The problem with Katie Zacharia calling herself a lawyer
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia is facing scrutiny from watchdog groups regarding her claims of being a lawyer. Investigations have found no record of her being admitted to any state bar in the U.S., raising questions about the accuracy of her professional credentials.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights potential ethical and legal concerns regarding the professional qualifications of high-ranking government officials.
White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia has repeatedly described herself as a lawyer. Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images Two watchdog groups asked the California state bar to investigate White House spox Katie Zacharia. She worked as a general counsel in California. The state bar has no record she was licensed there. It is a misdemeanor in California to advertise yourself as an attorney if you don't have a license. A growing chorus is voicing concern about White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia's self-described legal career. Two watchdog groups Wednesday filed complaints with the State Bar of California, asking it to investigate whether she violated California law by calling herself a lawyer. It is a misdemeanor in California to practice law or advertise yourself as an attorney if you don't have a license to do so.
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