Israeli investor counsel for Colombia
Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm that provides US legal counsel to Israeli investors pursuing opportunities in Colombia. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the American side of cross-border investments—corporate structuring, tax planning, immigration strategy, and compliance with US laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act—while coordinating with Colombia-admitted Of Counsel for matters of Colombian law. Whether you are forming a US holding company, seeking an E-2 investor visa, or navigating anti-corruption requirements, the firm offers integrated support that respects the jurisdictional boundaries of each country. For a consultation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
US legal framework for Israeli investments in Colombia
Israeli investors entering the Colombian market often need a US legal structure to hold assets, raise capital, or access treaty protections. Many choose to form a Delaware corporation or a Florida limited liability company, which can then own shares in a Colombian subsidiary. The US entity may benefit from the network of bilateral investment treaties the United States maintains, and it can serve as the vehicle for an E-2 treaty investor visa if the investor is an Israeli national. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. advises on entity selection, operating agreements, and the US tax implications of cross-border ownership, always working in tandem with the investor’s Colombian counsel to ensure the structure is recognized under Colombian law.
US anti-corruption compliance is a critical concern. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) applies to US issuers, domestic concerns, and certain foreign persons acting in US territory. An Israeli investor who uses a US entity or who engages in conduct that touches the United States may be subject to FCPA jurisdiction. The firm helps clients design internal controls, conduct due diligence on local partners, and implement training programs that reduce FCPA risk. Because the FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions and accounting requirements are distinct, the firm’s analysis separates the two, referencing the statutory framework at 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, 78dd-2, and 78dd-3.
How the firm coordinates US and Colombian legal work
Every cross-border matter is divided by jurisdiction: US-licensed attorneys handle US law, and Colombia-admitted Of Counsel handle Colombian law. 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 work—drafting US contracts, advising on US regulatory compliance, and preparing immigration petitions. For Colombian-law questions, the firm collaborates with 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 Colombian-law matters and to serving as a liaison between the client and the firm’s US-licensed attorneys. This division ensures that no attorney practices law in a jurisdiction where they are not admitted, and it gives the client a single point of coordination for both legal systems.
The firm’s location in Pereira, Colombia (by appointment only) serves as a convenient meeting point for clients who are in the country, but all US legal services are provided from the firm’s US locations. The Pereira location is a contact point where Mr. Duport Jaramillo can meet with clients and facilitate communication with the firm. Clients may also schedule virtual consultations, and the firm’s staff includes Spanish-speaking professionals who can assist with document translation and client intake.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris (Atchuthan Sriskandarajah, Esq.) founded Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and serves as its owner and managing attorney. A former prosecutor, he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635, the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). His practice includes cross-border corporate structuring, immigration, and US regulatory compliance for international clients.
For Colombia-law matters, the firm works with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is admitted to practice law in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. His practice with the firm is limited to Colombian-law matters and to serving as a liaison for international clients with the firm’s US-licensed 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 deep insight into Colombian business and government.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a US lawyer if I am an Israeli investor in Colombia?
If your investment involves a US entity, US-based assets, or US immigration benefits, you need a US-licensed attorney. Many Israeli investors form a US company to hold Colombian assets, which triggers US corporate, tax, and securities laws. Additionally, if you plan to live in the United States while managing your Colombian investment, you may qualify for an E-2 treaty investor visa, which requires a US immigration lawyer.
What US anti-corruption laws apply to my Colombia business?
The primary US statute is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1 et seq. The FCPA prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records. It applies to US issuers, domestic concerns, and certain foreign persons who act in US territory. An Israeli investor using a US entity or engaging in conduct that touches the United States may be subject to FCPA jurisdiction. The firm helps clients assess their exposure, design compliance programs, and conduct due diligence on local partners. Colombian law also has its own anti-corruption framework; the firm’s Colombia Of Counsel can advise on those requirements.
Can the firm help me obtain an E-2 investor visa?
Yes, the firm’s US immigration attorneys can prepare and file an E-2 treaty investor petition on your behalf. Israel is a treaty country, so Israeli nationals may qualify for an E-2 visa if they have made a substantial investment in a US enterprise. The investment can be in a US company that, in turn, owns a Colombian business. The firm will work with you to document the source of funds, demonstrate that the investment is at risk, and show that the enterprise is not marginal. Because the E-2 process involves both US immigration law and the underlying business structure, the firm’s corporate and immigration teams collaborate closely.
How does the firm coordinate with my Colombian lawyer?
The firm maintains a clear division of labor: US-admitted attorneys handle US law, and Colombia-admitted Of Counsel handle Colombian law. When you engage Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris or another US-licensed attorney will be your primary contact for US matters. For Colombian-law questions, the firm will involve Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Colombia and not in any US state bar. The two sides share information as needed, but each attorney stays within their licensed jurisdiction. This structure protects you from unauthorized practice of law and ensures that every piece of advice comes from a lawyer qualified to give it.
What should I bring to an initial consultation?
Bring a summary of your investment plan, any existing corporate documents, and a description of your immigration goals. If you have already formed a US or Colombian entity, bring the formation documents. If you are considering an E-2 visa, be prepared to discuss the amount and source of your investment. The firm will also ask about your timeline and whether you have engaged Colombian counsel. The initial consultation is an opportunity to map out the US legal issues and determine how the firm can work with your existing advisors. To schedule, call (888) 437-7747.
Does the firm have a location in Colombia?
Yes, the firm has a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The Pereira location is a contact point where clients can meet with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, and where documents can be exchanged. It is not a US law office; all US legal services are provided from the firm’s US locations. The Pereira location facilitates in-person communication for clients who are in Colombia, but consultations can also be conducted virtually. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys are available by phone and video conference regardless of where the client is located.