Nerissa offers clients a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to problem solving.

Overview

With a sharp eye for regulatory nuance, Nerissa helps clients navigate complex legal matters with confidence. She brings nearly two decades of experience across trade, compliance, and intellectual property enforcement, informed by her background in government service. Clients value her strategic thinking and her ability to deliver solutions that balance legal demands with business realities.

She previously served in the Office of Trade, Regulations and Rulings at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where she handled a broad range of customs and international trade matters, including import compliance and intellectual property enforcement. While at CBP, she was temporarily assigned to serve as a trade policy liaison to Congress where she assisted in coordinating trade policy issues. Her extensive experience in trade rules and government decision-making informs her practical, strategic approach to advising clients in complex regulatory issues.

Experience

  • Drafted and issued binding decisions regarding the seizure and forfeiture of imported goods bearing counterfeit trademarks and piratical copyrights. Advised ports on whether merchandise is subject to detention and seizure.
  • Drafted amendments to CBP's statutory authorities and provided substantive assistance to Congress on the "Customs Modernization Act of 2023" and related bills.
  • Drafted binding administrative decisions on various import compliance, duty-deferral, and duty refunds matters. This includes protests on whether merchandise was properly liquidated in accordance with AD/CVD orders and on whether pipeline entries are subject to Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF).
  • Authored administrative determinations on civil penalties, seizures and forfeitures. Provided training to port personnel on intellectual property rights enforcement procedures.
  • Drafted binding decisions on the tariff classification, country of origin, and the country of origin under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), of merchandise.

News & Insights

Recognitions

Recognitions

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Team Excellence Award, 2008

Professional & Civic Activities

Professional & Civic Activities

Women in International Trade

Customs and International Trade Bar Association

Customs Lawyers Association

  • Secretary (2008-2010)

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland (Inactive)

Education

Vermont Law School, J.D., 2006

  • Dean's List 2005-2006
  • Honors in Legal Research
  • Code of Conduct, Class Representative, 2004-2006

The University of Chicago, B.A, 2000

  • Dean's List, 1999-2000
  • Honors in History
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