Kim Kardashian reveals she failed bar exam again but vows ‘no shortcuts, no giving up’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Reality star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian revealed on Saturday, November 8, 2025, that she was unsuccessful in her latest attempt at the California bar exam but stressed that she remains fully committed to becoming a lawyer.

The 45-year-old SKIMS founder, who took the two-day exam on July 29 and 30, shared the update in a heartfelt Instagram Stories post. “Well... I’m not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV,” she joked. “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 Kardashian says failure isn’t the end but 'fuel'

Kim Kardashian told her 364 million followers that missing the mark only motivated her more. “Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way so far,” she wrote. “Failing short isn’t failure, it’s fuel. I was so close to passing the exam, and that only motivated me even more. Let’s go!”

According to the California State Bar, about 16,000 people take the grueling test each year.

The exam includes five one-hour essay questions, one 90-minute performance test, and 200 multiple-choice questions. Kim’s perseverance has become part of her public identity, with fans admiring her dedication to balancing law studies with her business empire and motherhood.

Kim Kardashian’s six-year legal journey rooted in reform work

Kim’s legal ambitions first made headlines in 2019 when she revealed she had started an apprenticeship with a San Francisco–based law firm. California allows aspiring lawyers to bypass traditional law school by studying under a licensed attorney for a set number of years.

The mother of four began her studies in 2018 after becoming deeply involved in criminal justice reform, helping secure the release of several incarcerated individuals, including Alice Marie Johnson and Chris Young. Her advocacy led to high-profile meetings at the White House and collaborations with multiple justice reform organizations.

“Six years ago, I embarked on an unconventional path to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer,” Kim shared on Instagram earlier this year. “It wasn’t easy, and it took longer than planned, but I never gave up. Each course brought moments of doubt, tears, and triumph, especially when I conquered subjects I initially feared.” 

Kim Kardashian pushes forward despite latest bar exam disappointment

Kim celebrated a major milestone in 2021 when she passed the so-called “baby bar exam” after multiple attempts. “OMFGGGG I PASSED THE BABY BAR EXAM!!!!” she posted on social media at the time. “Looking in the mirror, I am really proud of the woman looking back today in the reflection.” Passing that exam allowed her to continue her studies toward full qualification.

Earlier this year, she also took the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), which all California lawyers must pass to practice. It marked another step forward despite the demanding pace of her career and family life.

While her latest results were disappointing, Kim reassured fans that she sees this as just another challenge in her long-term mission. “That’s the beauty of life: you step into the unknown, push through, and emerge with knowledge and strength no one can take away,” she wrote. “This experience has shaped me profoundly, and I’ll carry its lessons with me forever. Here’s to celebrating resilience and new beginnings!”