Founder & Advisor
BSEET (Purdue) · CFEI · IAAI-CFI · CVFI
James M. Finneran has over forty years of experience in origin and cause investigations, product failure analysis, and electrical and electronic evaluations. As a Purdue University graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and numerous professional affiliations, Jim offers clients a wide range of technical and professional knowledge.
Throughout his career as a forensic consultant, Jim has given both depositions and trial testimony as an expert witness more than 150 times. He is regarded as a thorough, independent professional who offers expertise and candor to clients.
Purdue University
Purdue University
Thornton Community College
Issued by the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). This credential requires passing a rigorous examination based on NFPA 921 and asserts competency in the scientific method as applied to fire analysis.
Issued by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). This credential certifies competency in fire investigation methodology and scene analysis, requiring demonstrated experience and examination.
Specialized endorsement indicating advanced competency in the unique electrical and mechanical systems of automobiles, including 12V/high-voltage DC electrical systems, fuel loads, and lithium-ion battery hazards.
Mr. Finneran served as a Committee Member on the NFPA 921 Technical Committee from 2004 through 2018—the standard-setting body for fire and explosion investigation methodology. NFPA 921 is widely regarded as the definitive standard for the fire investigation profession and is frequently cited in legal proceedings to qualify expert testimony.
His role involved developing and refining scientific protocols for fire scene documentation, evidence analysis, and standardizing the criteria for identifying electrical ignition sources.
Mr. Finneran served as the Lead Electrical Instructor at Fire Findings, a highly respected laboratory and training center in the forensic investigation industry, for approximately 28 years. Fire Findings discontinued its seminar program during COVID.
He authored and co-presented this seminar alongside Jack L. Sanderson (a renowned author on fire causation) and Nathan P. Dwyer, PE. The curriculum bridged the gap between general fire investigation and specialized electrical engineering.
His investigative work has contributed to multiple product recalls by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, moving beyond individual litigation to systemic safety advocacy.
Electrical fire initiation and propagation
Appliances, components, distribution panels
Passenger, commercial, agricultural
Plaintiff, defense, subrogation