Korean-American girl passes California bar exam at 17

By Phan Anh November 20, 2024 | 12:09 am PT

Sophia Park (L) takes a photo next to Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. Photo courtesy of the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office

A 17-year-old girl in the U.S. has passed the California State Bar Exam, beating her own brother to become the youngest person to pass the exam.

Sophia Park was 17 years and 8 months old when she passed the exam earlier this month, while her brother, Peter Park, passed the exam in 2023 when he was 17 years and 11 months old, the ABC News reported.

She is believed to be the youngest person to ever pass the California State Bar Exam, according to the New York Times.

Sophia wanted to become an attorney, said her father Byungjoo Park. Both Sophia and her brother work at the Tulare County District Attorney's Office.

In a statement, State Bar Executive Director Leah Wilson said Sophia’s achievement highlighted her "extraordinary dedication and talent".

"Passing the State Bar exam at any age is a tremendous accomplishment, and to do so at 17 is truly exceptional."

Sophia enrolled in law school back in 2020 at the age of 13, according to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. She earned her high school diploma two years after, then a law degree from the Northwestern California University School of Law this year.

"As a prosecutor, I will work to see justice served and ensure that victims' voices are heard," Sophia said via a statement by the Tulare County District Attorney's Office.