James Kim*

Associate
James is an associate in the International Trade & Investment practice and Electric Mobility Group.
James Kim, Associate, Arent Fox LLP

Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, James served as an attorney-advisor at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from 2014 to 2021. During his tenure at CBP, he advised on legal and policy issues involving the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), including issues relating to duty preference, classification, entry procedures, recordkeeping, prior disclosures, penalties, duty deferral, and customs and labor enforcement. James played a key role in developing CBP’s USMCA-related regulations and policies, including those related to the automotive rules of origin, as well as other guidance and technical materials.

Before his USMCA work, James served in the Valuation & Special Programs and Border Security Regulations branches within CBP’s Regulations and Rulings, where he drafted binding rulings and advised on a wide range of customs and trade issues, including on valuation, classification, free trade agreements, special trade programs, country of origin, and issues arising out of US Court of International Trade litigation.

Earlier in his career, James practiced at a boutique law firm specializing in transportation law and representing freight forwarders and motor carriers. James was an editor on the George Mason Law Review and a law clerk for the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia while attending law school.

*Not admitted in California. Admitted in Virginia only. Practice limited to federal trade and regulatory matters.

Publications & Presentations

James’s publications include:

  • “For a Good Cause: Reforming the Good Cause Exception to Notice and Comment Rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act,” 18 Geo. Mason L. Rev. 1045, 2011

James’s presentations include:

  • “Chips, Batteries, & Charging Stations: Biden Administration in High Gear to Secure the Automotive Supply Chain,” DesignCon 2024, February 1, 2024
  • “US Trade Regulation and the US Market,” Canadian Transportation Equipment Association Conference, October 25, 2023
  • “US / Canadian Trade Analysis,” Canadian Transportation Equipment Association’s 59th Annual Manufacturers’ Conference, October 3, 2022
  • “USMCA Autos Panel,” Georgetown Law 42nd Annual International Trade Update, March 9, 2021
  • “USMCA Uniform Regulations: Conversation with US CBP,” Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), June 24, 2020

In The News

Life Beyond the Law

James was formerly on the board of directors for the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL), a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase public service opportunities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Youth. James enjoys running, cooking, and discovering new hiking trails.

Perspectives