Matthew W. Caligur

Experience

Customs and International Trade

• Represented a U.S.-based multinational automotive manufacturer in a $42 million civil penalty case involving record-keeping requirements under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• Represented an automotive manufacturer in several related matters seeking duty refunds based on drawback entries and reconciliation entries subject to deemed liquidation.
• Represented a global provider of orthopedic devices in an internal review of classification decisions and claims for preferential duty treatment under NAFTA.
• Represented an importer of heavy-duty modular transporters contesting U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP’s) decision to alter its classification position without notice as required under 19 USC § 1625(c).
• Represented an importer of steam turbine rotors in responding to a notice of penalty issued in connection with a temporary import under bond.
• Participated in the review and revision of foreign trade zone compliance policies for a large automobile assembly joint venture.
• Represented clients in the preparation and submission of prior disclosures to CBP.
• Represented clients in the preparation and submission of voluntary self-disclosures to the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Census Bureau.
  

Commercial Litigation

• Represented a manufacturer of on-highway diesel engines in a dispute with a fleet customer in one of the first cases tried to a verdict involving U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards for model year 2004. 
• Represented an engineering, procurement, construction and installation company in an arbitration involving a contract dispute arising from the engineering and construction of an offshore spar serving as the world’s deepest dry-tree platform.
• Represented an international engineering company in a matter resulting in a multimillion-dollar recovery for the client arising from construction of a major Gulf Coast petrochemical plant project.
• Represented an international healthcare services company in several matters relating to disputes involving fee-per-unit-dispensed hospital pharmacy management contracts. Collectively obtained more than $15 million in total recovery for the client.
  

Product Liability

• Represented a healthcare services company and employee pharmacists in a wrongful death action arising from an alleged prescription error involving look-alike and sound-alike drug names. Obtained a summary judgment in favor of the client.
• Represented a manufacturer of portable mechanical ventilators in a wrongful death case alleging that the unit failed to emit audible or visual alarms. Obtained a settlement favorable to the client.
• Represented the manufacturer of a large-volume infusion pump in a case alleging violations of the False Claims Act. Obtained dismissal of all claims against the client.
  

Memberships

• Defense Research Institute
• Federal Bar Association
• Houston Bar Association
• Texas Bar Foundation

Pro Bono

• Obtained final judgment ordering the return of a child to the child’s country of habitual residence in an international child abduction case brought under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
• Handled immigration matters involving political asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile status, and related administrative and equitable relief on behalf of clients in connection with the Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston-St. Francis Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance.
• Handled probate claims and landlord/tenant disputes for clients in connection with the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program.