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Customs Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney. * Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.

Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney. * Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.

Attorney - Trade - Import Import Attorney - International Trade and Customs Law A premier international trade law firm is seeking an experienced Import Attorney to join its practice. This role is ...

Carrier Power of Attorney Management & Record Retention * Cross-border Logistics or Southern ... US Customs Broker License required (Will require verification) * Bachelor Degree * 5-7 years ...

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Customs Attorney information

See salary details

$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do customs attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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:
Infographic showing various Customs Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

International Trade Senior Associate Attorney or Counsel

Direct Counsel

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

International Trade Senior Associate Attorney or Counsel

Direct Counsel is seeking an International Trade Senior Associate or Counsel to join a highly regarded Am Law 100 firm. This position is available in Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Century City, California; New York, New York; Raleigh, North Carolina; San Francisco, California; or Silicon Valley, California.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced international trade attorney to join a nationally recognized, full-service international trade practice advising multinational companies on complex customs, trade compliance, export controls, sanctions, and national security matters.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on a broad range of U.S. customs and international trade matters.

  • Counsel clients regarding tariff classification, customs valuation, free trade agreements, and trade remedies.

  • Prepare and manage customs ruling requests, protests, petitions, prior disclosures, and customs audit defense.

  • Advise clients on tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Section 232, and Section 301.

  • Counsel clients on international trade compliance strategies and regulatory risk management.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on cross-border transactions and regulatory matters.

  • Depending on experience, advise clients on export controls, economic sanctions, and national security issues involving the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school with excellent academic credentials.

  • Active Bar membership in good standing.

  • Significant experience advising clients on U.S. customs and international trade matters.

  • Experience handling customs counseling, ruling requests, protests, petitions, prior disclosures, audit defense, tariff classification, valuation, free trade agreements, and trade remedies.

  • Experience advising on tariffs imposed under IEEPA, Section 232, and Section 301.

  • Experience with export controls, sanctions (EAR, ITAR, OFAC), licensing, voluntary disclosures, enforcement matters, or CFIUS is highly valued but not required.

  • Strong analytical, drafting, negotiation, and client counseling skills.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

  • Performance-based bonus opportunities.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.

  • Generous paid time off and firm holidays.

  • Professional development, leadership opportunities, and partnership-track or counsel career advancement.

Why Apply?

This position offers the opportunity to join one of the nation's premier international trade practices, advising leading domestic and multinational companies on cutting-edge customs, trade, sanctions, export control, and national security matters. Attorneys receive substantial client responsibility, cross-border exposure, and the opportunity to build a sophisticated international trade practice alongside nationally recognized practitioners.