Nick Guzman Named a 2023 ‘Rising Star’ by Law360

Faegre Drinker partner Nick Guzman has been named a 2023 “Rising Star” in the International Trade category by Law360. The annual list recognizes attorneys under the age of 40 whose legal accomplishments transcend their age. Guzman was selected from a field of more than 1,300 applicants and named to the winners’ list of 183 attorneys, hailing from more than 94 law firms and spanning 38 practice areas.

Guzman counsels clients in all aspects of international trade laws and regulations and has extensive experience in import, trade compliance and international customs issues. He assists clients with establishing import operations, represents clients undergoing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-focused assessments and penalty investigations and regularly assists clients with international customs compliance issues.

Beyond his legal work counseling major clients, Guzman is a member of Faegre Drinker’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is also the Illinois Medical District’s commissioner, board president of the Erie Neighborhood House, National Museum of Mexican Art trustee and a board member of the Latino Leadership Council.

In a feature profile with Law360, Guzman discussed how he uses his Mexican background in U.S.-Mexico trade issues to navigate international trade matters and help pro bono clients with immigration matters. While Guzman has worked on major cases including an enforcement case by the Mexican government and customs authorities, it’s pro bono work that he’s proudest of.

Guzman helped an individual who came to the U.S. from El Salvador at just 12 years old secure a green card six years later based on him being an asylee. He says, “Seeing him grow up in a system without knowing where he was going to end up and then ultimately getting his permanent residency, apartments and everything, it's kind of what one thinks of when they think about a lawyer and directly helping people."

The full profile and list of honorees is available to Law360 subscribers.