The Chief Counsel, United States Customs Service (USCS), supervises approximately 100 attorneys in the Washington headquarters, a law enforcement training branch in Georgia, and several field offices. The Customs Service is engaged principally in enforcing laws regarding importation and exportation of merchandise as well as money laundering and currency reporting laws.

The Office of Chief Counsel provides legal advice to the Customs Service on matters such as export controls; the entry and clearance of vessels, vehicles and aircraft; classification and value of merchandise; quota restrictions; controlled substances acts; trade embargoes and sanctions; trademarks and copyrights; currency reporting; and forfeiture.

The Office of the Chief Counsel also provides legal advice on ethics, labor relations, equal employment opportunity, personnel, document disclosure, and suits against the Customs Service and its employees in areas such as the Federal Tort Claim Act and "Bivens" actions. Also, the office drafts and reviews legislation and regulations in areas of interest to the Customs Service. Additional information on the Customs Chief Counsel's Office may be found on the Customs web site.