Tulare County District Attorney (TCDA) law clerk Sophia Park has made history, passing the California bar exam at 17 and becoming the youngest to do so, beating the record set by her brother, Peter Park, just last year. Sophia was 17 years and 8 months old on November 8, 2024, when she passed the exam, while her brother was 17 years and 11 months old at the time of his achievement in 2023.
“Sophia’s accomplishments are extraordinary, and we couldn’t be prouder as an office family,” said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. “Our law students, interns, and clerks have made tremendous strides, and it’s been a privilege to support them as they reach these milestones.”
Sophia began her law journey at just 13, attending law school while in junior high at Oxford Academy in Cypress, CA. She graduated high school in 2022 through the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and went on to earn her law degree from Northwestern California University School of Law in 2024. Like her brother, she leveraged a state bar rule allowing students to enter law school via College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.
At 16, Sophia interned at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, gaining practical experience before joining TCDA as a law clerk in 2024. She plans to become a licensed attorney in March 2025 upon turning 18, with her sights set on serving as a prosecutor for Tulare County, following in her brother’s footsteps.
“As a prosecutor, I’m committed to seeking justice and making sure victims’ voices are heard,” Sophia stated.