Bogotá law firm for foreign clients
Clients based in Bogotá, Colombia, who need legal representation in the United States can work with Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997 with an international clientele. The firm handles US-law matters — including immigration, business formation, cross-border family law, and US litigation — for Colombian nationals, businesses, and families. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For matters that also involve Colombian law, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia 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. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys. Consultations are available remotely, and the firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
US legal representation for clients based in Bogotá, Colombia
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US legal services to individuals and businesses in Bogotá without requiring them to travel to the United States. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle matters under federal and state law, including immigration petitions before USCIS, business entity formation in any US state, cross-border family law disputes, and civil litigation in US courts. When a matter also requires Colombian-law analysis, the firm engages its Colombia-licensed Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is admitted to the Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar. This division ensures that each aspect of a cross-border matter is handled by an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
For a Colombian entrepreneur seeking to establish a US subsidiary, the firm can form the entity, obtain an Employer Identification Number, and advise on US regulatory compliance — including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq., which applies to US issuers, domestic concerns, and certain foreign persons acting in US territory. For a Colombian family navigating a cross-border custody or divorce matter, the firm handles the US-side proceedings while Mr. Duport Jaramillo advises on Colombian family law. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available by appointment only for clients who prefer an in-person initial meeting before engaging US counsel.
About the attorneys
Mr. Sris, 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 serves as its Owner and Managing Attorney. 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). He leads the firm’s US-law practice and serves as the responsible US attorney for all sriscounsel.com content under applicable bar rules.
Eric Duport Jaramillo serves as Of Counsel for Colombia matters. He is licensed in Colombia and 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. 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. He holds a law degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and is fluent in Spanish, English, and French. All US-law aspects of any matter are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm.
Frequently asked questions
What types of US legal matters can the firm handle for someone based in Bogotá?
The firm handles US immigration, business formation, cross-border family law, real estate transactions, and civil litigation for clients in Bogotá. US immigration matters include family-based and employment-based visa petitions, adjustment of status, and consular processing before USCIS and US consular posts. Business services include US entity formation, EIN registration, and regulatory compliance. Family law matters encompass US-side divorce, custody, and support proceedings where one party resides in the United States. The firm does not practice Colombian law; for Colombia-law questions, the firm’s Colombia-licensed Of Counsel provides guidance in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys.
Do I need to travel to the United States to work with the firm?
No, travel to the United States is not required to engage the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. Consultations are conducted by phone or video conference, and documents are exchanged electronically. The firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, available by appointment only, for clients who prefer an in-person initial meeting. Court appearances in US proceedings may require the client’s presence depending on the nature of the matter and the court’s requirements; the firm advises on when personal appearance is necessary. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What US immigration options are available for Colombian nationals?
Colombian nationals may be eligible for various US immigration pathways under the Immigration and Nationality Act, including family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and investor visas. The specific category depends on the applicant’s family relationships, employment qualifications, or investment capacity. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle the preparation and filing of petitions with USCIS and represent clients in consular processing. Each case is evaluated on its individual facts, and eligibility is determined by the applicable statutory criteria. For Colombia-law aspects of an immigration matter — such as obtaining Colombian civil documents — the firm’s Colombia-licensed Of Counsel provides guidance.
Can the firm help a Colombian business establish a US presence?
Yes, the firm assists Colombian businesses with forming US entities, obtaining tax identification numbers, and addressing US regulatory requirements. The process typically involves selecting the appropriate entity type — such as a corporation or limited liability company — filing formation documents with the chosen state, and obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. For Colombian companies that may interact with US government officials or engage in US-regulated industries, the firm advises on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq. Criminal penalties for FCPA anti-bribery violations are set by 15 U.S.C. § 78ff, under which an individual faces up to five years imprisonment per violation.
How does the firm divide work between US law and Colombian law?
Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys handle all US-law aspects of a matter, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia-licensed Of Counsel, handles Colombia-law aspects. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed 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. This jurisdictional separation ensures that each component of a cross-border matter is addressed by an attorney licensed in the relevant country. The two sides coordinate as needed, but the firm does not hold out any attorney as practicing law in a jurisdiction where they are not admitted.
What is the process for using Colombian documents in US legal proceedings?
Colombian documents intended for use in US proceedings generally require authentication, and the specific process depends on the applicable international agreements and the requirements of the US court or agency where the document will be filed. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys advise on the authentication requirements for the specific US venue. The firm’s Colombia-licensed Of Counsel can assist with obtaining certified copies of Colombian documents and navigating Colombian-side procedures. Because authentication requirements vary by document type, issuing authority, and receiving jurisdiction, the firm reviews each situation individually. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 for guidance on your specific document needs.
Can the firm assist with cross-border family law matters involving Colombia and the US?
Yes, the firm handles US-side family law matters — including divorce, child custody, and support proceedings — for clients with connections to both Colombia and the United States. Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys represent clients in US family courts, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia-licensed Of Counsel, advises on Colombian family law. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. For a marriage celebrated in Colombia, US courts generally apply the doctrine of lex loci celebrationis, under which a marriage validly contracted under Colombian law is presumptively recognized in the United States, subject to narrow public-policy exceptions. Each family law matter is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the applicable law of the relevant US state.
How do I schedule a consultation from Bogotá?
Consultations can be scheduled by calling (888) 437-7747 or by emailing colombia@sriscounsel.com. The firm offers remote consultations by phone and video conference for clients in Bogotá. Spanish-speaking professionals are available to assist. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available by appointment only for clients who prefer an in-person meeting. Consultations are by appointment; contact information is provided above. The firm typically responds within one business day.
What should I prepare before contacting the firm about a US legal matter?
Before reaching out, gather any relevant documents, a timeline of key events, and a clear description of your legal question or goal. For immigration matters, this may include passport information, prior visa history, and any correspondence from USCIS or a US consular post. For business matters, relevant corporate documents and a description of the proposed US activities are helpful. For family law matters, marriage certificates, custody orders, and any existing US court documents should be collected. The firm’s attorneys review the specifics of each situation during the consultation and advise on what additional information may be needed. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Does the firm have experience working with Colombian clients?
Yes, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. serves an international clientele and has specific experience working with clients from Colombia and across Latin America. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia-licensed Of Counsel, brings deep knowledge of Colombian institutions and business culture to his liaison role. He is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his practice is limited to Colombian-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys, led by Mr. Sris, handle all US-law aspects of client matters. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only, reflects its commitment to serving Colombian clients.