Yodit Tewolde is a renowned criminal defense attorney, television judge, legal analyst, and Emmy Award-winning TV host. She is widely recognized as one of the three judges on the hit CBS Media Ventures syndicated court program Hot Bench, created by Judge Judy Sheindlin. The Eritrean-American lawyer has built an impressive career spanning courtroom litigation, media commentary, and television hosting, making her one of the most recognizable legal personalities in American entertainment.
Yodit Tewolde Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Yodit Tewolde |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | December 10, 1982 (Reportedly) |
| Age | 42 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | Khartoum, Sudan |
| Current residence | New York, NY / West Hollywood, CA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Eritrean |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | Around 5 ft 6 in (167–168 cm) according to public sources |
| Weight | Approximately 58 kg (127–128 lbs) according to public sources |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark Brown |
| Marital status | Rumored to be married (unconfirmed) |
| High School | W.T. White High School, Dallas, Texas |
| Alma mater | Texas A&M University (B.A. in English), Southern University Law Center (J.D.) |
| Profession | Criminal defense attorney, television judge, legal analyst, TV host |
| Net worth | Approximately $2 million (estimated) |
Who is Yodit Tewolde?
Yodit Tewolde is a distinguished American lawyer and television personality who serves as a judge on Hot Bench, the Emmy Award-winning syndicated court show. She was born on December 10, 1982, in Khartoum, Sudan, to Eritrean parents who had fled the Eritrean-Ethiopian war as refugees. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was an infant, settling in Dallas, Texas, where she was raised and educated.
Tewolde has established herself as a multifaceted legal professional with experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, associate municipal judge, and media personality. She is recognized for her expertise in criminal law and her ability to break down complex legal issues for mainstream audiences. Before joining Hot Bench, she hosted Making the Case on the Black News Channel and served as a legal analyst on Court TV and America’s Most Wanted.
How old is Yodit Tewolde? Age and birthday
Yodit Tewolde is 42 years old as of December 2025. She was reportedly born on December 10, 1982, in Khartoum, Sudan, making her zodiac sign Sagittarius. She immigrated to the United States as an infant and grew up in Dallas, Texas.
Yodit Tewolde’s educational background
Yodit Tewolde graduated from W.T. White High School in Dallas, Texas. She pursued her undergraduate education at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Communication in 2005. During her time at Texas A&M, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Tewolde attended Southern University Law Center, a historically Black university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in May 2009. While in law school, she distinguished herself academically by serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Race, Gender and Poverty. She has been a member of the Texas Bar since 2010.
Yodit Tewolde’s career
Early legal career and prosecution
After graduating from law school in 2009, Yodit Tewolde began her legal career as a law clerk in the 19th Judicial District Court for the Honorable Trudy M. White. She then joined the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney, where she prosecuted criminal cases in both the adult and juvenile justice systems. This experience gave her valuable insight into the criminal justice system and honed her skills as a trial lawyer.
Criminal defense attorney
Following several years as a prosecutor, Tewolde transitioned to criminal defense work and founded the Law Office of Yodit Tewolde, PLLC, in Dallas, Texas. As a criminal defense attorney, she represented clients facing various criminal charges and quickly gained recognition for her courtroom skills and advocacy. Her work earned her national attention when she was named one of the 2016 National Bar Association’s “40 Under 40” award recipients, recognizing her as one of the nation’s top lawyers under the age of 40.
Associate municipal judge
In September 2018, Yodit Tewolde was appointed as an Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Dallas. This role allowed her to preside over municipal court cases and gain valuable judicial experience that would later serve her well in her television career.
Media career and television hosting
Tewolde’s legal expertise and engaging communication style attracted attention from major media outlets. She became a sought-after legal analyst, frequently appearing on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and HLN to provide commentary on high-profile criminal cases and legal issues. She also contributed opinion pieces to The Hill.
In January 2019, Tewolde joined Court TV as one of four anchor hosts for the network’s relaunch. She later became the morning anchor for Court TV, where she covered major trials across the country. She also served as a host-contributor on the reboot of America’s Most Wanted.
Making the Case with Yodit
In April 2021, Tewolde launched her own show, Making the Case with Yodit, on the Black News Channel (now The Grio TV). As the host and managing editor, she provided in-depth analysis of criminal justice issues, high-profile trials, and legal reforms. The nightly program showcased her expertise and commitment to educating viewers about the complexities of the American legal system.
Hot Bench judge
In October 2022, Yodit Tewolde joined Hot Bench as one of three judges for the show’s ninth season. Created by Judge Judy Sheindlin, Hot Bench features a unique format where three judges hear civil cases, deliberate together, and reach a verdict. Tewolde initially served alongside Judge Michael Corriero and Judge Rachel Juarez. In 2025, Judge Daniel Mentzer replaced Judge Corriero on the panel.
