international business lawyer Bogotá
Businesses operating in or from Bogotá frequently face legal questions that cross national borders. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm with an international clientele, founded in 1997 and led by Mr. Sris, who is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm handles the US-law side of cross-border business matters and works with foreign-qualified Of Counsel on the foreign-law side. For Peru-law questions, the firm works with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel for Peru matters. Mr. Mayandía is admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and is not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. To discuss a cross-border business matter with the firm, call (888) 437-7747.
What International Business Law Covers for Bogotá-Area Clients
International business law for a Bogotá-based company or investor covers the US-law dimensions of cross-border transactions, contracts, and compliance obligations that often require both US and foreign counsel. A company organized under Colombian law, or a foreign group with commercial interests in Bogotá, may enter US contracts, sell goods or services into US markets, hold US trademark rights, or bring key personnel into the United States. Each of those activities can raise questions of US law that are distinct from the questions arising under Colombian law.
The US-law dimensions commonly addressed include compliance with the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq.; trademark protection under the Lanham Act; export-control classification of certain goods and technologies; and US immigration filings such as Form I-129. Colombian-law questions, including corporate governance, labor, tax, and contract formalities under Colombian rules, are governed by Colombian law and are addressed by Colombian-qualified counsel.
How the Firm Handles Cross-Border Business Matters
For matters that touch both US and foreign law, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. handles the US-law side and engages foreign-qualified Of Counsel for the foreign-law side, keeping the two roles separate. The firm does not practice foreign law. Where a transaction, contract, or dispute has a US-law dimension, the firm’s US-admitted attorneys provide that advice. Where the same matter has a Colombia-law or Peru-law dimension, the corresponding foreign-qualified Of Counsel provides that advice, and the jurisdictional separation is maintained.
A typical sequence begins with a scoping call to identify the jurisdictions involved and the law that governs each issue. From there, the firm determines which US-law questions the firm can handle directly and which foreign-law questions require engagement of foreign-qualified Of Counsel. Contracts are then structured with governing-law, forum, dispute-resolution, and language clauses that match the parties’ actual jurisdictions. Where a matter involves both US and foreign law, the firm coordinates the two sides so the client receives integrated advice without either side stepping outside the jurisdiction where it is admitted.
Working With Peru Of Counsel
When a business matter turns on Peru-law questions, the firm works with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel for Peru matters, who is admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and is not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. He does not provide US legal advice, and all US-law aspects of a matter are handled by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys.
The firm’s approach follows one principle: foreign-qualified Of Counsel address the law of their own jurisdiction, and US-admitted attorneys address US law. Where a matter requires more than one foreign jurisdiction, the firm engages the corresponding Of Counsel for each. The firm’s own practice remains limited to US law, and no attorney in the firm provides advice on the law of a jurisdiction where that attorney is not admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US lawyer for a company based in Bogotá?
If your company enters US contracts, sells into US markets, holds US trademark rights, or brings personnel into the United States, a US-licensed attorney is typically needed for the US-law side of those matters. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides that US-side counsel, with Mr. Sris admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Foreign-law questions remain with foreign-qualified counsel. For guidance on a specific cross-border situation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Does the firm handle Peru-law matters?
The firm handles the US-law side of cross-border matters and works with Peru-qualified Of Counsel on Peru-law questions. Advice on Peru law is provided by foreign-qualified counsel admitted in Peru, not by the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys address the US-law aspects of the same matter. The firm does not practice Peru law directly.
What US compliance rules typically apply to a Colombian company doing business with US parties?
The anti-bribery provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq., often apply to Colombian companies that issue securities in the United States, qualify as US domestic concerns, or act within US territory. US export-control rules and US trade rules may also apply to particular goods, services, or technologies. This is general information, not advice about any particular matter. Whether a specific rule applies depends on the facts and the parties involved.
How are cross-border business contracts structured?
Cross-border business contracts are typically drafted under the law of one governing jurisdiction, with US-law provisions handled by US counsel and foreign-law provisions handled by foreign-qualified counsel. Governing-law, forum, dispute-resolution, currency, and language clauses are tailored to the parties’ actual jurisdictions. Where the transaction has both a US-law and a foreign-law dimension, the firm coordinates with the relevant Of Counsel. Consult an attorney licensed in each relevant jurisdiction before signing.
Can the firm assist with US business immigration for Colombian or Peru executives?
Yes. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys handle US immigration matters, including employment-based petitions filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, leads the firm’s US immigration practice. Because US immigration law is US federal law, foreign-qualified Of Counsel are not engaged for the US-law analysis, though they may assist with document procurement in their home jurisdiction. General information only; specific cases require a consultation.