Lai Yip, partner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton. Courtesy photo

Lai Yip, a newly minted partner at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, was one of the lead associates and a key trial team member that successfully represented TCL in a three-week trial in a breach of contract and declaratory judgment action against Ericsson Inc. seeking a FRAND (fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory) license to Ericsson's 2G, 3G and 4G standard essential patent portfolio.

Who is the most important mentor you've had thus far in your career? Why?

I have had many very important mentors. One of them is Guy Halgren, my firm's chairman. Besides being a strong leader, role model and champion of women and diversity, he has supported and advised me at critical junctures in my career, which has been instrumental.

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

I always find the subject matter (i.e., the technology) fascinating, and I enjoy the fast pace of change and development.

What's the biggest challenge?

Finding time to do everything in the tech sector that is interesting to me.

How do you describe what you do for a living to people you're meeting for the first time?

Depends on the person.

What's one way technology has made your life easier?

The ways are of course innumerable, but ride-sharing apps come to mind.

One way it's made your life more difficult?

The paradox of choice—having so many options at my fingertips all the time.

Name an important opportunity you've had in your career and what you did with it?

I had an opportunity to do a long secondment at a client as a junior associate. Diving in and getting that exposure to the in-house environment early on in my career gave me insight into the client perspective that has been invaluable ever since.

What drew you to practicing law in the technology industry?

My computer science background.

What's the best piece of career advice anyone ever gave you?

Find sponsors.

In 50 words or less, what's the best way to address tech's gender gap?

I think the retention and advancement of women in any organization starts with that organization's culture and values, from the very top. For that reason, women (and men who strongly support women) should be methodically encouraged and promoted into positions of influence and power in their organizations.

Describe yourself in one word.

Thoughtful.

What kinds of new technologies should tomorrow's lawyers be able to use effectively?

AI-powered tools to achieve efficiencies for clients.

What's one area of technology that you're most excited about and why?

Autonomous vehicles, to enhance safety.