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While most teenagers are still figuring things out, a teen named Sophia Park already achieved her dream of becoming an attorney at the age of 17. She became the youngest person ever to pass the California bar exam, surpassing her brother Peter Park’s previous record. On March 28, District Attorney Tim Ward had the honor of swearing in Sophia as Tulare County’s newest deputy district attorney.
“As we celebrate Sophia, we recognize her remarkable achievement,” DA Ward said at Sophia’s swearing in ceremony. “What gives me hope is not that we simply recognize her as a prodigy or as a ‘first,’ but what she chose to do with her gifts—she chose to represent victims and embody the service of being a prosecutor. It will be a great honor to have her stand ready for the people.”
In 2020, at just 13 years old, Sophia began studying law while also attending junior high at Oxford Academy in Cypress, California. Two years later, in 2022, she completed high school early by passing the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE). She went on to earn her law degree from Northwestern California University School of Law in 2024.
Sophia gained admission to law school through a special state bar provision that recognizes College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits as an alternative to traditional college coursework. Following her bar admission, Sophia worked as a law clerk for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA) before recently stepping into the role of Deputy District Attorney.
“I would like to thank my family for getting me where I am today. My parents for being my biggest supporters, equipping me with faith, love, courage, and good food,” said Sophia. “Becoming a deputy district attorney is the greatest privilege, and I will serve our community with integrity, diligence, and professionalism, being a shield for victims and upholding justice. I am honored to fight alongside all of you as a torchbearer.”
Sophia is set to join the Visalia Prosecution Division. Notably, her brother, Peter—who previously held the distinction of being the youngest attorney in California—also serves as a deputy district attorney with the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Their younger sister, who is only 14, is already enrolled in law school and has the potential to beat Sophia’s record for youngest person to pass the bar exam in California. According to The Fresno Bee, their younger brother, who is 9, has also shown interest in following the Park family’s aptitude for law.
At just 17 years old, Sophia Park became the youngest person ever to pass the California bar exam, surpassing her brother Peter Park’s previous record.
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She was sworn in as Tulare County’s newest deputy district attorney earlier this year.
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Tulare District Attorney: Website | Instagram
Sources: They ditched high school for law school. Tulare teens youngest in California to pass bar; California teen who was youngest to pass the state bar is sworn-in as a deputy district attorney
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