High impact global trade lawyer with 25+ years of international trade and customs experience; deep knowledge in executing customs risks assessments; proactive identification of customs benefits through strategic duty planning via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Special Customs regimes; track record in minimizing/eliminating customs contingencies by timely advising on the critical risks and success factors for customs processes; mature project management and regional team leadership capabilities; regional experience on origin, classification and valuation topics. Prior to joining Roll & Harris LLP, Armando was Managing Director in Ernst & Young LLP, leading the customs and international trade practice in their Latin American Business Center. He was also Mexico's representative at the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Center, a tri-national office in charge of providing exporters, importers and producers from North America with technical information regarding customs procedures under NAFTA. Armando was appointed to the NAFTA Center by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico (Tax Administration Service) in March 1995. During his 10-year career in the public sector, he served as the Chief of Staff for the Federal Fiscal Attorney of Mexico and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs on Indirect Taxes. He also served as Legal Advisor to the Technical Secretariat of the Economic Cabinet in the Presidency of Mexico. Over the years, Armando has also acquired extensive experience with customs guidelines for the establishment of IMMEX (Maquila) operations in Mexico; customs and NAFTA/USMCA due diligence and compliance reviews; customs and international trade advisory services; as well as duty strategic planning through FTAs. Armando is certified as a Foreign Legal Consultant at the Texas Bar, has written several articles in the customs and international trade area and enjoys participating as lecturer in international trade conferences. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Master of Laws (LLM) University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) Law Degree Escuela Libre de Derecho (Mexico City, Mexico)