$50K Award Offered for Info on Slain San Francisco Attorney
James Gilliland Jr., a prominent San Francisco attorney, was killed in front of his home on October 27th. Gilliland was a partner at Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP, where he worked on litigation, representing companies like Oracle, Sony, Williams-Sonoma, and Levi Strauss in intellectual property and other disputes.
In the weeks since Gilliland's death, investigators have yet to establish a motive for the killing. Now, an anonymous donor is offering $50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Gilliland's killer.
No Leads in Unlikely Killing
Gilliland was gunned down on his front porch of his El Cerrito home three weeks ago, as he was returning from a social engagement, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Gilliland's wife, Victoria, was in their house at the time; the killer appears to have lain in wait for Gilliland before shooting the attorney and fleeing.
The investigation, so far, seems to have made little headway. Detectives found no evidence that Gilliland was robbed and don't suspect that the killing is connected to his legal work.
"It's a mystery -- that's a fair word. It's certainly that," Lieutenant Robert De La Campa told the Chronicle. "We always assume somebody knows what happened, and that somebody isn't saying something," he said.
Now, donors are hoping that the $50,000 award could help inspire someone with information to come forward.
Remembering a Father and a Lawyer
Gilliland was "dedicated to his wife, Vickie, his four children and his parent," his firm said. He was also "an absolute pillar" of the firm, according to the statement.
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. Jim had been successfully trying cases in federal and state courts around the country for 35 years. Over his amazing career, Jim led our firm in many ways - as Managing Partner, Chairman, and most recently served as Chairman of our Litigation Department.
Gilliland's obituary praised him for his legal accomplishments, commitment to his family, and contributions to the community. "He will be remembered for his kind heart, bright smile, and stupid dad jokes," it declared.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the El Cerrito Police Department at (510) 215-4400 or email investigations@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
Related Resources:
- Neighbors Discuss SF Attorney Killed in El Cerrito Shooting (KGO)
- Remembering Dan Markel: FSU Holds Memorial for Slain Law Professor (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- California Attorney Arrested for Allegedly Hiring Killers, Orchestrating a Murder (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Law Clerk Murdered in Tragic Case of Mistaken Identity (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
