SRIS Colombia Of Counsel
When a legal matter crosses the border between the United States and Colombia, navigating two distinct legal systems can be a challenge. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, brings together US-licensed attorneys and Colombia-licensed Of Counsel to help clients address both sides of a cross-border issue. Mr. Sris, the firm’s owner and managing attorney, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York and handles the US-law component of each matter. For questions that involve Colombian law, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia and not admitted in any US state bar. His practice with the firm is limited to matters of Colombian law and to serving as a liaison for international clients. Reach the firm’s intake line at (888) 437-7747 to discuss how we can assist with your US-Colombia cross-border legal needs.
How the Firm Brings Together US and Colombian Legal Resources
Cross-border work rarely fits neatly into one country’s legal framework. A Colombian national marrying a US citizen, a US company purchasing a business in Pereira, or a family enforcing a Colombian judgment in a Virginia court all require coordinated efforts. Rather than forcing clients to hire two separate firms, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. acts as a central point of contact. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys handle the US-law component — whether that is a Virginia divorce, a USCIS visa petition, or a federal anti-corruption compliance review. At the same time, the firm’s relationship with Eric Duport Jaramillo means that Colombian-law questions do not need to be outsourced to an unknown third party.
Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed to practice law in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. His role is to advise on Colombian legal requirements, to prepare or review Colombian-law documents, and to serve as a bridge between US-based attorneys and Colombian institutions. This arrangement allows clients to work with a single law firm while receiving legal counsel from lawyers admitted in the appropriate jurisdiction for each piece of the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Of Counsel” mean when SRIS works with a Colombia-licensed attorney?
It means the Colombia-licensed attorney works as an independent lawyer in collaboration with the firm, not as an employee or partner. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm; all attorneys who are not Mr. Sris serve as Of Counsel. Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel for Colombia matters, is an independent Colombian lawyer who coordinates with the firm on matters involving Colombian law. He is licensed only in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. His work for the firm is limited to Colombian-law counsel and to liaising between US attorneys and Colombian clients or authorities. This structure ensures that each side of a cross-border matter is handled by a lawyer authorized in the relevant jurisdiction.
Do I need both a US lawyer and a Colombia lawyer for a cross-border divorce?
Yes, a divorce that involves assets, maintenance, or recognition of marriage in both countries typically requires lawyers admitted in each jurisdiction. A marriage celebrated in Colombia is presumptively recognized under the lex loci celebrationis doctrine, but a US court will still require the divorce to comply with US state law. A Colombian court may also be needed to enforce or modify certain orders. Our US-licensed attorneys handle the divorce in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey or New York, while Eric Duport Jaramillo provides counsel on the Colombian-law aspects — such as how the divorce affects property in Colombia or whether a Colombian court must register the decree. The two sides coordinate to avoid inconsistent results.
Can the firm represent a Colombian citizen applying for a US visa or green card?
Yes, the US-licensed attorneys at the firm represent clients before USCIS, the Department of State, and US immigration courts. Mr. Sris and other US-licensed Of Counsel attorneys act as the attorney of record on US immigration matters. Eric Duport Jaramillo, while licensed only in Colombia, can serve as a cultural and liaison resource — explaining US immigration concepts to Spanish-speaking clients and connecting clients with the appropriate US attorney. Crucially, only a US-licensed lawyer can give legal advice on US immigration law, and our firm ensures that all US immigration representation is handled by a lawyer admitted in a US state bar.
What if I need to serve legal papers on someone in Colombia for a US lawsuit?
Service of process in Colombia for US litigation is generally handled through letters rogatory or the Hague Service Convention, depending on the circumstances. Colombia is a signatory to the Hague Service Convention of 15 November 1965, which establishes a central-authority mechanism. Our US-licensed attorneys can prepare the necessary request, and Eric Duport Jaramillo can assist by monitoring local service and coordinating with Colombian authorities. The specific procedure will depend on the US court’s rules and the destination’s declarations under the Convention. As of 2026, Colombia remains a contracting party, but treaty status can change; we verify current signatory information for every case.
Does the firm handle enforcement of Colombian judgments in the United States?
Yes, we can assist with recognition and enforcement of Colombian judgments under the principles of comity and applicable state law. Most US states, including Virginia and Maryland, recognize foreign money judgments if they meet due-process and jurisdictional standards. A Colombian judgment does not automatically carry legal force in the United States, but a US court can give it effect through a domestication proceeding. Our US-licensed attorneys handle the domestication action, while Eric Duport Jaramillo can verify the authenticity and finality of the Colombian judgment. The process is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the individual circumstances of each case.
Can a Colombian citizen open a US bank account through the firm’s help?
We do not directly open bank accounts, but we can provide legal advice on the US regulatory requirements that may apply. A Colombian national seeking to open a US bank account may need to understand US banking regulations, such as the Customer Identification Program rules and IRS reporting obligations. Our US-licensed attorneys offer guidance on these compliance questions. If the transaction involves a Colombian legal entity or a Colombian tax issue, we coordinate with Mr. Duport Jaramillo to ensure that Colombian-law considerations are addressed.
How do I get started if I have a US-Colombia legal matter?
Call the firm’s intake line at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation with Mr. Sris, the managing attorney. During the initial discussion, we will listen to the details of your situation, identify which jurisdictions are involved, and explain how our US-licensed attorneys and Colombia-licensed Of Counsel would work together on your behalf. Consultations are by appointment only. You may also reach our Pereira, Colombia location at +57 6 3419197 for questions about Colombian-law aspects.
Does the firm have an office in Colombia?
Yes, Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location in Pereira, Colombia, by appointment only. The location serves as a point of coordination for Colombian-law matters and for meetings with clients in the region. All legal advice from our US-licensed attorneys is provided from our US locations; Mr. Duport Jaramillo may meet clients at the Pereira location for Colombian-law consultations. The Pereira address is Carrera 7 # 18-80, Oficina 606, Edificio Centro Financiero, Pereira, RDA, Colombia.
Is the firm able to advise on OFAC sanctions affecting Colombia?
The United States does not impose comprehensive sanctions against Colombia, but certain Colombian individuals and entities may be subject to sanctions. OFAC designates specific drug-trafficking kingpins and related entities under the Kingpin Act. Our US-licensed attorneys can advise on the scope of US sanctions programs and help clients conduct due diligence. Because sanctions lists change frequently, any advice includes a recommendation to verify current designations directly with OFAC. As of 2026, Colombia is generally not subject to comprehensive US sanctions, but individual designations exist.
About Mr. Sris and the Colombia Of Counsel Network
Atchuthan Sriskandarajah, Esq. (known as Mr. Sris) is the owner and managing attorney of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris has handled cross-border matters since the firm’s founding in 1997. For questions of Colombian law, the firm collaborates with Eric Duport Jaramillo, Of Counsel, who is licensed in Colombia and is not admitted in any US state bar. Mr. Duport Jaramillo brings experience from his prior tenure as Minister Counselor of the Colombian Embassy to the European Union and Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce. Together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network bring extensive combined legal experience across US and Colombian law. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.