Kim Kardashian continues to surprise. After several years of studying [1] for her first-year law exam — unofficially referred to as the baby bar — the reality star and entrepreneur shared on Dec. 13 that she had passed the exam on her fourth attempt [2]. "Looking in the mirror," Kim wrote, "I am really proud of the woman looking back today in the reflection."
Though much can and will be said about the privileges awarded to the Kardashian-Jenner empire, this was one accomplishment that fame nor nepotism could earn. "For anyone who doesn't know my law school journey, know this wasn't easy or handed to me," Kim said, before noting she failed the exam three times in the past two years.
"This wasn't easy or handed to me."
Despite its name, the baby bar — a seven-hour test focusing on contracts, criminal law, and torts — is actually quite challenging given that it's in lieu of traditional law school attendance. In fact, in June 2021, the pass rate for all takers of the California first-year law exam [3] was just 20.7 percent: "I was told by top lawyers that this was a close to impossible journey and harder than the traditional law school route but it was my only option."
Kim went on to thank her mentors, Jessica Jackson and Erin Haney of the Reform Alliance [4], as well as her Barbri [5] professors and Sam Arlen Farkas and Chuck Shonholtz. "Thank you guys for putting in the hours and teaching me everything I needed to know! 10 hour days, daily 4 hour zooms, our in person practice tests week after week," she said. "We did it!" Kim also credited political commentator Van Jones with convincing her to pursue a law degree.
Kim's ultimate inspiration throughout this process, however, has of course been her late father, Robert Kardashian, who was an attorney. "I know my dad would be so proud and he would actually be so shocked to know that this is my path now but he would have been my best study partner," she said. "I am told he was notorious for making fun of people who didn't pass on their first attempt like he did, but he would have been my biggest cheerleader!"
Next up, Kim will have to pass the California Bar Exam before officially becoming a lawyer, although she now seems well-equipped with a renewed confidence: "Bottom line is don't ever give up even when you are holding on by a thread, you can do it!!!!! Set your mind to it and get it done because it feels soooooo good once you get to the other side!"