Yesterday afternoon District Attorney Tim Ward had the honor of swearing in Sophia Park, the youngest person to ever pass the California Bar exam, as Tulare County’s newest Deputy District Attorney.
“As we celebrate Sophia, we recognize her remarkable achievement. What gives me hope is not that we simply recognize her as a prodigy or as a “first,” but what she chose to do with her gifts - she chose to represent victims and embody the service of being a prosecutor,” said DA Ward. “It will be a great honor to have her stand ready for the people.”
Park started law school at the age of 13 in 2020 while simultaneously attending junior high school at Oxford Academy in Cypress, CA. In 2022, she graduated high school after passing the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and graduated from Northwestern California University School of Law in 2024. Park utilized a state bar rule that allows students to apply to law school through the completion of College Level Proficiency Exams (CLEPS). Park passed the California bar exam at the age of 17 years, 8 months in 2024, and has been employed as a TCDA law clerk since 2024. Read more about her amazing journey at https://lnkd.in/gymYSqCX.
“I would like to thank my family for getting me where I am today. My parents for being my biggest supporters, equipping me with faith, love, courage, and good food,” said Park. “Becoming a Deputy District Attorney is the greatest privilege, and I will serve our community with integrity, diligence, and professionalism, being a shield for victims and upholding justice. I am honored to fight alongside all of you as a torchbearer,” said Park.
Park will be assigned to the Visalia Prosecution Division. Park’s brother Peter, the state’s prior youngest lawyer, also serves as a TCDA Deputy District Attorney. #dutyhonorjustice #torchbearers
