Sophia Park has made history as the youngest person to pass the California bar exam, achieving the milestone at just 17 years and 8 months old.
Her accomplishment, announced on November 8, 2024, surpasses the record previously held by her older brother, Peter Park, who passed the bar at 17 years and 11 months in 2023.
Sophia, a graduate of the Northwestern California University School of Law, began her legal journey at age 13, enrolling in law school while still in junior high. She accelerated her academic progress by passing the California High School Proficiency Exam during her freshman year of high school.
Reflecting on the rigorous exam, Sophia said:
“I don’t think it was extremely difficult, but there was difficulty in how much you had to put into your brain in a limited period of time,” as reported by YourCentralValley.com.
Sophia has already begun making her mark in the legal field. At 16, she interned at the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office and has since worked as a law clerk for the Tulare County district attorney’s office. She will officially join the office as a prosecutor in March 2025 after being sworn in as a licensed attorney upon turning 18.
“I wanted to work for the prosecution because I like the idea that I get to represent the people of the state of California, keep our community safe, and make sure that justice is served,” Sophia told the Sun-Gazette.
Sophia’s achievement is part of a family legacy of excellence in law. Her younger sister, at 14 years old, is already in her second year of law school, and her 8-year-old brother has expressed his aspirations by dressing as a lawyer for Halloween.
Leah Wilson, executive director of the State Bar of California, commended Sophia’s achievement, calling it “a tremendous accomplishment” and “truly exceptional.”
Northwestern California University School of Law, an online institution accredited by the State Bar of California, played a pivotal role in Sophia’s journey.
The school’s flexible format allowed her to pursue legal studies while still in her teens.
Sophia’s record-breaking success highlights the exceptional possibilities for young achievers and underscores the growing accessibility of legal education through innovative learning platforms.
