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Prominent Bay Area Attorney Fatally Shot On Porch Of El Cerrito Home

EL CERRITO (CBS SF) -- A man found fatally shot outside his home in El Cerrito on Thursday night has been identified as James Gilliland Jr., a 62-year-old man who worked as an attorney at a law office in San Francisco.

Officers responded to reports of shots fired at 8:53 p.m. in the 2600 block of Mira Vista Drive and found Gilliland on his front porch suffering from gunshot wounds, according to police.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined he had just arrived home and was confronted by a suspect or suspects who shot him. No suspect information or a possible motive have been released by police.

Gilliland was a partner at the Atlanta-based law firm Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP, which issued a statement about his death.

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

"Jim was dedicated to his wife, Vickie, his four children and his parents. They were the center of his life. His passions spanned from spending time with his family to singing, enjoying the arts, travel and sports," Spaeth said.

"Jim was an absolute pillar of our law firm. 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," she said.

Gilliland's practice focused on patent, copyright and trademark infringement. He frequently represented high-tech companies including Apple, Sony and Oracle.

Gilliland 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.

El Cerrito police are encouraging anyone who may have information about the case to call (510) 215-4400, ext. 40 or by email at investigations@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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