James D. Squeri

Of Counsel

James D. Squeri primarily practices before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), with his main focus on energy and transportation-related issues.

His practice involves all aspects relating to CPUC oversight and regulation of the state’s private utilities, including electric, natural gas, water, telecommunication, and pipeline service providers. He provides legal advice to public utilities subject to the CPUC’s authority as well as to consumers of public utility services.

Jim’s clients include the major oil pipeline and refined petroleum product pipeline service providers in California, a natural gas utility, renewable energy producers, the California Building Industry Association, and various municipal entities throughout the state. His recent focus has been on major rate cases at the CPUC and handling mergers involving public utilities and requiring CPUC approval.

Prior to joining Downey Brand, Jim was a partner of the law firm Goodin, MacBride, Squeri & Day in San Francisco from 1986 until 2021. Before that, Jim was an associate at the law firm of Graham & James for three years and was legal counsel to the CPUC, adviser to the CPUC President, and an administrative law judge from 1975-1983.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Conference of California Public Utility Counsel, 1985-present

Honors & Rankings

  • AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Best Lawyers in America©, Energy Law, Communications Law, 1993-2025
  • Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” for Communications Law in San Francisco
  • Lead counsel in over 20 major rate proceedings involving water, natural gas, electric, and pipeline utilities
  • Lead counsel in CPUC proceeding resulting in deregulation of the state’s trucking industry
  • Presiding Administrative Law Judge in CPUC proceeding resulting in development of rules governing the extension of electric and natural gas service to new residential construction.
  • Counsel on first successful application to the California Energy Commission for Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) eligibility for an out-of-state facility.

Announcements

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In the News

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Except for three years in Boston spent learning the law and rooting against the Red Sox, Jim is a lifetime resident of San Francisco, married to his high school sweetheart, living in the same neighborhood in which both of them were raised, within walking distance of his two, soon-to-be three, granddaughters. Jim is a big sports fan, loves books, trees, and long walks lost in thought.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Conference of California Public Utility Counsel, 1985-present

Honors & Rankings

  • AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Best Lawyers in America©, Energy Law, Communications Law, 1993-2025
  • Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” for Communications Law in San Francisco