Law360, New York (November 6, 2009) -- F. Gordon Lee, a partner at Nossaman LLP, has more than three decades of experience in customs, export control, international trade, and immigration law. He represents major multinational companies on a wide range of import and export issues before numerous government agencies.
Lee represents American and foreign individuals and corporations in civil and white collar criminal litigation involving alleged customs and export control violations. He also assists companies with visas and green card issues for their foreign professionals.
Q: What attracted you to your practice area?
A: The area of international trade law always was of interest to me. It carries within it so many different disciplines and challenges. It allows one to enjoy a variety of different issues to address and a wonderful opportunity to exercise their mind. The issues are almost always challenging.
Q: What is the most challenging case you've worked on, and why?
A: The most challenging case probably was one that involved the alleged improper importation of a highly regulated item. The clients had followed the rules, but there were competitors providing the government with false information to cause the client harm. In addition, the law relating to the importation had changed years before, but the government had failed to update the regulations.
Eventually, several federal agencies became involved in the case, and ultimately we had to work with Congress to change the law to allow the importation to proceed. The government did become convinced that there was no wrongdoing by the clients.
Q: What are the most challenging legal problems currently facing clients in your practice area?
A: The most challenging legal problems facing clients are probably the complexity of the laws and the ability to keep up with it. There are frequent changes and being certain that one is always doing things right can be daunting.
Q: How do you see your practice area evolving in the next five years?
A: It is a practice area that certainly is not going away. I see it becoming more complex and more challenging for the practitioner and the client.
Q: Outside your own firm, name one lawyer who's impressed you and tell us why.
A: One particular attorney who impresses me is Larry Christensen of Miller & Chevalier Chtd. He practices in the area of export control and has a command of the area that few have. He is a stellar attorney.
Q: What advice would you give to a young lawyer interested in getting into your practice area?
A: This is an interesting and rewarding area. It offers many opportunities for different experiences such as administrative law, criminal law, civil law and a wide variety of challenges. I would encourage a young lawyer to consider and explore it.