During the 2020-21 season, Hot Bench was the number one original court program in daytime television in household ratings and all major demographics. In October 2025, Hot Bench won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, making Tewolde an Emmy Award-winning television host.
What is Yodit Tewolde’s net worth?
As of 2025, Yodit Tewolde’s net worth is estimated at approximately $2 million. She has accumulated this wealth through her diverse career as a criminal defense attorney, television judge, legal analyst, and show host. Her annual earnings are estimated at around $1.8 million, primarily from her role on Hot Bench and other television appearances.
Tewolde built her financial foundation through her private law practice, where she handled criminal defense cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Her transition to television significantly increased her earning potential, with high-profile roles on Court TV, America’s Most Wanted, Making the Case, and Hot Bench contributing to her current net worth.
Is Yodit Tewolde married? Husband and relationship status
Yodit Tewolde keeps her personal life extremely private and has never publicly confirmed whether she is married or single. As of now, there is no verified information about her husband, wedding, or romantic life, and she has not shared any photos or details that confirm a relationship.
Because she avoids discussing her personal matters in interviews and on social media, her relationship status remains unknown. This privacy has led to ongoing curiosity among viewers, but Tewolde has never addressed any questions about a spouse or dating history, choosing to keep her private life completely off the public stage.
Yodit Tewolde’s family and background
Yodit Tewolde comes from an Eritrean family that fled the Eritrean-Ethiopian war. Her parents sought refuge in Sudan, where she was born in Khartoum. When Tewolde was an infant, her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Dallas, Texas. She grew up hearing Tigrinya, the Eritrean language, but her parents primarily communicated with her in English to help them learn the language faster.
Tewolde has spoken about her dual cultural upbringing and the impact of being an immigrant in America. Her immigrant experience has shaped her perspective on justice and advocacy, influencing her work as both a lawyer and a media personality. She has not publicly shared information about siblings or other family members.
Yodit Tewolde’s awards and recognition
Throughout her career, Yodit Tewolde has received numerous accolades and recognition for her legal work and media contributions. In 2016, she was honored as one of the National Bar Association’s “40 Under 40” award recipients, recognizing her as one of the top lawyers in the country under age 40.
In 2015, D Magazine named Tewolde one of the “10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas,” providing her with early recognition in her hometown. In October 2025, Hot Bench won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, making Tewolde an Emmy Award-winning television personality.
Fast facts about Yodit Tewolde
- Yodit Tewolde was born in Sudan to Eritrean refugee parents fleeing the Eritrean-Ethiopian war.
- She immigrated to the United States as an infant and was raised in Dallas, Texas.
- She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, which she pledged during her time at Texas A&M University.
- Tewolde served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Race, Gender and Poverty while attending Southern University Law Center.
- She has worked on both sides of the criminal justice system, serving as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.
- She was appointed as an Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Dallas in September 2018.
- Tewolde frequently appears as a legal analyst on major news networks including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and HLN.
- She was recognized by D Magazine as one of Dallas’s most beautiful women in 2015.
- Hot Bench, where she serves as a judge, won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program in October 2025.
- She currently resides in New York and West Hollywood, where she films Hot Bench and pursues other media opportunities.
Read more: Who is Cheryl Casone? Biography, net worth, age, height, measurements, husband, career
Wrapping up
Yodit Tewolde has established herself as a prominent figure in both the legal profession and television entertainment. From her humble beginnings as the child of Eritrean refugees to becoming an Emmy Award-winning television judge, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to criminal law and justice advocacy. As of 2025, she continues to serve as a judge on Hot Bench while maintaining her commitment to educating the public about legal issues and criminal justice reform.
References
- D Magazine – A Dallas Lawyer’s Jump from Courtroom to Green Room
- Hot Bench – Meet the Judges
- Southern University Law Center – Yodit Tewolde Named 2016 NBA 40 Under 40 Award Recipient
- CrimeCon – Yodit Tewolde Biography
- Gorilla Overview – Yodit Tewolde Net Worth
- News Destination – Who Is Yodit Tewolde Husband?
- The BWERD – Yodit Tewolde Defense Attorney Talks Dual Culture Upbringing
Disclaimer: The information shared on AcubiStyles.com is collected from trusted and reputable sources. However, Acubi Styles does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies or missing details. Readers are advised to verify information independently before making any conclusions. For updates, corrections, or inquiries, please contact us at info@acubistyles.com or visit our Contact Us page.
