Bonus: Not a Girl, Not Yet a Lawyer
Oct 17, 2026 · 7m
Summary
This episode of Slate Money Plus examines the controversy surrounding Katie Zachariah, who was fired as White House Press Secretary after just five days. The hosts debate whether her claim to be a "lawyer" is valid, noting she failed the bar exam and did not practice law in China. They explore the broader implications of professional credentials, comparing her situation to other figures like Anthony Scaramucci and Kim Kardashian, and discuss when misrepresenting qualifications becomes an ethical issue.
Topics discussed
Intro: Katie Zachariah fired, breaking Scaramucci record
Transition to the episode's main topic
Do you need a PhD to call yourself an economist?
Legal definitions: Lawyer vs. law degree holder
Katie Zachariah's background and press conference
Bar exam failure and California legal rules
Does legal credential matter for press secretary role?
Zachariah's past: Beachbody marketing and Newsmax
When credentials matter: Misrepresentation of ability
Famous bar exam failures: Scaramucci, JFK Jr., Kardashian
International legal credentials and clarity of titles
Conclusion: China rules and final thoughts
Outro
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