Bogotá English-speaking lawyer
For English speakers in Bogotá who need a lawyer familiar with both US and Colombian legal systems, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. offers cross-border counsel through its US-admitted attorneys and its Colombia Of Counsel. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, 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 matters involving Colombian law, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in the 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. Whether you are a US citizen living in Bogotá, a Colombian national with US legal needs, or a business navigating cross-border transactions, an English-speaking lawyer who understands both jurisdictions can help you address your legal questions. Reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
What an English-speaking lawyer in Bogotá can help you with
An English-speaking lawyer serving clients in Bogotá can assist with US legal matters—including immigration, family law, business transactions, and estate planning—while coordinating with Colombia-admitted counsel on any Colombia-law issues that arise. Many English speakers in Bogotá face legal questions that span two countries: a US citizen marrying a Colombian national, a Colombian professional seeking a US work visa, a family with assets in both countries, or a business owner entering the US market. These situations require counsel who can communicate clearly in English and who understand how US and Colombian legal frameworks interact.
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, is a US law firm with an international clientele. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle the US-law side of cross-border matters, while its Colombia Of Counsel—Eric Duport Jaramillo, licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar—addresses Colombia-law questions. This division of responsibility ensures that each aspect of a cross-border matter is handled by an attorney admitted in the relevant jurisdiction. The firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, and serves clients throughout Colombia, including Bogotá, through remote consultation and coordinated in-person meetings as needed.
How the firm handles US-Colombia cross-border legal matters
Cross-border legal work between the United States and Colombia is divided by jurisdiction: Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle all US-law aspects, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, addresses Colombia-law questions. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Eric Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in the Colombian bar and is not admitted in any US state bar; his practice with the firm is limited to matters of Colombian law and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. This structure allows the firm to serve clients whose legal needs touch both countries without any attorney practicing law in a jurisdiction where they are not admitted.
For a client in Bogotá, the process typically begins with a consultation—conducted in English or Spanish, by phone or video—to identify which country’s laws govern each aspect of the matter. If the issue is primarily a US immigration petition, for example, Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys lead the representation. If a Colombia-law question arises—such as the validity of a Colombian marriage or the requirements of a Colombian corporate registration—Eric Duport Jaramillo provides the Colombia-law analysis. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, offers a convenient point of contact for clients who prefer an in-person meeting, while remote consultation is available for clients in Bogotá and elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a US-admitted lawyer or a Colombia-admitted lawyer?
It depends on which country’s law governs your legal matter—many cross-border situations require both. If you are filing a US immigration petition, enforcing a US court order, or forming a US business entity, you need a US-admitted attorney. If you are dealing with a Colombian divorce, a Colombian property transaction, or a Colombian corporate matter, you need a Colombia-admitted attorney. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides both: Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, handles US-law matters, and Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in the Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar, handles Colombia-law matters in collaboration with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
Can the firm help with US immigration from Bogotá?
Yes—Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys represent clients in US immigration matters, including visa petitions, adjustment of status, and consular processing. For clients in Bogotá, the firm can prepare and file petitions with USCIS, guide you through the consular interview process at the US Embassy in Bogotá, and address any legal issues that arise during the immigration process. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, can assist with obtaining Colombia-issued documents needed for the US immigration process and can serve as a liaison between the client and the US-admitted attorneys. All US immigration legal advice and representation is provided by the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
What family law matters can the firm handle for clients in Bogotá?
The firm handles cross-border family law matters including international divorce, child custody, and recognition of foreign marriages where one party is in the US and the other is in Colombia. Under the doctrine of lex loci celebrationis, a marriage validly contracted under Colombian law is presumptively recognized by US courts, subject to narrow public-policy exceptions. For divorce matters, the firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle US-side proceedings, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, admitted to practice law in the Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar, addresses Colombia-law questions such as the validity of a Colombian marriage or the requirements for enforcing a US divorce decree in Colombia.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes—Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The Pereira location serves as a point of contact for clients in Colombia, including those in Bogotá, who prefer an in-person meeting. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, is based in Colombia and is available for consultations at the Pereira location or remotely. For clients in Bogotá, remote consultation by phone or video is also available, and the firm can arrange in-person meetings in Pereira when needed. All consultations are by appointment; contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
What languages do the attorneys speak?
The firm’s attorneys and Of Counsel communicate in English and Spanish, allowing the firm to serve English-speaking clients in Bogotá and Spanish-speaking clients with US legal needs. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is fluent in English and Tamil. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. This bilingual capability means that consultations can be conducted in English for clients who prefer it, while Spanish-language support is available for document review, Colombia-law analysis, and communication with Colombian institutions. The firm’s staff also includes Spanish-speaking professionals who assist with client intake and scheduling.
How do I schedule a consultation from Bogotá?
You can schedule a consultation by calling the firm at (888) 437-7747 or by emailing colombia@sriscounsel.com. Consultations are by appointment only and can be conducted by phone or video conference, accommodating the time difference between Colombia (UTC-5) and the firm’s US locations. When you contact the firm, a staff member will gather basic information about your legal matter and schedule a consultation with the appropriate attorney—Mr. Sris for US-law matters or Eric Duport Jaramillo for Colombia-law matters, with both available for cross-border matters that involve both jurisdictions. The firm’s Pereira location is also available for in-person consultations by appointment.
What should I prepare before contacting the firm?
Before your consultation, gather any relevant documents—such as passports, visas, marriage certificates, court orders, or business records—that relate to your legal matter. If your matter involves both US and Colombian law, having documents from both countries available helps the attorneys assess your situation efficiently. For US immigration matters, your passport, any prior USCIS notices, and your Colombian civil documents are particularly important. For family law matters, marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, and any existing court orders from either country should be ready. The firm will advise you on any additional documents needed after the initial consultation.
Can the firm help with business matters between the US and Colombia?
Yes—the firm assists with cross-border business matters including US entity formation, contract review, and regulatory compliance for businesses operating between the United States and Colombia. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle US-side business law matters such as forming a US corporation or LLC, drafting and reviewing cross-border contracts governed by US law, and advising on US regulatory requirements. Eric Duport Jaramillo, admitted to practice law in the Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar, addresses Colombia-law aspects such as Colombian corporate registration, Colombian tax considerations, and compliance with Colombian commercial regulations. The two sides collaborate to ensure that cross-border business transactions are structured correctly under both countries’ laws.
What if my legal matter only involves Colombian law?
If your matter is purely a Colombian-law issue—such as a Colombian divorce, a Colombian property dispute, or a Colombian criminal matter—Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, can assist. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in the Colombian bar and is not admitted in any US state bar; his practice with the firm is limited to matters of Colombian law. For matters that are exclusively governed by Colombian law, he provides counsel directly. If a US-law dimension arises—for example, if a Colombian divorce involves US-based assets or a US citizen spouse—Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys are brought in to handle the US-law aspects. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to determine which attorney is appropriate for your matter.
How are consultations billed?
Consultation fees vary by case and are discussed when you contact the firm to schedule an appointment. The firm provides information about its fee structure during the initial intake process, before any consultation takes place. For cross-border matters involving both US and Colombian law, the fee arrangement will reflect the involvement of both US-admitted and Colombia-admitted counsel. Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for specific information about consultation fees and representation costs for your particular legal matter.
Is the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel relationship established?
Yes—the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel relationship with Eric Duport Jaramillo is settled and current. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in the Colombian bar and is not admitted in any US state bar. He serves as the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, handling Colombia-law matters and acting as a liaison for international clients working with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. His background includes service as a former Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union and as Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, supports this established cross-border practice.