Who is Katie Mantoan from Jeopardy? The Award-Winning Attorney Advancing Pay Equity and Employment Law

Kathryn “Katie” Grzenczyk Mantoan has built a distinguished career as one of the foremost experts in employment law, pay equity, and workplace compliance. Based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, she serves as Of Counsel in the Employment Law and Litigation group at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, one of the nation’s top law firms. Dividing her professional time between the firm’s Portland and San Francisco offices, Mantoan advises major corporations on litigation strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk management, specializing in class actions and pay equity disputes.

Over nearly twenty years in practice, Mantoan has established herself as both a sharp litigator and a trusted counselor for employers navigating the evolving landscape of workplace regulation. As co-chair of Orrick’s Pay Equity Task Force, she leads initiatives that help companies ensure fair and equitable compensation practices while remaining compliant with federal and state laws. Her strategic insight and collaborative leadership have made her a respected figure in the national employment law community.

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High-Profile Cases and National Recognition

Mantoan’s litigation experience includes several landmark cases that have shaped modern employment law. One of her most high-profile victories came when she served on the defense team for OFCCP v. Oracle, a major case involving allegations of systemic compensation discrimination. Her team’s success in defending Oracle drew national attention and earned Mantoan and her co-counsel the American Lawyer’s “Litigators of the Week” honor.

Her expertise in complex class actions led to another milestone when she achieved decertification in a large-scale equal pay class action—a decision that underscored her ability to navigate nuanced legal and statistical arguments. In 2023, she co-chaired a two-week federal jury trial in Oregon that resulted in a favorable verdict against a former executive accused of breaching fiduciary duties. These victories reflect both her legal acumen and her steadfast commitment to upholding ethical workplace standards.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Mantoan was named one of California Lawyer’s Attorneys of the Year in 2016, and she has been recognized multiple times as a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star. Her reputation for professionalism, precision, and integrity continues to earn her respect across both legal and business circles.

Scholarship, Mentorship, and Thought Leadership

In addition to her courtroom work, Mantoan contributes significantly to legal scholarship and continuing education. She has written for leading publications such as Bloomberg BNA Insights and the ABA Journal of Labor & Employment Law, where she shares her analysis on emerging trends in pay equity, gender-based compensation claims, and the future of employment regulation.

Her role as a speaker at state bar events and industry conferences demonstrates her commitment to mentoring young lawyers and advancing the broader legal conversation around fairness in the workplace. Through her writing and presentations, Mantoan provides clarity on complex regulatory frameworks while advocating for systemic improvements in pay transparency and workforce equity.

Academic Foundations and Early Career

Katie Mantoan’s impressive academic credentials set the stage for her success. She graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, earning recognition for excellence in ethics. During her time at Princeton, she was active in theater and ethics societies—early indications of her talent for both analytical thinking and effective communication.

She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2005, graduating cum laude. At Harvard, she refined her litigation and research skills, developing a strong foundation in legal reasoning that would later define her career. She also served as a Graduate Student Instructor at the University of California, Berkeley, further showcasing her ability to teach, mentor, and communicate complex ideas with clarity.

An Advocate for Fairness, Strategy, and the Human Element

Mantoan’s work blends the technical rigor of law with a strong moral compass. Whether advising executives on compliance strategy or litigating cases that test the boundaries of employment regulation, she approaches each challenge with an eye toward equity and long-term impact. Her career reflects an enduring belief that effective advocacy not only protects clients but also advances fairness in the workplace.

Her dual perspective—as both an attorney and a thought leader—positions her at the intersection of law, ethics, and leadership. Through her work, Mantoan continues to help define what equitable employment practices look like in the modern era.

A Legal Mind Fit for Jeopardy

When Kathryn “Katie” Grzenczyk Mantoan appeared on Jeopardy, it was yet another opportunity to showcase the same intellect, precision, and composure that have made her an exceptional attorney. Her background in philosophy, law, and advocacy naturally complements the game show’s demand for breadth of knowledge, quick recall, and analytical thinking.

Like her legal career, her Jeopardy appearance reflects her ability to thrive under pressure while remaining composed, thoughtful, and strategic. For those who know her professionally, it was no surprise to see her bring the same focus and intellect to the Jeopardy stage that she brings to every courtroom and client meeting.

A Career Defined by Excellence and Integrity

From her beginnings at Princeton and Harvard to her leadership roles at Orrick, Kathryn “Katie” Grzenczyk Mantoan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, scholarship, and professionalism. Her influence extends beyond litigation—into mentorship, thought leadership, and public advocacy for equitable workplaces.

Her Jeopardy appearance adds a fascinating dimension to an already remarkable career, underscoring her curiosity, intellect, and drive for excellence. Whether in law or in learning, Mantoan exemplifies the power of knowledge, preparation, and fairness—principles that continue to define her both in the courtroom and on the quiz show stage.