Kim Kardashian Becoming a Lawyer is a Good Thing [OPINION]

The Kar-Jenner clan was made famous in part by Kim Kardashian’s sex tape with former boyfriend Ray J in 2003, after which the family became reality television royalty. On a recent episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, her sister Khloe thanked her for taking one for the team. 

In her iconic kitchen, Kris Jenner presented Khloe with an MTV award for Best Reality Show. “Who would you like to thank?” Kris asked her daughter. “My Lord and savior,” Khloe responded. “And Kimberly for f****** on camera.” 

For more than a decade, people all over the world have watched the family, who have been dubbed “famous for being famous,” grow into a dynasty. Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, Kylie and Rob have all become parents, with Kim and her husband Kanye West expecting baby number four via surrogate next month. Kim and Kylie have become makeup moguls, with Kylie becoming the world’s youngest “self-made” billionaire. Khloe has grown her Good American clothing brand, which reportedly made $1 million on day one. Kendall has blossomed as one of the world’s top supermodels and Kourtney has most recently come into the spotlight for her latest endeavor poosh.com. 

The family is most known for their style, makeup, clothing, children, relationships, parties and appearances. Apparently though, one sister intends to do more. In an interview with Vogue, Kim said she plans to take the California Bar exam in 2022. The story has a lot of moving parts, but taken as a whole, Kim attempting to become a criminal justice lawyer is a great thing.  

In a post on Instagram, Kim wrote, “Last year I registered with the California State Bar to study law. For the next 4 years, a minimum of 18 hours a week is required, I will take written and multiple choice tests monthly. As my first year is almost coming to an end I am preparing for the baby bar, a mini version of the bar, which is required when studying law this way. I’ve seen comments from people who are saying it’s my privilege or my money that got me here, but that’s not the case. One person actually said I would ‘stay in my lane.’ I want people to understand that there is nothing that should limit your pursuit of your dreams, and the accomplishment of new goals. You can create your own lanes, just as I am. The state bar doesn’t care who you are. This option is available to anyone who’s (sic) state allows it. It’s true I did not finish college. You need 60 college credits (I had 75) to take part in ‘reading the law,’ which is an in office law school being apprenticed by lawyers. For anyone assuming this is the easy way out, it’s not. My weekends are spent away from my kids while I read and study. I work all day, put my kids to bed and spend my nights studying. There are times I feel overwhelmed and when I feel like I can’t do it but I get the pep talks I need from the people around me supporting me. I changed my number last year and disconnected from everyone because I have made this strict commitment to follow a dream of mine – It’s never too late to follow your dreams.” 

In only five hours, the post has racked up over 40,000 comments, in which fans have expressed a myriad of mixed reactions ranging from complete support to utter disgust. Many law students and current lawyers are expressing anger toward her unique situation, while fellow celebrities are commending Kim for her bravery. While bravery might be a stretch, she should be commended for trying to do something different, something better. 

When it comes to influence, the Kardashians have a lot of power. Kim has over 134 million followers on Instagram and another 60 million on Twitter. KUWTK has consistently held the attention of millions of viewers, and at least one of the sisters steals headlines each and every day. For Kim to publicize aspirations outside of the beauty realm is an outstanding example for the young men and women who follow her every move. 

No, Kim has not completed a college degree and does not express any intention to do so. But, by California law, one of only four states in the country, prospective lawyers can complete apprenticeships in replacement of law school. According to the state’s bar admission rules, Kim must submit semi-annual progress reports to the Association, pass the First Year Student’s Exam, and study law at the firm for at least 18 hours each week for a minimum of 48 weeks to receive one year’s worth of credit. After her four years, she must pass the bar, receive a positive moral character determination, and pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam. 

As with all other prospective lawyers, Kim’s success would be no easy feat, as the California is known to have one of the most difficult exams in the country. Only about 40 percent, or approximately 3,284 of applicants, of the July 2018 California Bar Exam passed. 

As for her inspiration, it could be a number of things. Her father, the late Robert Kardashian, was nationally recognized during his time as a defense attorney for his friend O.J. Simpson’s murder trial in 1995. Several years later, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer which led to his death in 2003. In a recent video published by Vogue, Kim answered 73 questions, including one: “If you could have dinner with anyone, living or not living, who would it be?” Kim answered, “Definitely my dad.” 

Last summer, Kim aided a woman, Alice Marie Johnson, who had been in federal prison since 1996 for cocaine distribution and money laundering, after learning of her case via social media. She flew to Washington D.C. to meet the President and lobby on her behalf. Ultimately, Johnson was granted clemency by Trump, and Kim was ecstatic. 

Keep in mind, Donald Trump did not have a background in politics before running for president, but lo and behold, here we are. Trump might not be the best president in U.S. history, and Kim might not even pass the bar, but it’s outstanding that she has such aspirations and is willing to share her journey with the world.