Kim Kardashian Defends Studying Law after Negative Criticism
Kim Kardashian wrote a lengthy post in response to criticism about her desire to attain a law degree, something many saw as a mockery of their own hard work.
Earlier this month, the 38-year-old revealed that she would be pursuing a law degree through an apprenticeship program. She was inspired by her fight last year to get Alice Johnson, 63, out of prison for cocaine trafficking.
Kim found a fitting career
The reality star not only hopes to learn more about clemency but also believes that being a lawyer would be a suitable field for her, and she's ready to put in the work. The post is found below.
She began in her caption:
"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."
The mother of three said that the "baby bar, a mini version of the bar [exam]" is coming up soon. Because of the way she is pursuing her degree, this exam is a requirement to continue her studies.
California's requirements are different
According to Cheat Sheet, California is among four states that allow anyone to take the bar exam, making them a certified lawyer if they pass. This is regardless of whether or not a person has gained an undergraduate or law degree. Kim has neither.
All the aspiring lawyer has to do is gain a valid apprenticeship under a judge or a law firm then take the bar exam. This method, called "reading the law," is not something that just anyone is able to do since lawyers tend to be quite busy and expensive.
Kim has two mentors
Kim is working with mentors Jessica Jackson and Erin Janey who are pictured in the post she shared. After working with them for months, she thanked them both in the caption. She's also working with a San Francisco law firm for four years and will reportedly do the bar in 2022.
Jackson, an attorney, and Janey co-founded a group called #cut50. The bipartisan organization advocates criminal justice reform by making prison visits, reaching out to state governors, and even engaging with the White House.
Trolls won't discourage her
Kim also made sure to hit back at those who saw her pursuit as a display of privilege, saying:
"I’ve seen some 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 should '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 beauty icon insisted that the state bar "doesn't care who you are" in an attempt to correct some and inspire others. She further stated that this was not the "easy way out."
She added:
"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."
Kim is completely focused and determined
Kim also revealed that she had changed her number in order to retain her "strict commitment to follow [her] dream," something, she says, it's never too late to do.
Her sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian both commented words of encouragement under the post. "I couldn't be more proud of you sister," Kourtney said. Khloe spoke similar words to her sister who she called "Keeks."
Kim has a "big torts eassy due on negligence" later this week. For her first year, she worked on torts, contracts, and criminal law. She told Vogue that for her, "torts is the most confusing, contracts the most boring, and criminal law I can do in my sleep."
People looked down on Kim's goal
So much for the person who responded to Kim's journey by saying it's "the Legally Blonde reboot nobody asked for.” As for the people who have been questioning her lack of a college and law degree, they definitely have to hit the books, just like Kim is doing.
People still called out the star for not at least acknowledging how her status helped her pursue the degree the way she did. However, she is taking a perfectly legal route and at the end of it all, a fair and unbiased bar exam will be the judge of her efforts.