Kim Kardashian’s Legal Ambition Tested: Navigating Disappointment and Determination After Her Baby Bar Exam Results

In a candid and emotionally charged preview for an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, reality television icon and aspiring lawyer, Kim Kardashian, revealed a significant setback in her legal education journey. The highly anticipated results of her first-year law school exam, commonly known as the ‘baby bar,’ did not go as planned. Taken during the summer of 2020, this crucial examination proved to be a formidable challenge, leaving Kim profoundly disappointed after weeks of intensive preparation. Her score of 474 fell short of the required 560 points, marking a moment of introspection and uncertainty for the determined star. This pivotal moment underscores the demanding nature of her chosen path and the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing her dreams of becoming an attorney, a journey that has captivated millions.

Kim’s pursuit of a legal career is not a fleeting interest; it’s a deeply personal mission rooted in her family legacy and her passion for criminal justice reform. Inspired by her late father, the renowned attorney Robert Kardashian Sr., Kim embarked on an unconventional path to law, choosing the apprenticeship route in California rather than attending traditional law school. This four-year program requires students to pass the ‘baby bar’ after their first year of study, a unique and rigorous hurdle designed to assess foundational legal knowledge. Her dedication to this path has been widely documented, showcasing her commitment to advocating for others, particularly in the realm of prison reform, where she has already achieved significant successes. This personal drive has fueled her ambition, making the baby bar results even more impactful.

The ‘baby bar,’ officially known as the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSE), is often described as one of the most challenging preliminary legal exams in the country. Unlike the traditional three-year law school curriculum, Kim’s chosen four-year program mandates this examination after the first year. It’s designed to test a student’s understanding of core legal principles in subjects like contracts, criminal law, and torts. Kim herself acknowledged its difficulty, stating, “This one is actually harder, I hear, than the official bar.” This sentiment is echoed by many who have undertaken the exam, highlighting its role as a gatekeeper to ensure that those pursuing alternative legal education paths possess the necessary foundational knowledge before proceeding. Its comprehensive nature and stringent passing requirements make it a significant barrier, and Kim’s experience serves as a testament to its notorious reputation.

The extent of Kim’s commitment to her legal studies was truly remarkable, especially considering her demanding schedule as a businesswoman, reality television star, and mother of four. For six straight weeks leading up to the baby bar, Kim dedicated an astonishing 10 to 12 hours a day to studying. This intense regimen involved poring over textbooks, analyzing legal precedents, and practicing essay questions under immense pressure. Her social media often offered glimpses into her late-night study sessions, sometimes even studying in a bikini to maximize sun exposure while reviewing complex legal concepts. This level of dedication meant significant sacrifices, particularly time away from her children, a point she later expressed profound regret over. The sheer volume of material and the mental stamina required for such a concentrated study period are immense, making her effort all the more commendable, even in the face of an unfavorable outcome.

Upon receiving her disappointing baby bar results, Kim found herself grappling with a cascade of emotions. The initial shock quickly gave way to profound sadness and frustration, leading her to question the entire endeavor. “It was so important for me to take this and to not pass…it gets your spirits down and makes you want to give up,” she confided in her sisters, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian. Beyond the personal disappointment, a significant source of her distress was the time she had sacrificed away from her children. Balancing her rigorous study schedule with her responsibilities as a mother proved to be one of the most challenging aspects, and the thought that those precious weeks might have been “wasted” was particularly painful. This moment of vulnerability offered viewers a rare glimpse into the personal toll of her ambitious legal pursuit.

In response to Kim’s emotional reveal, her sisters Kourtney and Khloe immediately offered words of solace and encouragement. They reminded her of her late father, Robert Kardashian Sr., assuring her that he would be “really proud” of her for even attempting such a challenging feat. Their support served as a crucial anchor, reminding Kim of the noble intentions behind her journey and the resilience that runs in their family. However, despite their loving words, Kim’s immediate focus remained on the practical and emotional weight of her setback. “What pisses me off is the fact that I spent all that time away from my kids,” she reiterated, the guilt palpable in her voice. “I can’t do it again. I don’t have time to do the next test. It’s in November.” This internal conflict highlighted the deep struggle between her personal aspirations and her commitment to her family, a common dilemma for many working mothers.

The KUWTK clip, filmed in mid-October, placed Kim at a critical juncture regarding her next steps. With the re-take exam scheduled for November, she had very little time to deliberate her decision. The timing was particularly challenging, as she was simultaneously filming the emotional final episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. This period was also packed with significant personal events, including “every birthday under the sun,” culminating in her own milestone 40th birthday, for which she had planned an elaborate trip. The idea of dedicating herself to another intense study period so soon, especially with such a demanding personal and professional calendar, seemed almost insurmountable. The fear of failing again after such immense effort and sacrifice loomed large, making her question the very purpose of continuing if the outcome remained unchanged. This period of her life was undoubtedly one of extreme pressure and self-reflection.

Khloe, ever the pragmatic sister, suggested an alternative: waiting until June, when the baby bar would be offered again, allowing Kim more time to prepare without the immediate pressure of her hectic schedule. However, this idea held little appeal for Kim. Her desire to maintain her academic momentum and stay within the “headspace” of legal studies was strong. “I don’t want to wait for another year to go by for school,” she explained, expressing her fear of losing the knowledge and focus she had painstakingly acquired. “I just got to the end where I almost know everything. I want to stay in this headspace. I could try…or I could give up. I don’t know. I really need to think about it.” This internal dialogue revealed the intense conflict between the practical challenges of her life and her unwavering determination to achieve her legal aspirations. The choice between persistence and the possibility of burnout was a difficult one to confront.

Kim Kardashian’s journey through the challenging landscape of legal education has become a powerful narrative, inspiring many who follow her. It demonstrates that passion and dedication can drive individuals to pursue new career paths, even in the public eye and later in life. Her willingness to openly share her struggles and setbacks humanizes her celebrity persona, offering a relatable perspective on the universal experience of facing failure and making difficult choices. Her commitment to prison reform and using her platform for advocacy adds an extra layer of meaning to her legal pursuits, transcending personal ambition. The baby bar setback, while disappointing, has only served to highlight her resilience and the depth of her resolve to achieve her goals. It’s a reminder that true success often involves navigating through moments of doubt and embracing the learning process, regardless of the outcome.

As the May 27 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians aired, viewers were left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what decision Kim ultimately made regarding her law school future. Would she face the November exam head-on, or would she opt for the longer wait until June? Her journey continues to unfold, serving as a compelling storyline for the final season of the iconic reality series and offering a powerful example of perseverance in the face of adversity. Regardless of the immediate outcome, Kim Kardashian’s dedication to her legal education and her broader mission remains an inspiring testament to her commitment to making a tangible difference in the world.