Foreign Government Agency

Legal Advocacy for Sovereign Entities in U.S. Courts

What happens when a foreign government agency is sued in the United States? How does a procurement dispute in Washington or Miami end up in federal court? And how can sovereign immunity apply when an agency has entered into commercial agreements with U.S. companies? These are real-world issues faced by foreign government agencies every year.

Foreign sovereigns that engage in commerce in the U.S. operate within a highly complex legal framework. Federal statutes, such as the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, state law, and international law all play a role. Missteps in this arena can lead to costly judgments, unenforceable contracts, and reputational harm that reaches far beyond the courtroom.

At R|A Law, our attorneys provide representation for foreign government agencies navigating disputes in U.S. courts. With experience in both commercial litigation and sovereign defense, we offer the legal knowledge and practical strategies required to protect international clients in sensitive, high-stakes cases.

Understanding the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA)

The FSIA governs when and how a foreign government or agency can be sued in U.S. courts. While sovereigns enjoy broad immunity, exceptions exist, particularly when an agency engages in commercial activities within the United States.

For agencies, understanding the scope of immunity is critical. A failure to raise the right defenses at the right time may permanently waive protections. Courts also carefully examine the nature of the agency’s activity, the terms of its contracts, and whether jurisdiction has been properly established.

An FSIA attorney’s role is to ensure that every aspect of the statute is applied effectively — protecting sovereign immunity when possible, and defending claims strategically when litigation cannot be avoided.

Case Example: Representation of the Colombian Air Force Purchasing Agency

R|A Law’s work in this field includes representing the Colombian Air Force in litigation related to procurement and defense contracts. These matters illustrate the unique challenges faced by sovereign entities:

• Jurisdictional disputes in U.S. federal courts
• Application of FSIA defenses to government procurement
• Enforcement of complex international contracts

Through this representation, R|A Law demonstrated not only an ability to interpret FSIA and related statutes but also the judgment to craft practical strategies. For sovereign clients, litigation in the United States is rarely limited to a single dispute; outcomes can shape future diplomatic relations, contractual opportunities, and the willingness of commercial partners to engage across borders.

Legal Services for Foreign Government Agencies

R|A Law provides comprehensive representation for foreign agencies and state-owned enterprises engaged in U.S. disputes, including:

Sovereign Litigation Defense – Defending claims in federal and state courts while preserving available immunity defenses.

Contract Enforcement – Litigating disputes to ensure commercial agreements with U.S. entities are legally enforceable.

Procurement and Defense Contracts – Advising on the risks, obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms tied to high-value contracts.‍

FSIA Guidance – Applying the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act strategically to protect sovereign rights.

Why Experienced Foreign Government Agency Counsel Matters

Representation of foreign government agencies in the United States requires more than litigation skills. It demands:

• Precision in applying the FSIA and related federal statutes
• Familiarity with both commercial law and international frameworks
• The ability to anticipate the broader consequences of litigation, including financial exposure and reputational harm

Without counsel experienced in foreign government agency representation, sovereign entities risk losing immunity protections, entering into contracts unenforceable under U.S. law, and facing significant judgments in American courts.

At R|A Law, we bring both large-firm litigation experience and a focused understanding of sovereign defense. Our attorneys have worked on cases where the stakes extended beyond the immediate parties, influencing not only financial outcomes but also international relationships.

R|A Law: A Trusted Resource for Sovereign Clients

Foreign government agencies require attorneys who understand both the letter of the law and the realities of international litigation. R|A Law has established itself as a firm with the capability to represent sovereign entities effectively in U.S. courts.

Our experience in this niche field demonstrates a commitment to serious, sophisticated advocacy for clients whose interests extend across borders.