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Customs Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BDO

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 ...

Percy Towers

Customs Broker

Washington, DC

$140K - $160K/yr

Collaborating with attorneys, specialists, and clients to deliver accurate, timely, and strategic outcomes Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university Customs ...

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Customs Attorney information

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$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do customs attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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, and why are they important?

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 are customs attorneys?

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:
What job categories do people searching Customs Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Customs Attorney jobs are:
Customs Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Customs Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade

Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade

BDO USA

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$137K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

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
About Us
Join us at BDO, where you will find more than a career, you'll find a place where your work is impactful, and you are valued for your individuality. We offer flexibility and opportunities for advancement. Our culture is centered around making meaningful connections, approaching interactions with curiosity, and being true to yourself, all while making a positive difference in the world.
At BDO, our purpose of helping people thrive every day is at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first, by sharing financially in our growth in value with our U.S. team. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the first large accounting and advisory organization to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). A qualified retirement plan, the ESOP offers participants a stake in the firm's success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. The ESOP stands as a compelling addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. The annual allocation to the ESOP is fully funded by BDO through investments in company stock and grants employees the chance to grow their wealth over time as their shares vest and grow in value with the firm's success, with no employee contributions.
We are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to middle market leaders by sharing insight-driven perspectives, helping companies take business as usual to better than usual. With industry knowledge and experience, a breadth and depth of resources, and unwavering commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on:
  • Welcoming diverse perspectives and understanding the experience of our professionals and clients
  • Empowering team members to explore their full potential
  • Our talented team who brings varying skills, knowledge and experience to proactively help our clients navigate an expanding array of complex challenges and opportunities
  • Celebrating ingenuity and innovation to transform our business and help our clients transform theirs
  • Focus on resilience and sustainability to positively impact our people, clients, and communities
  • BDO Total Rewards that encompass so much more than traditional "benefits." Click here to find out more!

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more!

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