Cartagena lawyer
When a legal matter spans the distance between the United States and Cartagena, Colombia, you need counsel who understands both sides of the equation. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997, with a principal location in Virginia and a location in Pereira, Colombia. The firm assists clients whose US legal needs intersect with Cartagena—whether that means a US immigration petition for a family member in Cartagena, a business transaction with a Cartagena-based company, or a family law matter that involves property or parties in the city. 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 matters that require Colombian law, 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. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How a US lawyer can address legal needs connected to Cartagena
Many individuals and businesses in Cartagena have legal interests in the United States. A US-licensed attorney can represent you before US immigration authorities, help structure a cross-border business deal, or handle a family law dispute that involves US courts. The key is to work with a firm that can manage the US side while coordinating with Colombian counsel for any Colombian-law issues.
At Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., the US-admitted attorneys handle all US-law aspects—from preparing an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act to litigating a contract dispute in a US court. When a matter also requires Colombian legal work, the firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. This division ensures that each jurisdiction’s law is applied correctly and that no attorney practices outside their licensure. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, facilitates in-person coordination when needed, but all US legal services are provided by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer in Cartagena for a US immigration case?
No, a US immigration case is handled by a US-licensed attorney; you do not need a Colombian lawyer for the US proceeding. The US immigration system is governed by federal law, and only a US-licensed attorney can represent you before USCIS, the immigration courts, or US consulates. However, if your case involves documents or facts that originate in Cartagena—such as a birth certificate, marriage record, or evidence of a business—the firm may work with Eric Duport Jaramillo to obtain and authenticate those documents under Colombian law. The US legal work remains with Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
How does the firm handle Colombian law aspects of a cross-border matter?
The firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo advises on Colombian law and handles Colombian legal procedures, such as corporate filings, property transactions, or family law matters in Colombia. He does not provide US legal advice or represent clients before US authorities. The US-admitted attorneys at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. remain responsible for all US-law aspects. This structure complies with the ethical rules of both jurisdictions and ensures that each attorney works within their licensure.
What types of US legal matters involving Cartagena does the firm handle?
The firm handles US immigration, business, and family law matters that have a connection to Cartagena. Common examples include: family-based immigrant visa petitions for relatives in Cartagena; fiancé(e) visas; US business formation or contract work for Cartagena-based entrepreneurs; cross-border divorce or child custody cases where one party resides in Cartagena; and enforcement of US judgments in Colombia. The US-admitted attorneys manage the US side, and when Colombian law is implicated, Eric Duport Jaramillo provides Colombian-law support. Every matter is evaluated to determine which jurisdiction’s law applies and how to coordinate the work.
Can the firm help with a business dispute involving a Cartagena company?
Yes, the firm can represent you in a US business dispute, and it can coordinate with Colombian counsel for any Colombian proceedings. If the dispute is in a US court or involves US law, Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys handle the litigation. If parallel proceedings are needed in Colombia, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. The firm does not practice Colombian law directly; instead, it ensures that the Colombian side is handled by a qualified Colombian attorney while the US side remains with US-licensed counsel.
What should I bring to a consultation about a Cartagena-related legal matter?
Bring any documents that relate to both the US and Colombian aspects of your situation, along with a summary of your goals. For immigration cases, this may include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any prior USCIS notices. For business matters, bring contracts, corporate records, and correspondence. If documents are in Spanish, the firm can arrange for translation. The consultation will focus on identifying which legal issues are governed by US law and which may require Colombian-law input, so that the firm can outline a coordinated strategy. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule an appointment.
How do I contact the firm from Cartagena?
You can call the firm’s toll-free number, (888) 437-7747, or send an email to colombia@sriscounsel.com. The firm’s staff includes Spanish-speaking professionals who can assist with initial intake. Consultations are by appointment only. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is available for in-person meetings when appropriate, but all US legal services are provided by the US-admitted attorneys. For urgent matters, the toll-free line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does the firm have a location in Cartagena?
The firm does not have a location in Cartagena; its Colombia location is in Pereira. However, the firm regularly works with clients in Cartagena and throughout Colombia. Meetings can be arranged by phone, video conference, or at the Pereira location. The US-admitted attorneys are based in the United States, and all US legal work is performed from the firm’s US locations. The Pereira location serves as a point of contact for Colombian-law coordination and client liaison.
Is the firm’s work in Colombia limited to immigration?
No, the firm’s cross-border practice extends beyond immigration to include business law, family law, and other US legal matters with a Colombian connection. While immigration is a significant part of the practice, the firm also assists with US corporate transactions, contract disputes, divorce, child custody, and estate planning where one party or asset is in Cartagena. The Colombian-law aspects are handled by Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. The US-admitted attorneys manage all US-law work.
What if my case involves both US and Colombian family law?
The firm can handle the US family law aspects and coordinate with Colombian counsel for the Colombian side. For example, if you are seeking a divorce in a US state and your spouse resides in Cartagena, the US-admitted attorneys will manage the US divorce proceeding, including service of process and property division under US law. If Colombian law issues arise—such as the validity of a Colombian marriage or the enforcement of a Colombian prenuptial agreement—Eric Duport Jaramillo provides Colombian-law guidance. The firm ensures that each jurisdiction’s law is respected and that no attorney practices outside their licensure.
How does the firm handle service of process in Colombia?
Service of process in Colombia is handled in accordance with applicable international conventions and Colombian law, with the assistance of Colombian counsel. The Hague Service Convention provides a framework for service abroad among contracting states. The firm verifies the current status of any relevant treaty and works with Eric Duport Jaramillo to ensure that service is effected properly under Colombian law. The US-admitted attorneys remain responsible for the US litigation and for ensuring that service complies with the requirements of the US court.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris is the founder and managing attorney of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has built a firm that serves clients across the United States and internationally. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635, the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to cross-border matters.
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. Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s 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. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia, is by appointment only.