Kim Kardashian Discloses Failed July California Bar Exam Score

Kim Kardashian Discloses Failed July California Bar Exam Score

By Elizabeth Warren, Legal Education Reporter | November 8, 2025 | Scores & Results

SACRAMENTO — Kim Kardashian, the media personality and legal apprentice, announced Friday that she fell short of a passing score on her July California bar exam administration. The disclosure marks her latest attempt under the state's Law Office Study Program, a non-traditional qualifying route that bypasses standard law school attendance.

According to People Magazine, Kardashian remains committed to her law journey despite this setback. She made the public confirmation via social media, stating that her determination to join the legal profession has not wavered.

State Bar of California Tracks Alternative Apprentice Candidates

The State Bar of California operates the legal apprenticeship pathway under strict guidelines. This program requires four years of study under the supervision of a licensed attorney or judge for a minimum of 18 hours per week.

Historically, alternative candidates face significantly lower passing rates than standard graduates from accredited law schools. Observers tracking state-level licensing trends note that State Bar regulators review non-traditional candidate pass standards to determine whether these programs adequately prepare participants for practice.

State Bar Admissions Director Confirms Rigorous Grading Policies

"The California bar exam is recognized nationwide for its exceptionally high difficulty level and strict cut score," said Greg Bowyer, a senior examiner with the State Bar of California Admissions Office. "Every applicant, regardless of their pathway or public profile, is graded under the exact same anonymous double-blind standard."

This administrative framework is designed to ensure objective fairness across all testing cohorts. First-time test takers from ABA-approved law schools face a steep challenge, but those from alternative pathways experience even lower historical success metrics.

Comparative Data Highlights Low Alternative Pathway Pass Rates

Data compiled from recent exam administrations reveals that apprentice applicants historically register passing rates below 30 percent. This contrasts sharply with the general first-time pass rate for ABA-approved law school graduates, which routinely hovers around 70 percent in summer administrations.

These statistics continue to fuel debate among academic policy experts. Many educators question whether independent study programs should be reformed as legal educators debate minimal competence in modern bar exams across the country.

Six-Year Legal Study Timeline Approaches Critical Window

Kardashian began her legal studies in 2018 under the supervision of attorneys Jessica Jackson and Erin Haney. After multiple attempts, she passed the First-Year Law Students' Examination, commonly known as the baby bar, in late 2021 to secure her eligibility for the main licensing exam.

Under California rules, hours accumulated during the apprenticeship have specific expiration timelines. Candidates must complete their final examination requirements within a designated multi-year window to preserve their accumulated study credits.

Next Steps for the July Test Takers

The state bar will release the official, individualized score reports to all applicants through their online portals. Candidates who did not achieve the required 1390 scaled score must decide whether to register for the upcoming winter administration.

For Kardashian and thousands of other applicants, the registration deadline for the next exam cycle represents the next administrative hurdle. Prep courses and study schedules must be adjusted immediately to address weaker subject areas identified in the score breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the California Law Office Study Program work for aspiring lawyers? The program allows applicants to qualify for the bar exam by reading law in a law office or judge's chambers. Applicants must study for four years under a mentor attorney who has practiced in California for at least five years. Additionally, they must pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination and submit regular semi-annual study reports to the State Bar of California.

Can candidates take the California bar exam multiple times? California does not place a limit on the total number of times an applicant can sit for the general bar exam. However, registration fees must be paid for each attempt, and candidates must monitor credit expiration rules if they are qualifying through the apprenticeship program. Most applicants use detailed score reports to focus their prep on weak areas like the Multistate Bar Examination or essay sections.