Colombia attorney
When you search for a Colombia attorney, you may be looking for a lawyer who understands both US law and Colombian law. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that serves international clients with cross-border legal needs. Our US-licensed attorneys, led by Mr. Sris, handle US-law matters, while our Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar, provides Colombian-law guidance in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
What a Colombia attorney handles in cross-border matters
A Colombia attorney is licensed to practice Colombian law and can advise on matters governed by the Colombian legal system—such as Colombian corporate formation, family law, immigration procedures, and civil litigation. For US legal issues, however, only an attorney admitted to a US state bar may provide legal advice or represent a client before US agencies and courts. The cross-border practice at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. bridges that gap: Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the US side, while Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, handles Colombian-law aspects. This division ensures that every part of a matter receives advice from an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Common cross-border scenarios include a Colombian national seeking a US visa, a US citizen with business interests in Colombia, or a family with assets in both countries. In each case, the US-law component—such as an I-129 petition for a work visa or a US divorce proceeding—is managed by a US-admitted attorney. The Colombian-law component—such as authenticating a Colombian marriage certificate or advising on Colombian corporate compliance—is handled by the Colombia Of Counsel. The two sides coordinate, but each attorney works strictly within the boundaries of their own licensure.
How Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. approaches Colombia-related legal matters
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. He and the firm’s other US-licensed Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in US immigration, family law, business transactions, and litigation. When a matter involves Colombian law, the firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s role is limited to Colombian-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-licensed attorneys.
The firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only), which facilitates communication with Colombian clients and institutions. All US-law work is performed from the firm’s US locations, and every US legal document is prepared and reviewed by a US-admitted attorney. This structure allows the firm to offer coordinated cross-border counsel while respecting the unauthorized-practice-of-law rules of both countries.
About Mr. Sris and the Colombia Of Counsel
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Over his career, Mr. Sris has handled thousands of matters for clients across the United States and internationally. He 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).
Eric Duport Jaramillo serves as Of Counsel for Colombia matters. He is admitted to practice law in Colombian bar and not admitted in any US state bar. His practice with the firm is limited to Colombian-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the US-licensed 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Colombia attorney for a US immigration case?
No, a US immigration case must be handled by a US-licensed attorney. Only an attorney admitted to a US state bar may represent you before USCIS, the immigration courts, or US consular posts. A Colombia attorney can assist with Colombian-law aspects—such as obtaining a Colombian police certificate or authenticating a Colombian birth certificate—but the US immigration petition itself is prepared and filed by a US-admitted attorney. At Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-licensed attorneys serve as attorneys of record on US immigration matters, while Eric Duport Jaramillo provides Colombian-law support.
Can a US attorney handle Colombian legal matters?
No, a US attorney cannot practice Colombian law unless they are also licensed in Colombia. Colombian legal matters—such as a Colombian divorce, a Colombian corporate registration, or a Colombian criminal defense—require a lawyer admitted to the Colombian bar. The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, is licensed in Colombia and handles those matters. The US-licensed attorneys at the firm do not provide Colombian legal advice. This division protects clients and ensures compliance with the professional rules of both countries.
What should I bring to a consultation with a Colombia attorney?
Bring any documents that relate to both the US and Colombian aspects of your matter. For a cross-border consultation, it is helpful to have identification, any prior US or Colombian court orders, marriage or birth certificates, business formation documents, and correspondence from government agencies. If you are consulting about a US immigration matter, bring your passport, visa history, and any USCIS notices. The firm’s intake team can provide a tailored list when you schedule your appointment. Consultations are by appointment only; call (888) 437-7747 to arrange one.
How does the firm coordinate between US and Colombian law?
The firm assigns a US-licensed attorney and a Colombia-licensed Of Counsel to each cross-border matter. The US attorney handles all US-law work—drafting petitions, appearing in US courts, and advising on US statutes. The Colombia Of Counsel handles Colombian-law work—interpreting Colombian codes, communicating with Colombian authorities, and preparing Colombian legal documents. The two attorneys collaborate as needed, but each works exclusively within their own licensure. This model gives clients a single point of contact while ensuring that every legal task is performed by a properly licensed professional.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes, the firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The Pereira location serves as a meeting point for Colombian clients and facilitates document exchange. All US legal services are provided from the firm’s US locations, and all US legal work is performed by US-admitted attorneys. The Pereira location does not offer US legal services directly; it supports the firm’s cross-border practice by improving accessibility for clients in Colombia.