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Customs Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$137K - $174K/yr

Five (5) or more years of experience in the field of import/export trade consulting required, as a customs attorney, customs broker, industry trade specialist, US Customs auditor, or import ...

Minimum three years of recent import/export experience in the field of trade and customs as a customs attorney, customs broker, U.S. Customs auditor, or import specialist, which will include ...

Licensed Customs Broker

Peabody, MA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Sign documents on behalf of clients using Power of Attorney (POA). * Clear goods through customs and arrange for the delivery of goods to the designated destination as per the client agreement. Why ...

... attorney and conducting in depth research and development of classification. * Responsible for ... S. Customs in a timely manner. * Conducts audits on customs entries to check for any errors.

... attorney and conducting in depth research and development of classification. * Responsible for ... S. Customs in a timely manner. * Conducts audits on customs entries to check for any errors.

... attorney, trade consultant, in-house professional or government official * JD / LLM degree is ... S. Customs and Border Protection, CUSICO (Certified U.S. Import Compliance Officer), CUSECO ...

Manager Customs & Compliance

Quincy, MA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

... attorney to confirm the viability of the candidates. Spearheads annual First Sale supplier audits ... Certified Customs Specialist certification or Licensed Customs Broker required * Solid math skills

New

... attorney to confirm the viability of the candidates. Spearheads annual First Sale supplier audits ... Certified Customs Specialist certification or Licensed Customs Broker required * Solid math skills

New

... attorney to confirm the viability of the candidates. Spearheads annual First Sale supplier audits ... Certified Customs Specialist certification or Licensed Customs Broker required * Solid math skills

New

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Showing results 1-20

Customs Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do customs attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Customs Attorney vs Customs Broker?

AspectCustoms AttorneyCustoms Broker
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, specialized knowledge of customs lawsLicense issued by customs authorities, knowledge of import/export regulations
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsFreight forwarders, import/export companies, customs brokerage firms
Employer & Industry UsageLegal advice, compliance, litigation related to customs lawsFacilitating import/export clearance, documentation, tariff classification

While both Customs Attorneys and Customs Brokers work within the customs and import/export industry, Customs Attorneys focus on legal advice, compliance, and litigation, requiring a law degree and bar admission. Customs Brokers handle the practical aspects of customs clearance, requiring a license and knowledge of regulations. They often collaborate but serve different roles in international trade compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a customs attorney?

To thrive as a Customs Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the bar, and expertise in customs law, trade regulations, and import/export compliance. Familiarity with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), and trade databases is essential, and certifications like Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and attention to detail, along with the ability to communicate complex regulations clearly, distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are vital to ensure clients remain compliant with evolving trade laws, avoid costly penalties, and navigate the complexities of international commerce.

What are some common challenges customs attorneys face when navigating international trade regulations?

Customs Attorneys often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequently changing import/export regulations, interpreting complex tariff classifications, and resolving disputes between clients and customs authorities. The role requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to quickly analyze new trade agreements or regulatory updates. Additionally, Customs Attorneys must effectively communicate with government agencies, clients, and sometimes foreign counsel to ensure compliance and resolve issues efficiently.

What is a customs attorney?

Customs attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations related to the import and export of goods across international borders. They assist businesses and individuals in complying with customs regulations, resolving disputes with customs authorities, and representing clients in cases involving customs violations or penalties. Their expertise includes tariff classifications, duty assessments, trade agreements, and import/export documentation. Customs attorneys help clients navigate complex customs laws to avoid costly delays, fines, or legal issues. They may also advise on matters of international trade compliance and supply chain management.
More about Customs Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Customs Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Customs Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Customs Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Customs Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Customs Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade

BDO

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$137K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


BDO USA rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 22 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description

Job Summary:

A Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade is responsible for advising clients on and identifying potential trade issues and opportunities providing advice to clients, in a variety of industries, on import and export matters.  This role will be charged with marketing, networking and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and recognizing potential changes in tax policy and applying new policies pertaining to customs and international trade matters.


Job Duties:

Technical Duties:

  • Assists clients and BDO client service teams in developing ideas, structures and transactions with a focus on customs and international trade matters - to optimize the tax position for clients
  • Researches, writes, and reviews international trade advice in areas relating to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, customs federal regulations, NAFTA, entry processes, and customs valuation
  • Researches U.S. and international import and export trade matters 
  • Identifies need for other expert resources, internal and external, to assist when necessary to introduce opportunities for tax savings for clients and prospective clients
  • Understands, develops and maintains workplans for tax consulting projects
  • Assists with the implementation of Firm tax strategies
  • Formulate ideas and delivers possible trade savings opportunities
  • Works with other Firm specialists and client service teams on client and proposal work 
  • Organizes and conducts effective internal CPE training sessions in the area of specialization
  • Establishes relationship with BDO customs experts in jurisdictions throughout BDO International
  • Identifies opportunities for and assists in drafting tax alerts in international customs and global trade tax matters
  • Assists in managing client expectations
  • Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Supervises the day-to-day workload of Customs and International Trade Associates, Senior Associates Interns on assigned engagements and reviews work product 
  • Delivers periodic performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for Associates and Interns
  • Acts as mentor to Associates and Interns, as appropriate


Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree, required 
  • Juris Doctorate degree, LLM, and/or MBA, preferred

Experience:

  • Five (5) or more years of experience in the field of import/export trade consulting required, as a customs attorney, customs broker, industry trade specialist, US Customs auditor, or import specialist, required


License/Certifications:

  • CPA and/or JD, preferred

Software:

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint, required
  • Experience utilizing RIA, BNA, Lexis Nexis, required 

Language:

  • N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills and basic legal and tax research skills including building models and analysis of financial and numerical data
  • Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
  • Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
  • Capable of working in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously 
  • Capable of effective managing a team of tax professionals and delegating work assignments as needed
  • Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with client personnel
  • Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
  • Basic understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation and law

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $79,800 - $168,000
Maryland Range: $79,800 - $168,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $79,800 - $168,000
Washington DC Range: $79,800 - $168,000

At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you'll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.

Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you'll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.

We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm's success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we're building together.

Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more!

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
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About BDO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BDO, culture is the first order of business. We succeed when we cultivate a conscious and caring corporate culture that puts people at the center of everything we do. In essence, the business of our business is to help people thrive every day. This mindset powers our growth by supporting the development of our people, the success of our clients, and the betterment of our communities. It means taking an expansive view of what’s possible, and committing ourselves to achieving exceptional outcomes. At BDO, we are cultivating a culture where our professionals thrive in their work of providing middle market leaders with insight-driven perspectives and assurance, tax and advisory services, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual.

Industry

Administrative assistance services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US