James W. Tomlinson

Partner

I thrive on the challenge of helping clients deploy broadband infrastructure in a complex regulatory environment.

Since moving to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C. in 2016, Jim Tomlinson's practice has focused heavily on helping communications clients expand and safely operate broadband networks. Jim helps clients navigate the challenging world of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), with a particular focus on communications infrastructure issues. He has almost 40 years of experience in the communications industry and over two decades 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 gives him an in-depth understanding of the technical and operational nuances of broadband networks, as well as the business issues his clients face.

Jim is part of DWT's highly experienced team of California communications lawyers who work cooperatively and collegially with other CPUC practitioners and in-house counsel. He represents cable and broadband providers, wireless carriers, VoIP providers, and CLECs.

Jim is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, having presented annually on the legal panel at the Western Energy Institute's Joint Use Conference from 2016-2019, and at the 2019 National Wildland Fire Conference.

Practice Highlights

CPUC regulatory advocacy

Advises clients, files comments and motions, and participates in workshops and hearings in a variety of CPUC regulatory proceedings, including proceedings regarding network resiliency and backup power, broadband infrastructure grants, an emergency disaster relief program, safety standards for overhead facilities, pole attachment databases, right-of-way access rules, undergrounding, COVID-19, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and other issues.

Regulatory safety compliance

Advises clients on compliance with safety standards for overhead and underground facilities (CPUC General Orders 95 and 128). Advises communications clients on operational issues such as, wildfire risk mitigation, backup power, undergrounding, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

CPUC regulatory advocacy

Advising clients, filing comments and motions, and participating in workshops and hearings in various CPUC regulatory proceedings, including proceedings regarding network resiliency and backup power, broadband infrastructure grants, an emergency disaster relief program, safety standards for overhead facilities, pole attachment databases, right-of-way access rules, undergrounding, COVID-19, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and others. (Ongoing)

Regulatory safety compliance

Advising clients on compliance with safety standards for overhead and underground facilities (CPUC General Orders 95 and 128). (Ongoing)

Advising communications clients on operational challenges associated with wildfire mitigation, backup power, undergrounding, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. (Ongoing)

Audits, investigations, and data requests

Counseling several telecommunications clients through CPUC data requests, audits, and investigations. (Ongoing)

Pole attachment rate analysis and agreements

Assisted clients with complex pole attachment and conduit rate analysis using formulas prescribed by the FCC, the CPUC, and other state commissions. Performed detailed analysis and critique of pole attachment and conduit rate calculations prepared by pole owners.

Negotiated agreements on behalf of broadband and wireless clients, including state cable associations, for pole attachments and helping to resolve disputes concerning pole attachment rates, terms, and conditions of carriage

FCC rulemakings

Represented communications companies in a number of FCC rulemakings including those relating to pole attachment rates, terms, and conditions.

Admitted to Practice

California
District of Columbia

Education

J.D., George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School, 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

- Conference of California Public Utility Counsel
- Federal Communications Bar Association
- California 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., 2000-2001
- 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