The founding partner of one of Silicon Valley's most dynamic litigation boutiques, Daralyn Durie expanded her firm to Los Angeles this year. She also won a Ninth Circuit affirmance for client CoreLogic in a first-of-its-kind case where it stood accused of violating photographers' rights by removing copyright management information in the metadata of photos on its Multiple Listing Services.

Name a lawyer whose work you admire and why?

Lynne Hermle, because she rocks.

What's the best part about working in the tech sector?

Getting to learn about cool tech!

What's the biggest challenge?

Removing gender from the equation.

What piece of advice do you give to lawyers considering a career in tech law?

Learn everything you can.

Name an important opportunity you got early in your career and what you did with it?

I represented Google in its first patent case, and that ultimately allowed me to meet many of the people who went on to shape the law in the valley.

No. 1 survival tip in a work crisis:

Remember that you probably won't remember it a year from now.

In 50 words or less, how far has the tech industry gone toward tackling its gender gap since you started practicing?

I am not persuaded that things have gotten better.

What's one area of technology that you're most excited about (e.g., software, medical devices, autonomous vehicles) and why?

CAR-T therapy. Cures for cancer are coming.