Man fatally shot on porch of El Cerrito home ID'd as SF lawyer

EL CERRITO (KTVU) -- Police were searching for clues Friday after a man returning to his home Thursday night was shot and killed on his front porch, authorities said.

The victim has been identified as James Gilliland, 62. Gilliland was a partner at the Atlanta-based law firm Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP. He worked in the firm's San Francisco office, and his co-workers issued a statement about his death.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague, friend and partner, Jim Gilliland," the firm's statement said. "Our most heartfelt condolences and sympathies go to Jim’s family and all of his colleagues, friends and clients." 

Gilliland's slaying has shocked residents in the neighborhood, which is in the hills east of Interstate 80. The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. at a home in the 2600 block of Mira Vista Drive, off Barrett Avenue.

Police said the man was returning home from a social event when his wife and neighbors heard gunfire shortly after he arrived home.  

Police said they have few clues in the slaying and are not sure of a motive in the case. No arrests have been made.

Police said homicides in El Cerrito are uncommon.

"They are rare but they happen from time to time," said police Lt. Robert De La Campa. "We definitely need people to be aware."

"It's shocking and alarming to hear about a homicide in our neighborhood," said resident George Laing. "This is a quiet residential street. So, I am very alarmed." 

Gilliland had tried cases in federal and state courts for 35 years and was managing partner, chairman and most recently chairman of the firm's litigation department. He worked with intellectual property cases, according to the firm.

"Jim was an absolute pillar of our law firm," the firm's statement said. "He was our trusted colleague and close friend, as well as a mentor and role model to so many. Jim will be missed deeply. He was truly a great lawyer, and his many clients trusted him with their most difficult cases."

Police said anyone with information or surveillance camera footage can call El Cerrito police at 510-215-4400.

KTVU reporter Henry Lee contributed to this report.