Who is Amanda Tholke from Jeopardy? The Cincinnati Attorney Who Brought Her Legal Expertise to the Game Show Stage

Amanda Tholke, a Cincinnati-based criminal defense attorney, made her Jeopardy! debut in October 2025, marking a proud and memorable milestone in her accomplished legal career. Representing her hometown, she appeared on the long-running quiz show on October 20, an event celebrated locally with a public watch party at Wandering Monsters Brewing in Anderson Township. For Tholke, the experience combined her lifelong love of learning with the precision and poise she has honed over more than a decade in the courtroom.

Her appearance on Jeopardy! reflected not only her sharp intellect but also the focus and composure that come from years of legal practice. Whether questioning witnesses or responding to clues under the studio lights, Tholke demonstrated the same analytical mindset that has defined her professional journey. The national exposure offered a refreshing glimpse of a seasoned attorney who thrives both in front of a jury and in front of millions of viewers.

A Decade in Ohio’s Legal System

Licensed to practice law in Ohio since 2012, Tholke has built an impressive and multifaceted career across both sides of the justice system. She began her legal path as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, serving first in Hamilton County and later for the City of Cincinnati. Over nearly a decade in prosecution, she worked across several divisions—Juvenile, Dependency, Drug, and Criminal—handling everything from grand jury proceedings to high-stakes felony trials.

Her leadership extended beyond the courtroom. Tholke supervised teams, trained new attorneys, and became known for her detailed preparation and strong courtroom presence. This experience provided a deep understanding of trial dynamics and prosecutorial procedure, equipping her with a rare balance of insight when she later transitioned into defense work. Her tenure as a prosecutor helped shape her reputation for fairness, diligence, and a firm command of the law.

From Prosecutor to Defense Advocate

In 2023, Tholke made a career-defining transition to private practice, joining The Lewis Law Firm as a criminal defense attorney. The move allowed her to draw upon her extensive prosecutorial background while advocating on behalf of defendants. At the firm, she represents clients in a broad range of criminal matters, using her courtroom expertise to craft strategic defenses and protect the rights of those she serves.

Her experience on both sides of the legal aisle gives her a distinctive advantage in anticipating opposing arguments and navigating the complexities of Ohio’s judicial system. Whether in negotiations, motions, or trials, Tholke’s methodical approach and sharp reasoning reflect years of firsthand experience with how prosecutors build their cases. The transition also underscored her commitment to balance, justice, and the principle that every person deserves strong and informed representation.

Academic Excellence and Global Perspective

Tholke’s path to the courtroom began with a deep academic curiosity and a commitment to global learning. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Politics and French from Washington and Lee University, graduating cum laude. During her undergraduate years, she participated in the Sweet Briar College Junior Year in France program, studying abroad in Paris at La Sorbonne Nouvelle and L’Institut Catholique. Her time abroad not only strengthened her fluency in French but also broadened her understanding of international culture and legal philosophy.

She continued her studies at Boston University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2011. At BU, she served as a teaching assistant and helped found the American Indian Law Society, demonstrating her early interest in advocacy and inclusion. She also became a member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies, further highlighting her dedication to academic and professional excellence.

Public Service, Leadership, and Community Engagement

Outside her full-time legal work, Tholke has contributed to public service and mentorship in various forms. In 2025, she became a Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, joining a network of professionals committed to improving access to justice and promoting public understanding of the law. Her volunteer experience also includes serving as a congressional intern for then–House Majority Leader John Boehner, working as a law clerk for Judge Kubicki in Hamilton County, and completing internships across several legal institutions, including the U.S. Southern District Court of Ohio.

Through both her work and her public engagement, Tholke emphasizes authenticity and integrity—values she often highlights in her public communications, particularly regarding the experiences of women of color in professional spaces. Her career reflects a balance of professional discipline, intellectual curiosity, and social awareness, making her Jeopardy! appearance a natural extension of her lifelong pursuit of knowledge and justice.

Balancing the Courtroom and the Game Board

For Amanda Tholke, stepping onto the Jeopardy! stage symbolized more than a trivia challenge—it was a celebration of perseverance, intellect, and composure under pressure. The qualities that make her a formidable attorney also made her a strong contestant: calm reasoning, quick thinking, and an ability to synthesize information rapidly. Her journey from the courtroom to the quiz board highlights how the skills developed in one demanding arena can translate seamlessly into another.

As she continues her career in criminal defense, Tholke’s Jeopardy! appearance stands as a testament to her multifaceted talents. Whether advocating for clients in Cincinnati or buzzing in on national television, she exemplifies professionalism, confidence, and lifelong learning—a combination that makes her both a respected attorney and a memorable contestant.