Robert T. Givens has been practicing international trade law for over 40 years. He first founded his practice in 1974, following three years of service with U.S. Customs as an Import Specialist. There he cultivated an understanding of the intricacies of trade law in the United States and the Government’s tactics for enforcement. This has allowed Robert to gain a unique perspective in international trade, analyzing all issues both from an importer’s perspective, as well as the Government’s. Prior to his time as an Import Specialist, Robert served with the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, achieving the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.

Robert has handled import and export issues for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Matters have included establishing Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ’s), tariff classification, country of origin, antidumping and countervailing duties, among many others. Robert regularly represents clients before Customs in petitions, protests, and prior disclosures in an array of actions such as penalties, seizures and forfeitures, and liquidated damage claims. He has also assisted licensed customs brokers in many areas, including licensing and compliance. In addition, Robert has served as the lead counsel in Customs’ duty cases before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Throughout this time, Robert has authored numerous articles, spoken at numerous events regarding international trade law and has been an AV Rated Attorney by Martindale.

Publications & Speaking

• “Customs Law and Procedure,” State Bar of Texas Professional Development Program, 1982;
• “Customs Law Revised, A Minefield of Protectionism and Enforcement,” State Bar of Texas Professional Development Program, 1987;
• “Developments in U.S. Customs, Countervailing Duties, Antidumping and Trade Regulations,” State Bar of Texas Professional Development Program, 1989;
• “U.S. Customs Law Affecting the Movement of Goods Into and Out of Mexico,” St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1992;
• “Customs Enforcement and the NAFTA,” 24 St. Mary’s L. J. 903; St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1993;
• State Bar of Texas, Professional Development Program, 1995: “Doing Business in the New Texas-Mexico Market: A Practical Guide to Transnational Transactions”;
• “The Danger of U.S. Customs Searches for Returning Lawyers,” 30 GPSolo 39 American Bar Association, 2013