Medellín law firm for foreign clients
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that assists individuals and businesses in Medellín with US legal matters. From our location in Pereira, Colombia, we provide US-admitted counsel on immigration, cross-border family law, and US business transactions. Whether you are a Colombian national seeking a US visa, a Medellín-based company entering the US market, or a family with assets in both countries, our US-licensed attorneys guide you through the applicable US legal frameworks. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
How a US law firm serves clients in Medellín
US legal issues do not pause at the border. A Medellín resident who needs an E-2 investor visa, a US citizen living in Colombia who must address a Virginia divorce, or a Colombian exporter facing a US contract dispute all require counsel admitted to practice in the relevant US jurisdiction. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. fills that role. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he leads the US-law side of every matter. For Colombia-law questions that arise in a cross-border case, the firm collaborates 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. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm.
This structure gives Medellín clients a single point of contact for US legal needs while ensuring that any Colombia-specific legal analysis comes from a lawyer licensed in Colombia. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, makes in-person consultations convenient for clients in the Coffee Region, and video conferencing is available for those who cannot travel. Because the firm is a US law practice, it does not hold itself out as a Colombian law firm and does not advise on matters of purely Colombian law; for those, the firm can refer clients to independent Colombian counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What US legal services does the firm offer to clients in Medellín?
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US immigration, family, and business legal services to clients in Medellín. On the immigration side, the firm handles employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, E-2), family-sponsored green cards, fiancé(e) visas, and naturalization. For families, the firm addresses US divorce, child custody, and property division when one spouse is in the US and the other in Colombia. Business clients receive help with US entity formation, contract review, and cross-border transactions. Every matter is managed by a US-admitted attorney; the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel serves as a liaison for Colombia-law context but does not practice US law.
How does the firm handle US immigration matters for Colombian nationals?
US immigration petitions are prepared and filed by Mr. Sris or another US-licensed attorney at the firm. The process begins with a consultation to determine the appropriate visa category—such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, an E-2 treaty investor visa, or a family-based immigrant visa. The firm gathers supporting documents, prepares the required USCIS forms, and monitors the case through adjudication. For consular processing in Bogotá, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel can provide logistical guidance, but the legal representation before US authorities remains with the US-admitted attorney. This division preserves the attorney-client relationship under US law while respecting Colombian bar rules.
Can the firm assist with US business formation for a Medellín-based company?
Yes, the firm helps Medellín entrepreneurs and established companies form US entities and navigate US business law. Common structures include a Delaware corporation or a Virginia limited liability company. The firm advises on the choice of entity, drafts operating agreements, and handles state-level registrations. For ongoing operations, it reviews US contracts, addresses employment law questions, and assists with US tax identification numbers. Because the firm is a US law practice, it does not provide Colombian corporate or tax advice; for those matters, it coordinates with the client’s Colombian counsel or with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, for Colombia-law input.
Does the firm have a location in Medellín?
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. does not have a location in Medellín, but it maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, and serves clients throughout the region. The Pereira location, at Carrera 7 # 18-80, Oficina 606, Edificio Centro Financiero, is by appointment only. Many Medellín clients meet with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys via secure video conference, and in-person meetings can be arranged in Pereira when needed. The firm’s US principal location is in Virginia, and all US legal work is supervised from there.
What is the role of the Colombia Of Counsel?
Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, is a Colombian-licensed attorney who serves as a liaison for Colombia-law matters and international client relations. He is 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. Duport Jaramillo does not represent clients in US immigration court, sign US legal pleadings, or provide US legal advice. His background—including service as Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union—gives him deep insight into the needs of Colombian clients engaging with US legal systems.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Consultations are by appointment and can be requested by calling (888) 437-7747 or by emailing colombia@sriscounsel.com. During the initial call, a staff member will gather basic information about your US legal matter and schedule a time to speak with a US-admitted attorney. Consultations are conducted in English or Spanish. The firm does not charge for the initial intake call, but fees for substantive legal services are discussed before any engagement begins. All consultations are confidential.
What languages are spoken at the firm?
The firm serves clients in English and Spanish. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is fluent in English and Tamil. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, is a native Spanish speaker and also speaks English and French. For Medellín clients, Spanish-language consultations are readily available, and all written communications can be provided in Spanish upon request. The firm’s website, sriscounsel.com, offers bilingual content to ensure that Spanish-speaking clients can access information in their preferred language.
Is Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. a Colombian law firm?
No, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm, not a Colombian law firm. It is organized as a professional corporation under Virginia law and its attorneys are admitted to practice in specific US jurisdictions. The firm does not hold itself out as qualified to practice Colombian law. When a matter requires Colombian legal analysis—such as the validity of a Colombian marriage or the enforceability of a Colombian contract—the firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia, or refers the client to independent Colombian counsel. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is a convenience for client meetings and does not change its status as a US law practice.
What types of US visas can the firm help with?
The firm assists with a wide range of nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2, E-2, H-1B, L-1, O-1, and family-based green cards. For Medellín entrepreneurs, the E-2 treaty investor visa is often a good fit, as it allows a Colombian national to invest in and manage a US business. The firm also handles fiancé(e) visas (K-1), spousal visas (CR-1/IR-1), and adjustment of status for those already in the US. Each case begins with an eligibility assessment by a US-admitted attorney, who then prepares the petition and guides the client through consular processing or USCIS adjudication.
How does the firm handle cross-border family law matters?
Cross-border family law matters are managed by a US-admitted attorney, with Colombia-law input from the firm’s Of Counsel as needed. Common scenarios include a US citizen divorcing a Colombian spouse, child custody disputes where one parent lives in Medellín, and the division of assets located in both countries. The US-admitted attorney handles the US court proceedings, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, advises on the Colombia-law aspects—such as the recognition of a foreign divorce decree or the enforceability of a Colombian prenuptial agreement. This collaborative approach ensures that both legal systems are addressed without any attorney practicing outside their licensure.
Does the firm handle US criminal or traffic matters for clients in Medellín?
Yes, the firm represents clients in US criminal and traffic matters, including DUI, reckless driving, and misdemeanor or felony charges. If a Medellín resident is charged with a crime while visiting the US, or if a US-based family member needs defense counsel, a US-admitted attorney at the firm can appear in the relevant Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, or New York court. The firm’s experience includes former prosecutors who understand both sides of the courtroom. For cases outside those five jurisdictions, the firm can help identify local counsel through its professional network.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he has led the firm since 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. For Colombia matters, the firm works 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 of the firm.