Kim Kardashian has recently made a significant move toward becoming a licensed attorney in California, but not everyone is celebrating her achievement.
The 44-year-old reality TV star, who has balanced family life, fashion ventures, and film projects for years, has now completed California’s Law Office Study Program. This rigorous, unconventional route bypasses traditional law school, opting instead for apprenticeships under practicing attorneys.
“I finally graduated law school after 6 years!!!” Kim announced on Instagram, marking the occasion with her trademark blend of glamour and determination.
Her family went all out, surprising her with a graduation party on May 21 in Beverly Hills. Expecting a simple brunch, Kim was instead greeted by a lively backyard celebration filled with her children, mentors, and plenty of Kardashian flair.
“Her law mentors are also surprising her, and she has no clue they will be there,” a source told Us Weekly prior to the event.
Even Ivanka Trump joined in with congratulations:
“Congratulations Kim! You did it! My favorite law school graduate!”
Over 5,000 Hours of Study and Mixed Reactions
Kim’s mentor revealed the immense effort she invested:
“She completed 5,184 hours of legal study, all while raising four kids, managing businesses, filming TV shows, and appearing in courtrooms to advocate for others.”
Despite this dedication, some critics were unimpressed.
At 44, Kardashian chose a nontraditional path to law, skipping conventional law school for an alternative California program. Instead of attending classes, she began a legal apprenticeship in 2018 with a San Francisco law firm, learning directly from a licensed attorney.
Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Shaheen Manshoory told The Independent that Kim’s Law Office Study Program typically requires at least four years of study.
“However, she has been in the program for six years, likely due to difficulties passing the ‘baby bar’ exam,” Manshoory explained.
Social media users didn’t hold back, ridiculing her timeline, the process, and even her looks.
“She got her degree from TEMU,” one sarcastically remarked.
“In a year where Katy Perry became an astronaut and Kim K became a lawyer, what else can happen? My bingo card isn’t ready for this,” joked another Facebook user.
Comments ranged from “Took her long enough” to “Is she going to win cases by showing up half naked in court???” and “I definitely wouldn’t want her as my lawyer.”
Others questioned the extended duration of her studies:
“Is it supposed to take this long?” one asked.
“I’d rather have an attorney who actually graduated law school, not a shortcut,” another wrote.
Yet, Kim’s loyal fans defended her vigorously.
“Congrats Kim! Your dad would be so proud. Let’s pass that bar!” one supporter encouraged.
A Celebration Full of Personal Details
The Kardashian family ensured the party reflected Kim’s unique style, including placemats printed with her own study flashcards.
“Perfect timing,” commented Rebecca Swattridge online, noting Kim’s legal journey as she prepares to face music mogul Diddy in an upcoming trial.
Dressed in gray with a graduation cap, Kim smiled on stage as her children—Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—watched. It remains unclear if her eldest daughter, North, 11, attended.
In a touching moment, Kim held her diploma surrounded by family, friends, and her mentor, who praised her perseverance and consistency.
From “Baby Bar” Struggles to Bar Exam Preparation
Kim began her legal apprenticeship in 2018, making headlines after failing the First-Year Law Student’s Examination—known as the “baby bar”—three times.
In 2021, she finally passed.
“OMFGGGG I PASSED THE BABY BAR EXAM!!!!” she wrote on X.
“I failed this exam 3 times in 2 years, but I kept getting back up, studying harder, and trying again until I succeeded! (I did have COVID on the 3rd try with a 104 fever, but no excuses).”
She also passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) in March 2025. Now, only the full California Bar Exam remains before she can become a licensed attorney.
Kim, whose late father Robert Kardashian was famously part of O.J. Simpson’s defense team, once said he would have been the “best study partner.”
“Criminal Law I Can Do in My Sleep”
While Kim found tort law “the most confusing” and contracts “the most boring,” she felt comfortable with criminal law.
“Crim law I can do in my sleep,” she told Vogue in 2019. “I scored 100 on my first test. Super easy for me.”
Reading, however, was her biggest hurdle.
“The reading is what really gets me,” she admitted. “It’s so time-consuming, though I grasp concepts quickly.”
Despite her progress, some online critics remained harsh.
“Hope she uses it to silence her ex,” one jabbed.
“Now she can play a lawyer on TV,” another mocked.
The Final Verdict?
Love her or hate her, Kim Kardashian’s recent accomplishment is no publicity stunt.
With over 5,000 hours of legal study, two major exams passed, and just one exam left, she is closer than ever to becoming a fully licensed attorney—heels and all.
Whether the public believes she earned it or not, Kim remains focused on passing the bar. Given her history, she’s unlikely to quit before achieving it.
“I’m very passionate about criminal justice reform and want to advocate for those wrongfully convicted,” she told Hong Kong Vogue in April 2022. “I dream of one day running a successful law firm.”