Sophia Park holds a proclamation from Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo. Photo contributed

A Central Valley elected official has recognized the youngest person to pass the California State Bar Exam.

Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo (R-Tulare) recognized 17-year-old Sophia Jinhee Park, the youngest person to pass the California State Bar Exam, beating the record of her own older brother, Peter Park, by three months. Since passing the exam, she has been working as a law clerk at the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, where Peter became a deputy district attorney in December 2023.

“Sophia’s accomplishments are very impressive. I have no doubt she will thrive into a wonderful career and continue to serve the people of California and Assembly District 33. I am honored to recognize her achievement in the State Assembly Chamber,” Macedo said. 

Sophia will be sworn in as an attorney in March 2025 after turning 18.

“It is such an honor to receive this opportunity to stand before the Assembly. As I take the next step in my career in the coming months as a sworn attorney, I strive to enforce the laws of our beautiful state as a deputy district attorney for the People of the State of California. My family and I are eagerly looking forward to visiting the leaders and lawmakers of our state. Thank you once again for this invaluable invitation,” Sophia said.

Tulare County District Attorney Tim ward said they are proud of Sophia’s diligence and are looking forward to her service in the interest of justice in the county.

“Sophia is deserving of every honor, and we thank Assemblywoman Macedo for recognizing her immense achievements and the noble desire to serve her community as a prosecutor,” Ward added.