A 17-year-old Californian has become a practicing attorney after passing the state bar exam.
The Tulare County District Attorney’s office released a news notice on December 6th, stating that Peter Park, a law clerk for the district attorney, passed the exam on his first try.
The previous holder of the record was eighteen. After taking the test in July, Park got his test results on November 9,” the press announcement said.
According to reports, Park has previously demonstrated his exceptional academic aptitude.
According to the DA’s office, Park enrolled in Oxford Academy in Cypress, California, at the age of 13 to begin high school in 2019.
Park participated in the four-year juris doctor program at Northwestern California University School of Law during that period of time.
Using “a state bar rule that allows students to apply to law school through the completion of College Level Proficiency Exams (CLEPS),” Park was able to accomplish this, according to the Tulare County District Attorney’s office.
After passing the California High School Proficiency Exam, Park received his high school diploma in 2021.
Park concentrated on his goal of attending law school, and in 2023 he earned his degree from Northwestern California University School of Law.
In August, he started working as a law clerk for the Tulare County District Attorney.
“Although difficult, the effort was worthwhile. I eventually passed the bar because it took strategy and discipline, Park said to the DA’s office.
“I am extremely blessed to have discovered this path, and my hope is that more people will realize that alternative paths exist to becoming an attorney,” Park stated.
Park was formally sworn in on December 5 in Visalia, where he turned 18 last month.
As to the DA’s office, Park is currently among the youngest practicing attorneys in the state of California.
“I aspire to become a prosecutor because I am driven by a moral obligation to uphold liberty, equality, and justice in society,” Park stated.
“I admire how prosecutors keep our community safe and bring closure to victims,” he said.
The State Bar said in an email to the Associated Press (AP) that it was unable to verify Park’s record as the youngest state bar passrator, “but it hailed his achievement.”
Executive Director Leah Wilson sent an email to the AP stating, “Passing the California Bar exam is a major accomplishment at any age, and for someone as young as Mr. Park, it is quite an extraordinary feat and one worth celebrating.”
The University of San Diego School of Law claims that the California bar exam is “considered the toughest in the country.”
According to the college’s website, “it covers 14 subjects over three days and includes essay questions, multiple choice questions, and performance test assignments.”