Robert T. Givens has been practicing international trade law for over 40 years. Robert is admitted to practice before the Federal District Courts and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, along with the Court of International Trade, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.  Robert founded his practice in 1974, following three years of service with U.S. Customs as an Import Specialist. While at CBP, he cultivated an understanding of the intricacies of trade law in the United States and the Government’s tactics for enforcement.  Consequently, Robert has gained 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 1st 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 (FTZs), tariff classification and valuation, country of origin, antidumping and countervailing duties, among all of the other issues affecting importers and exporters. 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 also regularly represent clients in actions before other Federal Agencies regulating imports.  He has also assisted licensed customs brokers in many areas including licensing and compliance. In addition, Robert has served as the lead counsel successfully in cases before the Court of International Trade and 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

• “Re-import Changes & NAFTA Verification Summary from a Legal Perspective,” Laredo Licensed U.S. Customs Brokers Association, Inc., 2016
• “The Danger of U.S. Customs Searches for Returning Lawyers,” 30 GPSolo 39 American Bar Association, 2013
• State Bar of Texas, Professional Development Program, 1995: “Doing Business in the New Texas-Mexico Market: A Practical Guide to Transnational Transactions”
• “Customs Enforcement and the NAFTA,” 24 St. Mary’s L. J. 903; St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1993
• “U.S. Customs Law Affecting the Movement of Goods Into and Out of Mexico,” St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1992
• “Developments in U.S. Customs, Countervailing Duties, Antidumping and Trade Regulations,” State Bar of Texas Professional Development Program, 1989
• “Customs Law Revised, A Minefield of Protectionism and Enforcement,” State Bar of Texas Professional Development Program, 1987
• “Customs Law and Procedure,” State Bar of Texas Professional Development Program, 1982