In brief
President Donald Trump named Katie Zacharia as the White House press secretary last week. Critics point out that Zacharia never passed a state bar exam and has no license to practice law in the United States. The White House insists she is uniquely qualified and has a background in international transaction law. A watchdog group has filed a complaint with the California State Bar over her self‑identification as an attorney. Zacharia’s career includes stints in Beijing and work with the World Bank, though she never served as a licensed lawyer in the U.S.
President Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary last week, describing her as an attorney and a lawyer.
Zacharia has not passed the bar exam in any U.S. state and is not licensed to practice law in the United States. When reporters asked which state she had qualified in, she responded that she had moved to China instead of naming a state.
The White House maintains that Zacharia is uniquely qualified, citing her background in international transaction law. Communications director Steven Cheung praised her decision‑making and expertise.
In response to credential questions, Zacharia said “I practised international transaction law, with all the appropriate credentials.” However, a legal watchdog group, Campaign for Accountability, filed a complaint with the California State Bar seeking an investigation into her claims.
Zacharia earned her J.D. from Pepperdine University in California in 2011, as confirmed by the university. The law degree does not grant a license to practice without passing a state bar exam.
She attempted the California bar exam after graduation but did not succeed, according to the Wall Street Journal. In China, she worked as an associate at Zhong Lun Law Firm from 2011 to 2013, a role that does not require a Chinese law license for foreign employees.
Zacharia has been described by the University president as able to call herself a lawyer, but not an attorney, a distinction that reflects licensing rules.
During a 2023 interview, she said she had worked as outside counsel for the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank while in Beijing, positions that involve legal collaboration without a U.S. license.
She also served as general counsel for Fix California, a conservative non‑profit linked to former Trump ally Ric Grenell, adding to her legal‑political profile.
