About Us

Founded in 1974, Givens & Johnston PLLC is a law firm located in Houston, Texas whose practice focuses on Customs Law and International Trade Law. Our representation includes assisting importers, exporters, customs brokers, etc. in coping with U.S. regulation of their movements of merchandise into or out of the United States.

Givens & Johnston defends companies and individuals against any government action, including those brought by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), just to name a few. These government actions include any fines & penalties, seizures & forfeitures, and civil & criminal investigations. Having tried and trusted legal counsel is a must under any of these circumstances.

The firm regularly represents clients at the administrative level, including at all Customs ports across the United States. And when necessary, the firm offers experienced counsel to represent clients at the judicial level before the U.S. Court of International Trade and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Additionally, we offer representation before U.S. District Courts regarding seizure & forfeiture cases and criminal penalty actions.

Givens & Johnston can also assist clients with maximizing the potential benefits under the U.S. laws regulating imports (e.g., tariff classifications, Free Trade Agreements/Preferential Tariff Treatment programs, valuation, country of origin, antidumping/countervailing duties, etc.). The firm provides services such as the creation and implementation of import and export compliance programs (e.g., establishing procedures in accordance with CBP, BIS, DDTC, and OFAC laws and regulations) to limit any legal exposure with respect to its business and transactions involving Customs and International Trade matters.

The world of international trade is rapidly changing, and we here at Givens & Johnston have a history of excellence in providing high-quality, results-oriented, and cost-effective legal advice to the international trade community as well as helping clients to interpret and manage the complexities of legislative and judicial decisions affecting their business.