A 17-year-old Korean-American becomes the youngest person to pass the California bar exam

An impressive legal milestone was recently achieved in Tulare County, where a 17-year-old Korean-American made history by becoming the youngest person to pass the California bar exam, according to the Tulare County District Attorney.

According to reports by abc4 news, Peter Park, successfully navigated the challenging exam on his first attempt at the age of 17, surpassing the previous record set by an 18-year-old candidate.

Park started his high school education at Oxford Academy in Cypress, CA, at the age of 13 in 2019. Concurrently, he enrolled in a four-year juris doctor program at Northwestern California University School of Law, taking advantage of a state bar rule that permits students to apply to law school after completing College Level Proficiency Exams.

By completing the California High School Proficiency Exam, Park graduated from high school early in 2021. His dedicated focus on the field of law culminated in his law school graduation in 2023, officially marking the beginning of his role as a law clerk with the Tulare County District Attorney in August.

Park, who just turned 18 a few weeks ago in late November, took the oath of office on Tuesday, December 5, in Visalia, becoming one of California's youngest practicing attorneys.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Park stated, "It was not easy, but it was worth it. It required discipline and strategy to pass the Bar, and I made it in the end. 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. I aspire to become a prosecutor because I am driven by a moral obligation to uphold liberty, equality, and justice in society. I admire how prosecutors keep our community safe and bring closure to victims."