King & Spalding LLP impresses clients with its ‘exceptional expertise in US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) import regulations’. The group routinely handles highly sensitive customs investigations and contentious matters, with its wider strength in trade litigation standing as a complementary asset in this field. Customs head Michael Taylor specializes in the full range of customs compliance and Homeland Security matters, with his comprehensive sector experience spanning the life sciences, chemicals, textiles, agribusiness, energy and aerospace industries, among others. His team also draws on Jeffrey Telep, who spearheads the firm’s Section 337 practice at the US International Trade Commission (USITC); up-and-coming customs specialist Patrick Togni; and International trade chair Stephen Orava, who has a significant customs dimension to his practice. The overarching international trade department also houses an increasingly prominent export controls and economic sanctions offering. National security specialist Christine Savage leads the CFIUS, export controls and sanctions unit and is sought after for her extensive experience both in government and private practice in compliance and enforcement proceedings. Other contacts on the export controls and sanctions side include Alexis Early and counsels Danielle Pressler and Shaswat Das. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The primary K&S trade customs partners on our account are simply OUTSTANDING in terms of responsiveness and solutions proactivity. The individuals have collaborated on some significant initiatives for the company whilst; always maintaining a practical and reasonable approach.’
‘Stand-out partners: Michael Taylor & Patrick Togni. Michael is very engaging as the lead engagement partner and very practical in providing context to the situation and opportunities therein. Patrick provides a technician scalpel approach in digesting possible alternatives being considered by the Group.’
‘The team’s strengths lie in its remarkable responsiveness, always readily available to provide in-depth guidance promptly. The partnership approach it adopts is commendable. Lawyers go beyond merely providing legal advice to immerse themselves in understanding the specific needs of our business.’
‘Its has exceptional expertise in CBP import regulations. It possesses deep understanding of these complex regulations and handles them with remarkable proficiency, ensuring our business remains compliant and efficient, particularly Patrick Tongi, Jamieson Greer and associate Christopher Hyner.’
‘Its responsiveness is unparalleled, always available to answer queries and provide guidance, no matter how complex the situation. What stands out most is its deep-seated partnership approach. They don't just offer legal advice; they invest time in understanding our business needs.’
‘Its domain knowledge, especially regarding CBP import regulations, is impressive. Lawyers navigate these intricate regulations with ease, ensuring compliance and efficiency for our business.’

Key clients

Access USA Shipping LLC
Aegis Security Insurance Company
Atlas Holdings LLC
American Furniture Manufacturers Committee for Legal Trade
Chr. Hansen
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
Embraer
Encore Wire Corporation
Energizer Holdings
Hexcel Corporation
Hunter Douglas
Illinois Tool Works
Mueller Water Products
Novelis
Novolex
Porsche Cars North America
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Terphane

Work highlights

Represented Aegis Security Insurance Company in two collection matters brought by CPB in the CIT to recover antidumping duties on entries for which Aegis acted as surety.
Represented ASC Engineered Services in a ‘reverse’ False Claims Act case, alleging improper filings and misrepresentations by the company to avoid the payment of duties on certain butt-weld fittings from China.
Conducted due diligence work for large, global financial institutions on export control and economic sanctions issues related to cross-border financing and investment.