About John Padgett

He is experienced in counseling public and private businesses, partnerships and limited liability corporations with matters involving mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate and operational issues. John also has experience with the transportation and terminal operating industries and has a unique perspective on maritime commerce.  

He has worked with a variety of enterprises at various points in their corporate trajectory, from early stage to maturity. He also advises corporations in the nuances of international trade and U.S. customs’ compliance issues. Additionally, he provides litigation support to the firm’s corporate and maritime clients.

John assists clients with the laws governing the assessment of customs duties and the administration of import and export laws and regulations, including classification, valuation and the assessment of customs duties. He also counsels clients regarding export laws and regulations, including classification, valuation, the use of foreign trade zones and anti-dumping and countervailing duties. He works with clients in the conduct of audits and the defense of civil penalty or liquidated damages proceedings commenced by the U.S. Customs Service and other agencies with jurisdiction over foreign trade, including clients who have violated the Customs’ Service “informed compliance agreement.”