Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, confirmed on Thursday that she never passed a bar exam or was licensed as an attorney, yet defended calling herself a lawyer in her first extended interview since taking the job. Appearing on 'Real America’s Voice' with interviewer Jack Posobiec, Zacharia admitted she sat for the bar but failed, while noting President Trump has referred to her as 'an attorney.' She argued a distinction exists between 'lawyer' and 'attorney,' though legal experts say both require a license to practice. Under California law, one must be licensed by the State Bar to practice law or hold oneself out as entitled to do so, according to Jeremy Fogel, a retired federal judge.
Zacharia said she was advised by a Pepperdine University president that it was acceptable to identify as a lawyer on television, though she declined to name who gave the advice. Andrew K. Benton, president at the time of her 2011 graduation, denied giving the advice.
Current president Jim Gash declined to comment on private conversations but praised her in a statement. Zacharia also recounted her rapid hiring, saying she was at a pumpkin patch when Trump called, flew out the next day, accepted the job, and reported to work the following Monday.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing