Perkins Coie Lawyer Becomes ‘Jeopardy!’ Champ in Record Run

Zachary Newkirk’s day job is to fight for voting rights. After hours, he sometimes engages in another kind of combat—of wits—and says things like, “Famous Americans for $1,600.”

Both jobs have gone well.

The 31-year-old Perkins Coie associate won six games on the television game show “Jeopardy!” and has landed a spot in the tournament of champions later this year.

“There is a lot of luck involved,” he said of the winning streak. “No one can be an expert in every subject.”

Newkirk, of Alexandria, Va., began the streak early last year with four wins. His appearances were suspended when ...