Diane Doolittle, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan. Courtesy photo

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan's Diane Doolittle, co-chairwoman of the firm's national trial practice group, helped resolve major pending securities litigation for LendingClub and Marvell and helped lead a Quinn team that scored a major trade secret and patent trial win for Santa Barbara-based hair care startup Olaplex against industry giant L'Oréal.

Doolittle, who is among the 21 lawyers chosen by The Recorder as Women Leaders in Tech Law as part of this year's California Leaders in Tech Law and Innovation Awards, recently discussed the cases that stood out for her this past year.

The Recorder: What's your proudest professional achievement of the past year and why?

Diane Doolittle: Two things stand out.

First, I tried my first patent case. It confirmed that trial work transcends subject matter and that one of my favorite parts of this job is to explain technical concepts to juries in an interesting and digestible manner. I represent Olaplex, a startup company that invented a patented method for bleaching hair that minimizes the damage to hair. We sued and prevailed in a jury trial against L'Oreal, the world's largest beauty company that copied our technology and launched competing products in the marketplace. It was also a bonus to help a startup company stand up to an industry titan and prevail.

Second, I obtained dismissal of a long-running case against a wealthy venture capitalist. The plaintiff had sued him in a sensational complaint alleging rape, human trafficking and sex slavery. It was all false, but captured headlines around the world. Her case was dismissed entirely after she falsified evidence, spoliated evidence, and refused to cooperate in discovery. Although I am a champion for women's rights, this case set the woman's movement back because she was posing as a victim, when she was far from it.

What's your proudest personal achievement of the past year and why?

I have been able to spend more time mentoring other lawyers, particularly in trial. It is beyond satisfying to see others learn and seize opportunities and thrive in a setting that I have loved for years.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a woman starting out in tech law?

Be fearless. Be bold. Be persistent. If you are, you will find many opportunities to help individuals and companies facing the most cutting-edge legal issues.

What concrete steps could be made to increase the number of women in tech law?

Women need mentors and encouragement. We all need to give more of that.