Colombia client counsel for Germany deals
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, provides counsel to Colombian companies and entrepreneurs on the US legal dimensions of their business dealings in Germany. When a Colombian entity enters into a German transaction—whether a distribution agreement, a joint venture, or an acquisition—US law may apply if the transaction touches US commerce, involves US-origin goods or technology, or implicates US anti-corruption statutes. 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 firm’s US-law practice. 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. To discuss how US law may affect your German deal, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How US Law Affects Colombian Businesses in German Transactions
Even a purely Colombia–Germany deal can trigger US legal obligations if it has a US nexus. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits bribery of foreign officials and applies to any issuer of US securities, any US domestic concern, and certain foreign persons acting in US territory. A Colombian company that uses US dollar wire transfers, US-based email servers, or involves a US subsidiary or agent may fall within the FCPA’s reach. The firm helps clients evaluate whether their German transaction—for example, a deal requiring permits from German authorities—creates FCPA exposure and advises on compliance programs, due diligence, and contractual safeguards.
US export controls also frequently apply. If the transaction involves goods, software, or technology of US origin, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security may require a license, especially for dual-use items. Defense articles and services are controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The firm’s US-licensed attorneys work with clients to classify items, determine licensing requirements, and structure transactions to avoid inadvertent violations. On the Colombian side, Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, handles local corporate formalities, contract enforceability under Colombian law, and coordination with Colombian regulators, ensuring that the deal’s Colombian-law foundation is sound while the firm manages the cross-border regulatory risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US lawyer for a deal between Colombia and Germany?
You may need a US lawyer if the transaction has any connection to the United States. US law can apply even when neither party is US-based. Common triggers include using US banks, US dollar payments, US-origin technology, or having a US subsidiary. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. advises Colombian clients on exactly these issues, working alongside the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel to cover both jurisdictions.
What US laws apply to a Colombian company doing business in Germany?
The most common US laws that reach a Colombia–Germany transaction are the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and US export controls. The FCPA prohibits paying bribes to foreign officials to obtain or retain business. Export controls under the EAR and ITAR restrict the transfer of certain US-origin items, technology, and defense articles. Other US laws, such as anti-boycott regulations and certain securities laws, may also apply depending on the deal structure. The firm’s US attorneys analyze the specific facts of your transaction to determine which US legal frameworks are implicated.
How does the FCPA affect my German deal?
The FCPA can affect your German deal if any part of the transaction involves a US nexus and a foreign official. For example, if your Colombian company is seeking a permit from a German government agency and uses a US bank to pay a consultant who interacts with that agency, the FCPA’s anti-bribery and books-and-records provisions may apply. The firm helps clients implement compliance measures, conduct due diligence on intermediaries, and draft agreements that allocate FCPA risk appropriately. Early FCPA assessment can prevent costly enforcement actions.
What are US export controls and do they apply to my German transaction?
US export controls regulate the transfer of US-origin goods, software, and technology to foreign countries and persons. If your Colombian company is buying equipment from a German supplier that contains US-origin components, or if you are sending US-origin technical data to Germany, the EAR or ITAR may require a license. The firm’s attorneys can help you classify the items, determine whether a license exception is available, and prepare license applications if needed. Violations can result in significant penalties, so early compliance review is essential.
Can the firm help with Colombian law aspects of the deal?
Yes, through the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia and handles Colombian corporate, contract, and regulatory matters. He works in collaboration with the firm’s US-licensed attorneys to ensure that the Colombian-law elements of your German deal—such as corporate authorizations, local filings, and enforceability of agreements under Colombian law—are properly addressed. He is not admitted in any US state bar and his role is limited to Colombian law and liaison functions.
How does the firm coordinate between US and Colombian law?
The firm uses a dual-counsel model: Mr. Sris and the US-licensed attorneys handle all US-law issues, while Eric Duport Jaramillo handles Colombian-law issues. The two sides communicate directly to ensure that the deal structure works under both legal systems. For example, a distribution agreement might need to comply with US export controls and Colombian commercial agency laws. The firm’s approach avoids conflicts and ensures that each jurisdiction’s requirements are met by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction.
What should I bring to a consultation about a Colombia–Germany deal?
Bring a summary of the transaction, the parties involved, and any existing contracts or term sheets. Also helpful are details about the goods or technology involved, the payment structure, and any prior dealings with government officials. If you have already identified potential US touchpoints—such as US investors, US bank accounts, or US-origin components—note those as well. The more information you provide, the more targeted the initial advice can be. Consultations are by appointment; contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Does the firm handle German law?
No, the firm does not practice German law. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm. Its practice is limited to US federal and state law, and through its Colombia Of Counsel, Colombian law. For German law matters, the firm can help you identify qualified German counsel and coordinate with them, but the firm itself does not provide legal advice on German statutes or regulations. The firm’s role is to manage the US and Colombian legal aspects of your cross-border deal.
How do I get started?
Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the initial discussion, an attorney will ask about your transaction, identify potential US and Colombian legal issues, and explain how the firm can assist. There is no obligation, and all communications are confidential. The firm serves clients from its locations in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only.
Is the firm experienced with Colombia–Germany cross-border deals?
The firm has extensive experience advising international clients on US legal compliance in multi-jurisdictional transactions. While each deal is unique, the firm’s US attorneys have handled numerous matters involving FCPA, export controls, and other cross-border regulatory frameworks. The Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, brings deep knowledge of Colombian business law and prior diplomatic experience, which is valuable for navigating the Colombian side of the transaction. The firm’s combined experience helps clients move forward with confidence.