Sibling Rivalry! Teenager beats her brother record by becoming the youngest person to pass California bar Eeam

Sophia Park recently passed the California bar exam t th age of 17.

A Korean American teenager made history when she became the youngest person to pass the rigorous California bar exam.

Sophia Park was 17 years and 8 months old when she passed the California bar in Tulare County on Nov. 8, 2024. In accomplishing this feat, she broke the record held by her brother, Peter, who was 17 years and 11 months old when he passed the exam a year earlier.

“Sophia’s amazing accomplishments speak for themselves, and we could not be prouder as an office family,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. 

“It really is quite remarkable the success we have had with our law students, interns and law clerks attaining their professional dreams. The dividends for our office have been immense, and we are excited to be part of Sophia and Peter’s continued success.”

Sophia Park started law school at the age of 13 in 2020 while simultaneously attending junior high school at Oxford Academy in Cypress, California. In 2022, she graduated high school after passing the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and graduated from Northwestern California University School of Law in 2024. 

Like her brother, Park utilized a state bar rule that allows students to apply to law school through the completion of College Level Proficiency Exams (CLEPS).

At age 16, Park gained hands-on experience as a summer intern at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. 

"It didn't happen overnight," said Sophia's father, Byungloo Park, who is an acupuncturist and US patent agent, wrote in an email. "She has a thorough understanding of the law and is committed to using it justly. This is just the beginning of her journey."

Sophia's record may be short-lived. A younger sister is 14-years old and already in her second year of law school.

This year, Park has been employed as a law clerk for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Sophia is on track to be sworn in as a licensed attorney in March of 2025 upon turning 18, when she plans to follow in her brother's footsteps by joining the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor.

She is slated to be swon in as a practicing attorney in March 2025 when she turns 18.

“As a prosecutor, I will work to see justice served and ensure that victims’ voices are heard,” Sophia shared.

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