AMERICA | 13-year-old girl gains admission to Law school, gets called to US bar at 17.
A 13-year-old girl from California who gained admission to Northwestern California University School of Law has now been inducted as a lawyer by the State Bar of California in the United States.
Sophia enrolled in law school in 2020 at just 13 years old, balancing her junior high school studies with her law degree program. She graduated from high school two years later, in 2022, and completed her Bachelor of Laws degree in early 2024.
In a remarkable feat, Sophia passed the California State Bar Exam at the age of 17, mirroring the achievement of her brother, Peter Park, who passed the same exam at the same age just a year earlier.
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Sophia’s father, Byungjoo Park, shared with Good Morning America that she had always been dedicated to becoming an attorney and had been working towards this goal for four years.
“It’s the result of four years of consistent, dedicated work. It didn’t happen overnight. She has a thorough understanding of the law and is committed to using it justly. This is just the beginning of her journey,” Byungjoo said.
Both Sophia and Peter now work at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Tim Ward released a statement praising the siblings for their dedication.
“Sophia’s amazing accomplishments speak for themselves, and we could not be prouder as an office family. It really is quite remarkable the success we have had with our law students, interns and law clerks attaining their professional dreams,” Tim Ward said.
”The dividends for our office have been immense, and we are excited to be part of Sophia and Peter’s continued success,” he added.
The State Bar of California also praised Sophia for her extraordinary dedication and talent, describing her achievement as exceptional.
“The State Bar of California proudly congratulates Sophia Park on passing the California Bar Exam at just 17 years old,” State Bar Executive Director Leah Wilson said in a statement.
“This remarkable achievement follows her brother Peter Park’s similar success last year, further highlighting their 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,” he added.
Currently, Sophia is working as a law clerk for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Once she turns 18, she will be eligible for her attorney’s license. She intends to follow in her brother’s footsteps and become a prosecutor.
Currently, Sophia is working as a law clerk for the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Once she turns 18, she will be eligible for her attorney’s license. She intends to follow in her brother’s footsteps and become a prosecutor.
“As a prosecutor, I will work to see justice served and ensure that victims’ voices are heard,” Sophia said.
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