James W. Tomlinson

Counsel

I was a telecom engineer before becoming an attorney; I may be somewhat analytical.

Since moving to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C. in 2016, Jim Tomlinson’s practice has focused heavily on the helping telecom clients navigate the complex world of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). He has 33 years of experience in the telecom industry and 23 years of experience as a communications lawyer. Before practicing law, he was a systems engineer, corporate account manager, and network planner with a large telecom company. This experience gave him an in-depth understanding of broadband networks and the business issues his clients face.

Jim is part of a highly experienced team of California telecom lawyers who work cooperatively and collegially with other CPUC practitioners and in-house counsel. He has represented cable and broadband providers, wireless carriers, VoIP providers, and CLECs.

Practice Highlights

Broadband deployment

Broadband deployment issues – particularly those involving pole attachments – are a large part of his practice. Well versed in the “nuts and bolts” of infrastructure deployment and national and state safety codes, and use this knowledge to represent clients in CPUC rulemakings involving poles. Recently, many of those proceedings involve efforts to mitigate against the devastating wildfires that plague California.

Pole attachments - rate analysis and contract negotiation

Assist clients with complex pole attachment and conduit rate analysis using formulas prescribed by the FCC, CPUC and other state commissions. Perform detailed analysis and critique of pole attachment and conduit rate calculations prepared by pole owners. Regularly negotiate pole attachment agreements on behalf of cable operators and CLECs.

Communications regulatory

Counsel clients on a wide range of competition and broadband policy matters, including market entry, licensing and tariff obligations, commercial disputes, and subscriber privacy issues under both federal and California law.

Lifeline Program

Communications Regulatory

Pole Attachments

Admitted to Practice

California
District of Columbia

Education

J.D., George Mason University School of Law, 1996, with distinction
M.B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990
B.S., Electrical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986, cum laude

Memberships & Affiliations

- Federal Communications Bar Association
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Member, Board of Directors and Chair, Tennis Committee, Tuckahoe Recreation Club, McLean, Va., 2010-2014

Background

- Associate, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, 2007-2014
- Associate, Cole, Raywid & Braverman, LLP, 2002-2006
- Assistant General Counsel, Primus Telecommunications Group, Inc., 2002-2001
- Associate, Cole, Raywid & Braverman, LLP, 1996-1999
- Corporate Account Manager, Verizon Communications (Large Business Marketing Department), 1993-1994
- Systems Engineer, Verizon Communications (Large Business Marketing Department), 1989-1992, 1995
- Engineer, Network Planner, Verizon Communications (Network Operations Department), 1986-1988

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