Colombia client counsel for Switzerland deals
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, assists Colombian clients with the US legal dimensions of cross-border transactions involving Switzerland. 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.
How a US law firm supports Colombian clients in Switzerland deals
A US-licensed attorney can address the American legal issues that often arise when a Colombian business or individual enters a transaction with a Swiss counterparty. Even when the deal is governed by Swiss law, US securities, anti-corruption, tax, and sanctions rules may apply if the transaction touches US persons, US dollars, or US markets. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US-side counsel on these matters, working alongside the client’s Colombian and Swiss advisors. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) offers a convenient point of contact for Colombian clients, while the US-admitted attorneys handle all US-law work from the firm’s Virginia principal location.
Cross-border outbound deals frequently require coordination among three legal systems. The firm’s US attorneys advise on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), US tax reporting obligations, and the enforceability of US-based assets. The Colombia Of Counsel ensures that Colombian corporate, tax, and foreign-exchange requirements are met, while Swiss counsel handles the local law. This tri-jurisdictional model allows the client to receive integrated advice without any single attorney practicing outside their licensed jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
What US legal issues arise when a Colombian company does a deal in Switzerland?
US law can apply even when the contract is signed in Bogotá or Zurich if the transaction involves US investors, US-dollar payments, or a US subsidiary. The FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions, for example, reach any issuer of US securities or any person acting in US territory. US tax withholding and reporting may also be triggered. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys identify these exposure points and advise on compliance, working with the client’s Colombian and Swiss counsel to structure the deal appropriately.
Do I need a US lawyer for a Switzerland deal if I am Colombian?
You may need US counsel if the deal has any US nexus—such as a US investor, a US bank account, or a US-based asset. Even a purely Colombian-Swiss transaction can inadvertently trigger US law if, for instance, a payment is routed through a US correspondent bank. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. helps Colombian clients assess whether US law applies and, when it does, provides the necessary US-side representation.
How does the firm handle the Colombia-law side of a cross-border deal?
The firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar, handles all Colombia-law matters. This includes Colombian corporate formalities, tax filings, foreign-exchange regulations, and any required registrations with Colombian authorities. The Colombia Of Counsel works in close coordination with the US-admitted attorneys so that the Colombia-law and US-law components of the deal are aligned.
What is the role of the Colombia Of Counsel?
The Colombia Of Counsel provides Colombia-law advice and serves as a liaison between the client and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. Because the Of Counsel is not admitted in any US state bar, their work is limited to matters of Colombian law and to facilitating communication. All US-law advice, including any analysis of US statutes or regulations, is provided exclusively by Mr. Sris and the other US-licensed attorneys of the firm.
Can the firm help with Swiss law?
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. does not practice Swiss law. The firm collaborates with independent Swiss counsel when a deal requires Swiss-law advice. The US-admitted attorneys manage the US-law aspects, the Colombia Of Counsel handles Colombia-law issues, and the client engages Swiss counsel directly for Swiss-law matters. The firm can assist in coordinating the three workstreams to keep the transaction moving efficiently.
What is the FCPA and does it apply to Colombian companies doing deals in Switzerland?
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records for issuers of US securities. A Colombian company may be subject to the FCPA if it is an “issuer” (e.g., listed on a US exchange), a “domestic concern” (organized under US law or with a principal place of business in the US), or if it acts in furtherance of a corrupt payment while in US territory. Even a Swiss deal can trigger FCPA liability if any part of the transaction touches the United States. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys advise on FCPA compliance and help structure deals to avoid violations.
How do I get started with cross-border counsel for a Switzerland deal?
Contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. During the initial discussion, the firm will identify the US-law issues relevant to your transaction, explain how the Colombia Of Counsel and Swiss counsel will be engaged, and outline the next steps. All consultations are by appointment only.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes, the firm maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. This location serves as a convenient meeting point for Colombian clients and facilitates coordination with the Colombia Of Counsel. All US-law work is performed by the firm’s US-admitted attorneys from the Virginia principal location.
What if my deal involves US sanctions or export controls?
US sanctions and export controls are complex and change frequently; the firm’s US-admitted attorneys can assess whether your transaction raises any US sanctions or export-control concerns. Because sanctions programs are administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other agencies, the firm reviews the current regulations as of the date of the engagement. If a deal implicates sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals, the firm advises on licensing options and compliance measures.
How are attorney-client communications handled across three countries?
The firm uses secure, encrypted communication channels and coordinates with the client’s Colombian and Swiss counsel to ensure that privileged information is protected. The US-admitted attorneys maintain direct attorney-client relationships with the client for US-law matters, while the Colombia Of Counsel and Swiss counsel maintain separate relationships for their respective jurisdictions. The firm’s bilingual staff (English-Spanish) facilitates clear communication between all parties.
What is the cost of engaging the firm for a cross-border deal?
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and the number of jurisdictions involved. The firm typically provides a fee estimate after an initial consultation. Because the engagement may involve separate fee arrangements with the Colombia Of Counsel and Swiss counsel, the firm helps the client understand the overall cost structure before any work begins.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the firm’s US-law practice and serves as the responsible US attorney for all sriscounsel.com content. For Colombia-law matters, the firm collaborates with its Colombia Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to cross-border transactions, ensuring that each jurisdiction’s requirements are met by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction.