Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Customs, Trade & Export Control Law Experts Since 1919
Barnes Richardson & Colburn has been a trusted leader in customs, trade, and export control law since 1919. Our firm specializes in helping businesses navigate complex international trade regulations, offering tailored solutions for tariff mitigation, regulatory compliance, and market access. With a legacy of handling cases for over one-third of the Fortune 100 manufacturers, we prioritize empowering clients to manage compliance independently while minimizing long-term legal costs.Our attorneys, recognized for their expertise in trade remedies and customs audits, have shaped industry standards through landmark cases and continuous advocacy. Headquartered in New York with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., we combine century-long experience with a forward-thinking approach to global trade challenges. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with networks like Meritas and INBLF, ensuring clients receive seamless legal support worldwide.
Services
Customs Compliance
Trade Agreements
Export Control
Tariff Classification
Antidumping Duties
Details
- Year established: 1919
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of specialized experience in customs and trade law.
- Our compliance programs reduce long-term legal costs for importers.
- All client matters are handled directly by experienced legal partners.
- We maintain global reach through affiliations with networks like Meritas.
- Our attorneys pioneered NAFTA binational panel reviews and USMCA dispute resolution.
Services
Customs Compliance
Our customs compliance services help importers meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements through tailored legal programs. We design systems for tariff classification, valuation, and documentation to ensure adherence to 'reasonable care' standards. Clients benefit from reduced audit risks and streamlined operations while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Trade Agreements
We assist businesses in leveraging free trade agreements like USMCA to reduce duties and optimize supply chains. Our experts develop certification systems, handle origin verifications, and train staff on FTA requirements. Clients gain competitive advantages through cost savings and improved market access while avoiding non-compliance penalties.
Export Control
Our export control practice covers EAR, ITAR, and OFAC regulations to ensure lawful international transactions. We implement export management systems, secure licenses, and conduct internal audits. Clients receive protection from enforcement actions while maintaining smooth cross-border operations through our proactive compliance frameworks.
Tariff Classification
We provide precise tariff classification under the Harmonized Tariff System to minimize duty liabilities. Our attorneys analyze merchandise characteristics and precedents to identify optimal classifications. Clients achieve cost savings through accurate duty calculations and avoid penalties from misclassification during customs audits.
Antidumping Duties
Our team defends importers against antidumping and countervailing duty investigations while helping clients navigate scope rulings. We represent clients before the Department of Commerce and ITC to challenge unfair duty assessments. Businesses benefit from reduced liability exposure and strategic guidance on compliance with evolving trade remedy laws.
People
Lawrence M. Friedman
Partner
With decades of experience in customs litigation, Lawrence Friedman specializes in trade remedies and intellectual property enforcement. He leads complex antidumping cases and mentors junior attorneys while maintaining active roles in industry associations like CITBA.
Marvin E. McPherson
Partner
Marvin McPherson focuses on export compliance programs and C-TPAT security initiatives. He advises multinational corporations on EAR/ITAR regulations and conducts training sessions on deemed exports for technology transfers.
Matthew T. McGrath
Partner
Matthew McGrath handles high-stakes customs audits and penalty mitigation. His expertise includes valuation disputes and prior disclosure strategies. He previously served as Chief of the Customs Section at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Questions
What trade law services does Barnes Richardson & Colburn specialize in?
We focus on customs compliance, trade remedies (antidumping/countervailing duties), export controls (EAR/ITAR/OFAC), free trade agreements, intellectual property enforcement, and international dispute resolution.
How can your firm help reduce import duty costs?
We analyze tariff classifications, implement duty reduction programs under FTAs like USMCA, and develop compliance systems to maximize legitimate savings while maintaining regulatory adherence.
Do you handle customs audit defense?
Yes, our attorneys represent clients during CBP audits, Focused Assessments, and prior disclosure processes. We conduct pre-audit compliance reviews and challenge unjustified penalty claims.
What sets your export compliance services apart?
We combine technical expertise in dual-use item regulations with practical implementation strategies, including customized training programs and C-TPAT certification assistance for supply chain security.
Can you assist with trade disputes under USMCA?
Our firm pioneered NAFTA binational panel reviews and continues handling USMCA disputes, representing clients before panels addressing cross-border trade conflicts between member countries.
