Shannon Mastick, a partner at AmLaw 500 firm Marshall Gerstein, steps into the Jeopardy! spotlight on November 26, 2025, after a rigorous audition process. In a Law.com profile, she shares her trivia passion, blending IP law expertise with game show nerves. Discover her path from casual viewer to contestant, the thrill of the set, and what drew this Chicago-based attorney to the iconic quiz. Explore the intersection of legal prowess and pop culture in this inspiring story.
‘Maybe I Could Do This’: AmLaw 500 Partner to Appear on Jeopardy!
Shannon Mastick, a seasoned intellectual property partner at Chicago’s Marshall Gerstein, is trading courtroom briefs for buzzer battles. Set to compete on Jeopardy! on November 26, 2025, Mastick’s story—chronicled in a recent Law.com profile—captures the thrill of pursuing a lifelong trivia dream amid a demanding legal career. For Mastick, it’s a reminder that even top-tier attorneys can chase unexpected passions.
A Trivia Buff in the Legal World
Mastick’s path to Jeopardy! began with a simple epiphany during a casual viewing session. “Maybe I could do this,” she recalled thinking, sparking a multi-month audition grind that included online tests and mock games. As a partner at Marshall Gerstein—an AmLaw 500 firm renowned for IP litigation—she juggles high-stakes cases for clients like Fortune 500 companies. Yet, her trivia hobby, honed through pub quizzes and family game nights, made the leap feel attainable.
The AmLaw 500 ranking, which evaluates the top 500 U.S. law firms by revenue (Marshall Gerstein clocked $150 million in 2024 per the latest standings), underscores Mastick’s elite status. At 42, she’s argued before federal courts and authored key opinions on patent disputes, but Jeopardy! represents a pivot to personal challenge.
The Audition Gauntlet: From Test to Taping
Securing a spot on Jeopardy! isn’t easy—fewer than 1% of applicants make it, according to show producer insights shared in past contestant profiles. Mastick aced the 50-question online qualifier, followed by a virtual audition featuring audio clues and a mock board. “It’s like prepping for a deposition, but with more pop culture,” she quipped in the Law.com interview.
Taping occurred in Culver City, California, where Mastick described the atmosphere as electric: “The energy on set reminded me of high school track meets—fun anxiety everywhere.” Backstage camaraderie among contestants, many fellow professionals, eased pre-game jitters. For lawyers like her, the overlap is striking—quick recall under pressure mirrors cross-examinations.
Key Milestones in Mastick’s Jeopardy Journey
- Online Qualifier: Passed with scores in the top percentile, testing everything from history to science.
- Virtual Audition: June 2025 session included 30 clues and a personality chat with producers.
- Taping Date: Filmed in early November 2025; episode airs November 26 on ABC.
- Preparation Ritual: Daily Jeopardy! watches with her husband and two kids, plus apps like JetPunk for category drills.
- Firm Support: Marshall Gerstein colleagues hosted a watch party, blending office pride with light ribbing.
Blending Law and Lore: Why It Matters
For Mastick, Jeopardy! isn’t just entertainment—it’s a bridge between her analytical legal mind and broader curiosities. IP law demands precision in dissecting trademarks and copyrights, much like parsing Jeopardy! clues for the right wager. “The show rewards the same curiosity that drives good lawyering,” she noted, highlighting how trivia sharpens her edge in client strategy sessions.
This appearance spotlights a rarer side of Big Law: vulnerability amid excellence. Women partners remain underrepresented (just 25% in AmLaw 500 firms, per 2025 NALP data), and Mastick’s story could inspire peers to pursue off-ramp adventures. No stranger to multitasking, she credits her firm’s flexible culture for making the trip feasible.
Set Vibes and Stakes: What to Expect
On the soundstage, Mastick found the real draw: shared obsession among superfans. “Watching with people who get it is pure joy,” she said, evoking the communal buzz of legal conferences but with higher stakes— a $1,000 minimum for Daily Doubles. Her categories? Expect strengths in literature and U.S. history, drawn from her liberal arts roots at the University of Michigan.
While outcomes remain under wraps until airtime, Mastick’s mindset is pure competitor: “Win or lose, it’s about showing up.” For viewers, it’s a peek into how elite professionals unwind, proving that even in 2025’s high-pressure world, a buzzer can level the field.
In the end, Shannon Mastick’s Jeopardy! bid embodies quiet ambition—proving that AmLaw 500 partners can thrive beyond billable hours. Airing November 26, her episode promises wit, wisdom, and perhaps a few upsets. As one contestant put it, it’s less about glory than the game itself: a reminder to bet on yourself, Final Jeopardy-style.
For the full Law.com profile, read here. Tune in on ABC or stream via Hulu. Share on X: Law.com Teaser.