firm’s cross-border outbound practice, focusing on the US-law aspects of international transactions. For Colombia-law matters, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, 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. Mr. Sris is not admitted to practice Colombia law. The firm’s Of Counsel network includes attorneys in multiple jurisdictions, allowing the firm to address cross-border matters while maintaining strict jurisdictional separation. All firm locations are by appointment only.