Colombia client counsel for France deals
Colombian businesses and individuals pursuing commercial opportunities in France often encounter US legal requirements that affect the transaction. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, provides US-side counsel to Colombian clients on cross-border deals involving French counterparties. The firm handles US regulatory, contractual, and compliance aspects, while the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, assists with Colombia-law matters. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is 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. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
US legal dimensions of a Colombia–France transaction
When a Colombian party enters a deal with a French entity, US law can become relevant even if neither party is US-based. The transaction may involve US-dollar payments, US-based assets, or US-regulated goods and services. US export controls, anti-corruption statutes, and financial regulations can apply extraterritorially. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. helps Colombian clients identify and address these US-law touchpoints so that the deal structure remains compliant.
The firm reviews the transaction for exposure under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), US export-control regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security, and US anti-money-laundering requirements. Because the FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions can reach conduct by foreign persons that occurs in US territory or uses US means of interstate commerce, a Colombian party’s dealings with a French government official or state-owned enterprise may trigger US jurisdiction. The firm advises on due-diligence procedures, contract provisions, and internal controls designed to mitigate that risk.
How the firm structures cross-border counsel
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. coordinates US-law advice with Colombia-law support through its Of Counsel network. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the US-side analysis of the transaction. For Colombia-law questions—such as the enforceability of a Colombian choice-of-law clause or the tax treatment of a Colombian parent company—the firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is 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.
This division of responsibility ensures that each jurisdiction’s legal requirements are addressed by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction. The firm does not practice French law; when French-law advice is needed, the firm can help the client identify independent French counsel.
About Mr. Sris and the Colombia Of Counsel
Mr. Sris, Owner and 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 has handled cross-border matters since the firm’s founding in 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to international transactions.
Eric Duport Jaramillo serves as Of Counsel for Colombia matters. He is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. His practice with the firm is limited to Colombia-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. 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, giving him practical insight into the regulatory environment that Colombian businesses face when operating abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a Colombian company need US counsel for a deal in France?
US law can apply to a Colombia–France transaction when the deal involves US dollars, US-based assets, or US-regulated goods or services. The FCPA, US export controls, and US anti-money-laundering rules have extraterritorial reach. A Colombian party that uses a US bank to transfer funds, ships goods that transit the United States, or employs US-origin technology may be subject to US jurisdiction. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. helps Colombian clients assess that exposure and structure the transaction to comply with US requirements.
Does the firm practice French law?
No. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. does not practice French law. The firm handles US-law aspects of the transaction. When French-law advice is necessary—for example, on the validity of a French corporate resolution or the registration of a French security interest—the firm can assist the client in identifying independent French counsel. The firm’s role is to ensure that the US-law dimensions of the deal are properly addressed.
How does the firm handle Colombia-law issues in a cross-border deal?
The firm engages Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo advises on Colombia-law questions such as the enforceability of a Colombian choice-of-law clause, the corporate authority of a Colombian entity, and the tax implications of a cross-border structure under Colombian law. His work is coordinated with the firm’s US-admitted attorneys so that the US and Colombian legal analyses are aligned.
What US regulatory risks should a Colombian party consider in a France deal?
The primary US regulatory risks for a Colombian party in a France transaction are FCPA exposure, US export-control violations, and US anti-money-laundering compliance. The FCPA prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records for issuers. US export controls restrict the transfer of certain goods, software, and technology to designated end-users and end-uses. The firm reviews the transaction for these risks and recommends compliance measures.
Can the firm help with US immigration issues related to a Colombia–France business deal?
Yes. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle US immigration matters for Colombian clients whose business activities require travel to the United States. For example, a Colombian executive who needs to attend meetings at a US subsidiary or a French partner’s US office may require a B-1 business visitor visa or an L-1 intracompany transferee visa. The firm advises on the appropriate visa category and prepares the necessary petitions. Immigration matters are handled by Mr. Sris; the Colombia Of Counsel serve as liaisons for Spanish-speaking clients.
How does the firm charge for cross-border deal counsel?
Fees vary by case and are discussed during the initial consultation. The firm typically works on an hourly or flat-fee basis depending on the scope of the engagement. A consultation allows the firm to understand the transaction and provide a fee estimate. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What should a Colombian client bring to the first consultation?
Bring a summary of the proposed transaction, the identities of the parties, and any existing draft agreements or term sheets. If the deal involves US-regulated goods or technology, a description of the items and their export-control classification is helpful. The firm will also need to understand the ownership structure of the Colombian entity and any prior dealings with US or French government officials. The consultation is confidential and does not create an attorney-client relationship until a formal engagement letter is signed.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes. The firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The Pereira location supports the firm’s Colombia-law Of Counsel and serves as a point of contact for Colombian clients. All US-law advice is provided by the firm’s US-admitted attorneys from the firm’s US locations. The Pereira location does not provide US legal services.
Can the firm assist with dispute resolution if a Colombia–France deal goes wrong?
The firm can represent Colombian clients in US litigation or arbitration arising from a cross-border deal. If the dispute is subject to a US forum-selection clause or involves US-based assets, the firm can handle the US proceedings. For disputes governed by Colombian or French law, the firm works with local counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. The firm does not practice French law and does not appear in French courts.
Is the firm experienced with Colombian clients?
Yes. The firm has a dedicated Colombia practice and works regularly with Colombian businesses and individuals. Eric Duport Jaramillo, the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, brings deep knowledge of the Colombian legal and business environment. The firm is familiar with the cross-border issues that commonly arise in Colombia–US and Colombia–Europe transactions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to these matters.