“Detail-oriented trade compliance counsel delivering practical, results-driven solutions for importers, exporters, brokers and manufacturers facing U.S. customs enforcement, litigation, and regulatory challenges.

Denise Calle

Principal Attorney, Customs and Trade Practice Head

Denise is a bilingual (Spanish/English) attorney who has exclusively practiced Customs and International Trade Law since admission to the Florida Bar in 2017. Cross-trained across 40+ federal agencies, she specializes in:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) matters: tariff classification, valuation, country of origin/marking, C-TPAT, protests, enforcements, prior disclosures, seizures, penalties, and trade remedy.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory compliance and enforcement defense.
  • Multi-agency import/export compliance: DHS, TTB, FTC, CPSC, FCC, USDA, and related administrative proceedings.
  • Court of International Trade (CIT) litigation: Appeared as counsel in CIT cases, including IEEPA tariff refund actions.

She represents foreign and domestic manufacturers, distributors, importers, exporters, and customs brokers in compliance audits, penalty mitigation, voluntary disclosures, and strategic litigation. Denise’s work also includes advising on trade remedies under Sections 122, 232 and 301, free trade agreement eligibility, and enforcement actions pursued by CBP and other partner government agencies. She has significant experience in developing and implementing internal compliance programs designed to enhance trade compliance and minimize exposure to penalties.

Denise is an active contributor to industry discussions on trade enforcement and customs modernization. She is particularly adept at translating complex regulatory requirements into clear and practical guidance for clients.

Recent Highlights

  • CIT IEEPA Tariff Litigation: Second chair on multiple filings challenging unlawful IEEPA tariffs, advising clients on protests, refunds, and potential CIT consolidation post-CAFC mandate in V.O.S. Selections.
  • Active Thought Leadership: Regular commentator on tariff developments, including SCOTUS/CAFC rulings on presidential tariff authority and importer strategies for refunds.
  • CBP Enforcement Trends (2025–2026): Guiding clients on rising broker penalties, e-Allegations program expansion, and 2026 trade enforcement outlook.

Leadership and Community

  • Trade and Cargo Security Summit (TCSS): Represented OFW at CBP’s annual Trade and Cargo Security Summit, engaging with officials on global supply chain challenges.
  • The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade: Former Vice Chair and Secretary (2020–2026), advancing women/girls’ leadership, health, safety via grantmaking and advocacy.
  • United Nations: Adviser to Holy See Mission at UN General Assembly (Third Committee, 2015) on trade, women’s advancement, and crime prevention.

Denise’s Insights & Articles

Contact Denise to discuss your customs compliance, enforcement defense, or CIT litigation needs.

Past Experience

News & Insights

Credentials

Education

J.D., St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami, Florida

B.A., University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Bar Admissions

State Bar of Florida

Court Admissions

U.S. Dist. Court - Southern District of Florida

U.S. Court of International Trade