Moments before the opening of the Pao v. Kleiner gender discrimination trial, Lynne Hermle looked at the plaintiffs’ exhibits and shrieked. An opposing slide showed photos of six venture capitalists up for promotion at Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers. Three of them were promoted, all men. The others were women.
As Hermle addressed the jury, her Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe team worked frantically on a response. A new slide flashed on screen. Under the heading “Who Was Also Not Promoted” there were photos of 11 more men—and no women.
