Eric R. Rock

Eric R. Rock concentrates his practice in customs and international trade matters. His areas of expertise include the tariff classification, valuation and eligibility of merchandise for various free trade agreements and trade preference programs. Mr. Rock also advises clients regarding U.S. export laws and regulations, including restrictions on disclosure of U.S. origin technology to foreign nationals, export licensing requirements, encryption controls and compliance with U.S. trade embargoes. Mr. Rock has represented clients in all facets of trade compliance including administrative proceedings, litigation, audits, and internal reviews of trade matters.

During his more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Rock has developed unique expertise in creating innovative compliance solutions and proactive countermeasures to address the challenges facing our clients. Mr. Rock has been involved in specific inquiries related to textiles, NAFTA, and antidumping compliance, among others. With his assistance, clients have been successfully enrolled in beneficial trade programs such as the Importer Self Assessment ("ISA") program, as well as the Customs – Trade Partnership Against Terrorism ("C-TPAT"). Mr. Rock has obtained favorable antidumping scope exclusions and defended these outcomes in court. His litigation experience also includes matters related to tariff classification and section 337 investigations concerning the protection of intellectual property before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Mr. Rock has also worked with Congressional offices to successfully introduce special trade legislation.

Before joining the firm, Mr. Rock spent 19 years as a licensed customs broker. His prior responsibilities included working with corporate clients to implement trade compliance initiatives and tailor procedures to ensure the effective importation and exportation of merchandise. He oversaw the processing of numerous products through a broad range of government agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, the Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Department of Commerce, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, the U.S. State Department, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Mr. Rock obtained his customs brokers license in 1990. He is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law.

Mr. Rock is admitted to practice in Illinois, and before the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, where he served as the chair of the Customs and U.S. International Trade Law Committee (2007–2008).

Mr. Rock is also a member of the Customs Brokers and Foreign Freight Forwarders Association of Chicago, where he was a vice-president and customs committee chairman, and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has been responsible for the local implementation of trade policies and the development of the association’s website.