Who is Tom Devlin from Jeopardy? The Washington Attorney Shaping Financial Regulation and Consumer Rights

Tom Devlin, a seasoned regulatory attorney based in Washington, D.C., is known for his influential work in consumer financial protection and financial technology regulation. Currently serving as Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of Regulations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Devlin plays a key role in shaping some of the nation’s most impactful financial policies. His appearance on Jeopardy! in 2025 offered audiences a rare glimpse into the personal side of a professional who typically operates behind the scenes of complex federal rulemaking.

Devlin’s Jeopardy! debut reflected the sharp intellect and analytical skill that have defined his legal career. As someone accustomed to dissecting intricate regulatory frameworks, he approached the game with the same precision and focus that guide his work at the CFPB. For a man used to the language of policy and compliance, the fast-paced world of trivia provided a unique challenge—one that spotlighted his breadth of knowledge beyond the legal field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaYh_BhyUvY

Leading the Way in Consumer Financial Regulation

At the CFPB, Devlin oversees teams that develop and interpret federal consumer finance regulations. His responsibilities span payments, deposits, and consumer financial data rights, with a central role in implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act, also known as the Personal Financial Data Rights rulemaking. This effort is designed to give consumers greater control over their personal financial data—a major initiative in the age of digital banking and fintech.

In his leadership position, Devlin manages interdisciplinary groups that include attorneys, economists, and policy analysts, ensuring that each regulation balances innovation with consumer protection. His work contributes to the CFPB’s broader mission of safeguarding financial fairness, transparency, and accountability. Within Washington’s regulatory circles, Devlin is recognized as a thoughtful and pragmatic policymaker who can navigate both the legal and technological complexities of modern finance.

A Distinguished Legal Career and Early Foundations

Before assuming his current role, Devlin built a robust career within and beyond government service. He began his tenure at the CFPB as Senior Counsel and later served as Managing Counsel, focusing on interpreting existing laws and drafting new regulations that impact consumers nationwide. During a detail in the Bureau’s Office of Innovation, he worked on forward-looking policies related to data aggregation, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies, helping the agency adapt to rapidly evolving financial technologies.

Prior to joining the CFPB, Devlin practiced law in private firms, gaining broad experience across litigation, compliance, and government investigations. At Sidley Austin LLP, he specialized in consumer financial protection laws, advising financial institutions on regulatory compliance. Earlier, at Robbins, Russell, Englert, Orseck, Untereiner & Sauber LLP, he worked on high-profile litigation and complex regulatory matters. His career began with a clerkship for Justice Peter J. Rubin at the Massachusetts Appeals Court, where he developed the meticulous legal reasoning that has remained a hallmark of his work.

Academic Excellence and Commitment to Legal Education

Devlin’s academic background stands among the most distinguished in the legal field. He earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he served as Senior Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review and participated in the Mediation Clinic and the American Constitution Society. His strong academic record reflected both intellectual rigor and a commitment to public service.

Before law school, Devlin attended Harvard University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. His time at Harvard fostered an early interest in how laws and institutions shape society—an interest that would later drive his work at the intersection of law, finance, and technology. Beyond his academic achievements, Devlin also contributed to legal education as a Legal Writing Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, mentoring students on precision and clarity in legal reasoning.

Professional Integrity and Thought Leadership

Outside his formal duties, Devlin maintains a professional presence on LinkedIn, where he shares insights into developments in consumer financial regulation, emerging fintech trends, and policy transparency. While he is careful to note that his views are personal and not representative of the CFPB, his commentary reflects a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Though his personal life remains private, Devlin’s public profile paints the picture of a dedicated public servant whose work has quietly shaped key aspects of U.S. financial policy. His Jeopardy! appearance gave audiences the chance to see the human side of a regulatory expert—an individual whose intellect extends far beyond the legal texts he interprets daily. For Devlin, the game show was not just a test of knowledge, but a reminder that curiosity and learning transcend professions and titles.

A Scholar, Regulator, and Lifelong Learner

Tom Devlin’s story represents the blend of scholarship, leadership, and intellectual agility that defines the modern public servant. From Harvard to the halls of the CFPB, his journey illustrates how deep legal expertise can coexist with a love of learning and competition. His appearance on Jeopardy! captured that balance perfectly—a regulatory attorney with a sharp wit, a broad mind, and a lifelong commitment to understanding how systems, rules, and knowledge connect.

Whether drafting federal regulations or responding to rapid-fire trivia clues, Devlin brings the same qualities to every challenge: clarity, precision, and a steady respect for the power of information.