A government accountability organization filed a complaint with the California State Bar, requesting an investigation into whether the new White House press secretary, Katie Zakaria, was presenting herself publicly as an attorney, even though she reportedly never obtained a license to practice law in the state.
The organization Campaign for Accountability (CfA) argues in its complaint that Zakaria may have violated California law, as she repeatedly introduced herself as an attorney during television appearances, while she also allegedly served as legal counsel for a nonprofit organization.
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“If the relevant reports are true, Ms. Zakaria repeatedly appeared before the public as someone authorized to practice law, without holding the required license —conduct that California law treats as a criminal offense,” states the complaint filed on Wednesday.
Rick Coca, a spokesperson for the State Bar of California, confirmed that no record of Zakaria as a licensed attorney in the state could be found, neither under the name she uses after her marriage nor under her maiden name.
CfA Executive Director Michelle Coopersmith accused Zakaria of claiming to be an attorney in order to bolster her public image and credibility as a television legal commentator and, more recently, as a White House spokesperson. “In California, calling oneself a lawyer without a license isn’t just an exaggeration. It’s a crime,” she stated.
The White House’s furious response
White House Communications Director Steven Chung, responded via a post on X, labeling the Campaign for Accountability a “radical left-wing organization” and launching a personal attack against its leaders. He also claimed that no one takes its allegations seriously.
InfluenceWatch, a program of the conservative Capital Research Center, describes CfA as an organization that is politically centered on the center-left and often targets Republican officials and conservative organizations. It also notes that the organization was founded by former executives of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Government and that two prominent Democrats serve on its board of directors.
The complaint cites several instances in which Zakaria allegedly presented herself as an attorney. Among these is an appearance she made on October 5 on the radio show hosted by Newsmax anchor Greg Kelly on WABC. During a discussion about the Senate confirmation process for federal prosecutors, she cited her legal background.
Her role at a nonprofit organization is under scrutiny
Questions are also being raised about her tenure as general counsel for Fix California, a nonprofit organization founded by former Trump administration official Richard Grenell. According to available information, Zakaria held that position from January 2024 to March 2025.
The CfA acknowledges that it is not known whether the current White House press secretary actually provided legal services to the organization. It is, however, asking the State Bar to investigate the exact scope of her responsibilities.
Under California law, practicing law without a license or falsely representing oneself as a licensed attorney may constitute a misdemeanor. The penalty may include up to one year of imprisonment in a county jail, a fine of $1,000, or both.
The organization is asking the relevant regulatory authorities to consider referring the case to the prosecutor’s office if violations are found.
Education and Work in China
Zakaria graduated in 2011 from Pepperdine University School of Law and previously worked for the law firm Zhong Lun in Beijing.
When asked on Wednesday in which jurisdiction she passed the bar exam, she replied, “When I moved to China,” without providing further details.
A White House official stated that Zakaria practiced international trade law in China, where she had moved with her husband. Donald Trump, however, had introduced her as a “lawyer” when he announced her appointment last week.
Source: Proto Thema
