Colombia client counsel for Chile deals
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, provides cross-border counsel to Colombian businesses and investors pursuing opportunities in Chile. Atchuthan Sriskandarajah, Esq. (Mr. Sris), the firm’s principal attorney and founder, is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. 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; that 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. The firm assists with structuring transactions, due diligence, regulatory compliance, and cross-border dispute resolution, always maintaining a clear division between US and Colombian legal responsibilities. To discuss your Chile-focused venture, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How a US law firm supports Colombian clients in Chile deals
Colombian companies expanding into Chile often encounter US legal dimensions—whether because the transaction is denominated in US dollars, involves US-based counterparties or financing, or triggers US regulatory requirements. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. serves as US counsel for these cross-border matters, advising on corporate structure, contract negotiation, and compliance with US statutes such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The firm does not practice Chilean law, but it can help identify and coordinate with qualified local counsel in Chile so that the US, Colombian, and Chilean legal components of a deal are properly addressed.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle all US-law work. For Colombian-law questions—such as corporate formalities, tax implications under Colombian law, or the enforceability of Colombian-law governed agreements—the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. This collaboration ensures that the Colombian client receives integrated advice without any attorney practicing outside their licensed jurisdiction. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) facilitates in-person consultations for Colombian clients, while the US principal location in Virginia serves as the hub for US legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US lawyer for a Chile deal if I am a Colombian company?
You may need US counsel if the transaction touches US law, US parties, or US-dollar financing. Many cross-border deals involving Latin American businesses are structured under New York or Delaware law, use US-based escrow agents, or require compliance with US anti-corruption and export-control regulations. A US-licensed attorney can advise on these aspects, draft and negotiate US-law governed contracts, and help you avoid inadvertent violations of US statutes. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides that US legal support while coordinating with your Colombian and Chilean counsel.
What US regulations apply to a Colombian company investing in Chile?
The primary US regulatory concern is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records for issuers. Even a Colombian company that is not listed in the US may be subject to the FCPA if it acts in US territory or uses US correspondent banks. Additionally, US export-control rules may apply if goods, software, or technology of US origin are involved. The firm helps clients design compliance programs and conduct due diligence to mitigate these risks.
How does the FCPA affect my Chile transaction?
The FCPA makes it unlawful to offer or pay anything of value to a foreign official to obtain or retain business. If your Chile deal involves interactions with Chilean government officials—for example, obtaining permits, licenses, or government contracts—you must ensure that no improper payments are made. The firm can review your transaction structure, advise on the FCPA’s jurisdictional reach, and help implement internal controls. Because the FCPA also has accounting provisions, we can assist with record-keeping practices that satisfy US standards.
Can the firm help with contract drafting under US law?
Yes, the firm’s US-admitted attorneys regularly draft and negotiate contracts governed by US law for cross-border transactions. Common agreements include share purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, distribution and agency contracts, and loan documents. We work with your Colombian and Chilean counsel to ensure that the US-law provisions are consistent with the overall deal structure and that any choice-of-law or dispute-resolution clauses are enforceable across jurisdictions.
What if the deal involves US dollar transactions or US banks?
Transactions that use US-dollar clearing or US financial institutions often trigger US regulatory oversight, even if neither party is US-based. The firm can help you understand these obligations and structure the transaction to comply with US law. We also coordinate with your Colombian and Chilean advisors to address any local banking or currency-control issues.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. This location allows Colombian clients to meet with the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, for discussions of Colombian-law matters. All US-law work is handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys from the firm’s US locations. The Pereira location does not provide US legal services; it serves as a liaison point for Colombian clients and a base for the firm’s Colombia-law practice.
How do I engage the firm for a cross-border matter?
Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the initial discussion, we will identify the US, Colombian, and Chilean legal components of your matter and explain how the firm’s US-admitted attorneys and Colombia Of Counsel can assist. We will also discuss the engagement letter, fee arrangements, and the scope of representation. Because the firm does not practice Chilean law, we can help you identify qualified Chilean counsel if needed.
What is the role of the Colombia Of Counsel?
Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Colombian-law matters and to serving as a liaison for Colombian clients. He advises on Colombian corporate law, tax considerations, and regulatory requirements that affect the Colombian side of a cross-border deal. He does not provide US legal advice. All US-law work is performed by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. This division ensures compliance with the professional rules of each jurisdiction.
Can the firm represent me in a dispute arising from a Chile deal?
The firm can represent you in US-based litigation or arbitration, and can coordinate with Colombian and Chilean counsel for proceedings in those countries. If the dispute is governed by US law or is venued in a US court, Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys can serve as counsel of record. For disputes in Colombia, Eric Duport Jaramillo can act as Colombian counsel. For Chilean proceedings, the firm can help you engage local Chilean counsel. The firm does not appear in Chilean courts.
Does the firm handle immigration matters related to Chile deals?
Yes, the firm assists with US immigration matters that often accompany cross-border business activity, such as E-2 investor visas, L-1 intracompany transferee visas, and B-1 business visitor issues. Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys handle all US immigration work. The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel can help Colombian clients prepare supporting documentation and understand the consular process at the US Embassy in Bogotá, drawing on the firm’s experience with Colombian institutions.
What should I prepare before contacting the firm?
Gather a brief description of the proposed transaction, the parties involved, the countries and currencies implicated, and any existing contracts or term sheets. This information helps us quickly assess the US legal dimensions and determine whether the firm can assist. We will also ask about your existing Colombian and Chilean counsel so that we can coordinate effectively. All consultations are confidential, and no attorney-client relationship is formed until an engagement letter is signed.