Colombia legal counsel
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides US-based legal counsel to individuals and businesses with ties to Colombia. Founded in 1997, the firm is a US law firm with an international clientele, offering cross-border guidance on US immigration, business transactions, family law, and other matters that intersect with Colombian interests. 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 Colombia-law aspects, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia 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. All US-law aspects are handled by Mr. Sris and the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. To discuss your cross-border legal needs, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
What Colombia legal counsel covers
Colombia legal counsel at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. addresses the US-law dimensions of matters that involve Colombian individuals, families, or businesses. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the US side of cross-border issues, while the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel, Eric Duport Jaramillo, provides Colombia-law support. This dual-jurisdiction approach ensures that each legal question is addressed by an attorney admitted in the relevant country.
Common cross-border matters include US immigration petitions for Colombian nationals, such as family-based visas, employment-based visas, and naturalization applications. The firm also advises on US business formation and contracts for Colombian entrepreneurs entering the US market, and on US family law issues—divorce, child custody, and property division—when one spouse resides in Colombia or assets are located there. In each case, the US-law work is performed by Mr. Sris or another US-admitted attorney, while Mr. Duport Jaramillo advises on Colombian law requirements, such as the recognition of US judgments in Colombia or the authentication of Colombian documents for use in US proceedings.
How Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel network handle cross-border matters
When a matter involves both US and Colombian law, the firm divides the work along jurisdictional lines. Mr. Sris, admitted in five US jurisdictions, leads the US-law side—preparing petitions, filings, and court appearances in the United States. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar, handles the Colombia-law side, including advising on Colombian legal requirements, coordinating with Colombian authorities, and authenticating documents. The two sides collaborate as needed, but each attorney practices only within the jurisdiction where they are licensed.
This structure protects clients from unauthorized practice of law risks and ensures that advice on Colombian law comes from a Colombian-licensed attorney, while US-law advice comes from a US-licensed attorney. The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) serves as a point of contact for clients in Colombia, but all US legal services are provided from the firm’s US locations.
About Mr. Sris and the sriscounsel Of Counsel network
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 founded the firm in 1997 and has built a practice that serves international clients with US legal needs. Mr. Sris 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).
For Colombia-related matters, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted to practice law in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s practice with the firm is limited to Colombia-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-licensed attorneys. The firm’s Of Counsel network also includes attorneys in other jurisdictions, allowing the firm to address cross-border needs across multiple countries while maintaining strict jurisdictional separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a US attorney and a Colombian attorney for my cross-border matter?
Yes, when a legal matter involves both US and Colombian law, you typically need counsel admitted in each jurisdiction. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides the US-licensed attorney through Mr. Sris or another US-admitted attorney, and the Colombia-law side is handled by Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. This division ensures that each aspect of your case is managed by a lawyer authorized to practice in the relevant country, reducing the risk of unauthorized practice of law and ensuring that advice is grounded in the correct legal framework.
What US immigration options are available for Colombian nationals?
Colombian nationals may pursue US immigration benefits through family-sponsored petitions, employment-based visas, investor visas, or humanitarian programs, depending on their circumstances. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys prepare and file petitions with USCIS, represent clients in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and handle consular processing at US embassies. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys serve as attorneys of record on all US immigration matters. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, provides Colombia-law support and serves as a liaison for Spanish-speaking clients, drawing on his experience with Colombian institutions.
How does the firm handle document authentication for use between the US and Colombia?
Document authentication between the US and Colombia depends on the type of document and the purpose for which it will be used. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys advise on the US requirements for authenticating foreign documents, such as Colombian birth, marriage, or corporate records, for submission to US courts or agencies. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, advises on the Colombian requirements for authenticating US documents for use in Colombia. The firm coordinates the process but does not itself issue apostilles or certifications; those are obtained from the competent authorities in each country.
Can the firm help with a US business formation for a Colombian entrepreneur?
Yes, the firm assists Colombian entrepreneurs with forming US business entities, drafting operating agreements, and navigating US regulatory requirements. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the US corporate and contractual work, including entity selection (LLC, corporation), EIN registration, and compliance with state and federal laws. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, advises on Colombian law implications, such as the tax treatment of US-source income in Colombia and any Colombian registration or reporting obligations. The two sides collaborate to ensure the business structure works under both legal systems.
What should I bring to a consultation about a cross-border legal matter?
For an initial consultation, gather any relevant documents from both countries, including identification, marriage or divorce records, business formation papers, and any correspondence from US or Colombian authorities. If the matter involves US immigration, bring copies of prior visa applications, USCIS notices, and passports. For family law matters, bring financial records and any existing court orders. The firm’s intake team can provide a checklist tailored to your situation. Consultations are by appointment; contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule.