Program Details
2026-10-06 14:30:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-10-06 14:30:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm ESTBefore making a prior disclosure, companies must understand where their customs compliance risks originate and whether those issues qualify for disclosure under CBP regulations. This session examines how importers should conduct targeted customs audits, identify tariff-related errors, evaluate penalty exposure, and determine when prior disclosure is the appropriate corrective strategy. Participants will learn practical approaches for reviewing import transactions, documenting findings, and prioritizing issues before enforcement actions or regulatory changes increase potential liability.
Evelyn Suarez
Renée Brooker
Denise M. Barnes 3:40 pm - 4:40 pm ESTOnce customs issues have been identified, importers must prepare a thorough and credible prior disclosure that satisfies CBP requirements while minimizing enforcement risk. This session explores the practical steps involved in drafting disclosures, assembling supporting documentation, communicating with Customs, calculating lost duties, and implementing corrective measures after submission. Attendees will also examine how companies can strengthen compliance programs to prevent recurring violations and respond effectively to future customs audits and enforcement activity.
Evelyn SuarezRenée BrookerDenise M. BarnesEvelyn Suarez is the founder of The Suarez Firm, a Washington, D.C. practice providing legal and consulting services to companies engaged in international trade, with particular focus on customs, anti-corruption, and trade policy. She counsels clients on CBP matters, tariffs, and supply chain compliance, and began her legal career as a government lawyer at U.S. Customs and the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Renée Brooker represents qui tam relators and whistleblowers throughout the United States at a public interest plaintiff’s law firm in Washington, DC: [email protected]. She is the former Assistant Director for Civil Frauds at the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office that supervises False Claims Act cases in all 94 federal district courts. With oversight of nearly $6 billion in recoveries, her False Claims Act experience cuts across all subject matters including healthcare, cybersecurity, government contracting, customs and tariffs, and more. Renée received numerous Justice Department awards for her False Claims Act work, including the Attorney General’s highest award for sizeable recoveries against the pharmaceutical industry.
Denise M. Barnes is a litigation member in the Washington, D.C. office of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, where she defends companies in False Claims Act investigations, government investigations, and regulatory inquiries, including federal contract procurement matters. As a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2015 to 2022, she spearheaded numerous multi-district investigations that resulted in over $2.7 billion in recoveries for federal taxpayers.
Evelyn Suarez is the founder of The Suarez Firm, a Washington, D.C. practice providing legal and consulting services to companies engaged in international trade, with particular focus on customs, anti-corruption, and trade policy. She counsels clients on CBP matters, tariffs, and supply chain compliance, and began her legal career as a government lawyer at U.S. Customs and the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Renée Brooker represents qui tam relators and whistleblowers throughout the United States at a public interest plaintiff’s law firm in Washington, DC: [email protected]. She is the former Assistant Director for Civil Frauds at the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office that supervises False Claims Act cases in all 94 federal district courts. With oversight of nearly $6 billion in recoveries, her False Claims Act experience cuts across all subject matters including healthcare, cybersecurity, government contracting, customs and tariffs, and more. Renée received numerous Justice Department awards for her False Claims Act work, including the Attorney General’s highest award for sizeable recoveries against the pharmaceutical industry.
Denise M. Barnes is a litigation member in the Washington, D.C. office of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, where she defends companies in False Claims Act investigations, government investigations, and regulatory inquiries, including federal contract procurement matters. As a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2015 to 2022, she spearheaded numerous multi-district investigations that resulted in over $2.7 billion in recoveries for federal taxpayers.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
