Leonard “Len” L. Fleisig is a partner in the firm’s Maritime and International Trade Practice Groups. Leonard spent twelve years in the logistics industry between college and law school. During that time, he gained invaluable commercial experience while overseeing the movement of hundreds of containers per week between the United States and Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Leonard’s commercial background has complemented his legal skills in the representation of clients from around the world. His commercial and legal experience has enabled him to better assist clients in export and import compliance matters involving the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
Leonard has spent considerable time counseling clients on export and import compliance planning and assisting clients in enforcement proceedings with various federal agencies. Leonard received his undergraduate degree from the Victoria University of Manchester, England where he graduated, with honors. He received his law degree from New York University School of Law.
Representative Experience :
- U.S. Customs & Homeland Protection
- Represent multi-national energy companies in a suit at the Court of International Trade relating to the NAFTA-eligibility of natural gas entering the United States via pipeline.
- Represented European corporation in enforcement proceeding commenced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Mitigated fine, penalty and repayment of duty arising out of alleged misclassification from $2,100,000 to zero after establishing that client used reasonable care in its Customs activities.
- Represented European corporation in suit commenced against U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Obtained judgment at Court of International Trade upholding client’s view of the proper classification of the product and obtained a refund in excess of $1,000,000.
- Represented foreign manufacturer and advised appropriate corporate structure for foreign manufacturing and distribution subsidiary to maximize compliance with U.S. Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Customs regulations.
- Represented various corporations in obtaining rulings on proper classification, valuation and marking of products imported into the United States.
- Bureau of Industry & Security
- Represented multi-national pharmaceutical manufacturer in providing advice with regard to U.S. sanctions and export license regulations.
- Represented U.S. exporters in voluntary disclosure proceedings involving the exportation of dual-use items without the appropriate export licenses.
- U.S. State Department
- Represented U.S. software and solutions provider in identifying appropriate control mechanisms when dealing with Department of Defense contracts and obtaining when necessary appropriate Technical Assistance Agreements from U.S. State Department.
- Represented foreign purchaser of U.S. based assets that required approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
- Federal Maritime Commission
- Represented logistics companies in enforcement proceedings and administrative litigation.
- Provided advice and guidance to foreign-flag vessel operating common carrier participating in conferences, vessel-sharing agreements and/or discussion agreements.
- Represented foreign-flag vessel operating common carrier in investigation conducted by Federal Maritime Commission in connection with its participation in a vessel-sharing agreement.
- Represented vessel operating common carrier in drafting and negotiating pooling and consolidation agreements for containers and chassis.
- Litigation
- Federal District Court and Court of Appeals litigation on behalf of transportation companies and logistics providers.
Education :
- J.D., New York University, 1990
- B.A., University of Manchester, with honors, 1975
Memberships :
- Hampton Roads Global Business Council, President (2014/2015)
- Virginia Maritime Association, Shippers Committee (2013/2014)
- Hampton Road CIVIC (2013)
- Maritime Administrative Bar Association: Secretary-Treasurer (1999-2000); Vice President (2000-2001); President (2001-2002)
- Maritime Law Association: Carriage of Goods Committee; Electronic Commerce Committee
Cost
Rate : $$$
