Kim Kardashian’s latest revelation that she did not pass the Bar has reignited debate about the grueling test and what it really says about someone’s potential to practice law.
Three veteran attorneys told the Daily Mail that the reality-star-turned-law-student’s setback is far from unusual, emphasizing that the California exam has one of the lowest pass rates in the nation and is ‘a test of endurance, not intelligence.’
Golnoush Goharzad, an attorney in the state of 17 years, said: ‘Until a few years ago, the California Bar exam was a three-day test, unlike other states, which had two-day tests.
‘Rather than one day of multiple choice and one day of essays and performance exams, the California Bar traditionally had two days of essays and performance exams.’
She added that the state’s unique legal framework makes it even more complicated.
‘The California legal system, unlike many other states, has laws that differ drastically from federal laws,’ she said. ‘The fact that California laws are so different makes it significantly more complex.’
That complication has earned it a notorious nickname among lawyers.
As Colleen Joyce, the CEO of Lawyer.com, put it, ‘The California Bar is often called the Mount Everest of bar exams – not just because of how much material it covers but because of the depth of thinking it requires.’
Kim Kardashian ‘s latest revelation that she failed the California Bar Exam has reignited debate about the grueling test and what it really says about someone’s potential to practice law
The pass rate for repeat takers can be as low as 24%, something Goharzad attributes to ‘test fatigue’ and the sheer volume of material.
‘Every strong lawyer I know has failed it once,’ she said. ‘Most California lawyers have probably failed it at least once.’
Similarly, Mark Childress, founding attorney of The Law Offices of Mark Childress in Texas, said failing the first time ‘is far more common than most people think.’
‘Even the most promising candidates can struggle with test-day nerves or the exam format. This is not a reflection of intelligence or ability – it’s just a hurdle many excellent lawyers have had to overcome,’ he noted.
Both attorneys stressed that not passing on the first try says little about a person’s potential.
‘Failing the bar is not a referendum on someone’s intelligence or their ceiling as a lawyer,’ Goharzad said. ‘The bar exam is a narrow, high-pressure snapshot of one skill set – memorizing huge amounts of law and writing in a formulaic way under severe time constraints.’
She added that real-world lawyering depends on instincts and strategy, not rote memorization.
‘Good lawyers have strong instincts and an even stronger ability to strategize – and these are not factors tested on the bar exam,’ she said.
Two veteran attorneys told The Daily Mail that the star’s setback is nothing unusual, stressing that the CA Bar has one of the lowest pass rates in the nation and is ‘a test of endurance, not intelligence’
Golnoush Goharzad, a California lawyer of 17 years (pictured), says Kardashian’s openness about falling short ‘should inspire others’
Attorney Mark Childress (seen above) said failing the first time ‘is far more common than most people think’
Goharzad also stressed that Kardashian’s openness about falling short ‘should inspire others.’
‘She is a real person and no different from other exam takers,’ she said. ‘Her openness shows that failing the bar exam is okay — what matters is persevering.’
Childress echoed that sentiment: ‘Her transparency validates the struggles of others. It reminds aspiring lawyers that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it. Determination is just as essential to being a good lawyer as intellect.’
The SKIMS founder also admitted she used AI tools like ChatGPT while studying – something Goharzad said reflects a growing reality in modern law.
‘Every single lawyer you know, unless they are up in age, is using AI,’ she said. ‘The use of AI will transform the practice of law and every legal conference is now pivoting towards teaching lawyers how to use AI better. It’s obviously not foolproof, but neither is getting a human bar tutor.’
Ultimately, Goharzad said critics who mock Kardashian’s legal ambitions are ‘just being snobs’ and that she’s already doing more for justice reform than most licensed lawyers; Kardashian pictured last year with former Vice President Kamala Harris
As for Kardashian’s future? Goharzad believes she’s already doing more for justice reform than most licensed lawyers; seen in 2019 with U.S. President Donald Trump
Ultimately, Goharzad said critics who mock Kardashian’s legal ambitions are ‘just being snobs.’
‘I don’t understand why people think that the average law student is somehow more serious than Kim Kardashian. People come to this profession from all sorts of backgrounds,’ she said. ‘Clearly she chose the law because she actually wants to help people, and be an advocate, which are already more admirable intentions than those held by many law students.’
As for Kardashian’s future? Goharzad believes she’s already doing more for justice reform than most licensed lawyers.
‘Her highlighting issues like prison reform and the death penalty has brought more advocacy and justice than the average licensed lawyer,’ she said. ‘Advocacy is not a bar number — it’s a passion and a dedication to justice. Kim seems to have both.’
Over the weekend, Kardashian, who took the exam back in July, confirmed that she did not pass; seen in October in NYC
‘Six years into this law journey, and I’m still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up – just more studying and even more determination,’ she wrote. ‘Falling short isn’t failure – it’s fuel’
Over the weekend, Kardashian, who took the exam back in July, confirmed that she did not pass.
‘Well…I’m not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV,’ she began, referencing to her new Hulu series All’s Fair.
‘Six years into this law journey, and I’m still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up – just more studying and even more determination.’
Kim then sent gratitude to those who have ‘supported and encouraged me along the way so far.’
The mom-of-four concluded her statement with a positive message and stated that she nearly passed the bar exam.
‘Falling short isn’t failure – it’s fuel. I was so close to passing the exam and that only motivates me even more. Let’s Go!!!!!!!!!!’
