VISALIA, Calif. Seventeen-year-old Peter Park has become the youngest individual, according to preliminary research, to pass the State Bar of California exam. The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, where Park serves as a law clerk, confirmed the extraordinary accomplishment this week.
Park’s success was officially recognized by the State Bar of California, which, while unable to confirm his record as the youngest, commended the magnitude of his achievement. Executive Director Leah Wilson expressed, “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.”
Having taken the exam in July, Park received his test results on November 9, as detailed in a news release from the District Attorney’s office. In a statement, Park acknowledged the challenges he faced, saying, “It was not easy, but it was worth it.”
Peter Park’s journey into the legal field began when he entered high school at Oxford Academy in Cypress, California, at the age of 13 in 2019. Simultaneously, he embarked on a four-year juris doctor program at the Northwestern California University School of Law after successfully completing college-level proficiency exams.
Park, displaying remarkable academic prowess, graduated from high school in 2021 by passing the state’s high school proficiency exam. His singular focus on law school culminated in his graduation this year. In August, he joined the Tulare County District Attorney’s office as a law clerk.
Turning 18 in late November, Park reached another milestone on Tuesday when he was sworn in as an attorney. His journey from high school to law school, passing the California Bar exam at 17, showcases an exceptional commitment to academic excellence and determination in the pursuit of a legal career.
Peter Park’s accomplishment is not only a testament to his individual capabilities but also a source of inspiration for aspiring legal professionals. The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office and the State Bar of California recognize the significance of this historic achievement, marking a new chapter in the legal landscape of the state.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
