Edmundo Elías Fernandez is the Mexico and Latin America coordinator of the Firm’s Foreign Trade and Customs Practice, and the coordinator of the International Trade, Compliance and Customs Practice Group. He is also a licensed customs broker in Mexico. Mr. Elías is a professor at the Universidad Panamericana law school in Guadalajara, and has previously taught at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, among others. He is the co-author of the NAFTA Handbook, and is a regular speaker and panelist on seminars organized by notable associations, including the World Customs Organization. He joined the Firm in 1992.

Practice Focus

Mr. Elias practices mainly in the areas of customs and international trade, and has extensive experience in general corporate law and foreign investment. He is proficient in tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, as well as marking regulations, maquiladoras and government affairs.

Representative Legal Matters

• Represented clients in litigation proceedings relating to foreign trade, non-payment of tariff rate quotas and value added tax.
• Advised various companies on topics relating to corporate law and foreign investment.
• Assisted clients in matters relating to foreign trade and customs.
• Assisted clients in matters relating to tariff classification and customs valuation.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Ilustre y Nacional Colegio de Abogados - Member
• U.S.-Mexico Bar Association - Member
• Ilustre y Nacional Colegio de Abogados - Member
• American Chamber of Commerce - Member
• Barra Mexicana Colegio de Abogados - Member
• National Association of Customs Brokers - Member

Admission

Mexico (1989)

Education

Universidad Panamericana  (LL.M.) (1991)
University Nacional Autónoma de México  (J.D.) (1989)
Central University Mexico  (Certificate) (1985)