Litigation
Jun. 15, 2002
Court Appearances
Top 30 Women Litigators - Lynne C. Hermle - Employment litigator Lynne C. Hermle quickly learned that as a female attorney her appearance would be scrutinized.
Lynne C. Hermle
Employment litigator Lynne C. Hermle quickly learned that as a female attorney her appearance would be scrutinized.
Attorneys and juries "are watching every step that you take," says Hermle, head of the employment group at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe's Menlo Park office.
"I remember ... someone talking about my shoes. I thought, 'My god, I really am under a microscope," she recalls.
Even today, Hermle's appearance is the topic of conversation. In October, Hermle represented Varian Medical Systems Inc. against two former employees who posted potentially libelous statements on Internet message boards. Varian Medical Systems Inc. v. Delfino 780187. Throughout the trial, the employees and others closely watching the case posted notes on the board. Hermle distinctly remembers one message.
"Lynne C. Hermle is so hot that if she subpoenaed me, I'd show up twice," an anonymous poster wrote.
The jury sided with the Palo Alto-based company and awarded it $350,000 in punitive damages. The case is on appeal.
Now, Hermle just laughs off the messages. While outsiders may focus on Hermle's appearance, her clients - the Gap Inc., Apple Computer Inc. and IBM Corp., to name a few - focus on her legal talents.
Hermle's record speaks for itself. In her 11-year tenure at Orrick, Hermle has faced 15 trials and come out victorious every time. The Hastings College of the Law graduate also has helped her clients fend off an increase in class actions by employees.
She credits her success in trial with being "sincere and honest," Hermle says. "I hope juries feel how strongly I feel about my client's case. I believe in them, and I believe in their case and bleed their blood."
Marisa Navarro
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