By: Sarah Smith
Kim Kardashian West has shocked the world yet again by revealing plans to become a lawyer in her recent Vogue interview. Kardashian West told Vogue that she plans to forgo the typical law school track and do a four-year apprenticeship with a California law firm to attain her certification in 2022. Kardashian West’s aspiration has been met with criticism, as much of her actions are, yet the reality star turned beauty mogul affirms her law-centered dreams and is not here for the criticism.
Just last year, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star worked with the Trump administration to grant clemency to Alice Marie Johnson, a nonviolent drug offender who was sentenced to life in prison. Kardashian West and her team successfully freed Johnson, and Kardashian West has since advocated for other cases and for prison reform. The daughter of skilled attorney, Robert Kardashian, who worked on the O.J. Simpson case, feels that her substantial interest in the criminal justice system and commitment to discerning truth will aid her in her law studies. Critics have been quick to claim that the star is only able to pursue a law degree in this manner because of her privilege and that she will make a terrible lawyer, yet Kardashian West took to Instagram to defend her decision and plans to continue her studies. She wrote:
“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. As my first year is almost coming to an end, I am preparing for the baby bar, a mini version of the bar, which is required when studying law this way. 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 state bar doesn’t care who you are. This option is available to anyone who’s [sic] state allows it. It’s true I did not finish college. You need 60 college credits (I had 75) to take part in “reading the law”, which is an in office law school being apprenticed by lawyers. For anyone assuming this is the easy way out, it’s not. 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. There are times I feel overwhelmed and when I feel like I can’t do it but I get the pep talks I need from the people around me supporting me. I changed my number last year and disconnected from everyone because I have made this strict commitment to follow a dream of mine—it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
I want to thank Van Jones for believing in me and introducing me to Jessica Jackson. Jessica along with Erin Haney have taken on the role of my mentors and I am forever grateful to them both putting in so much time with me, believing in me and supporting me through this journey. This week I have a big torts essay due on negligence. Wish me luck”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSBRu5nmST/
Kardashian West does not need an attorney’s salary and her proclamation is not for the sake of praise, so the star’s intentions must be pure. She is living proof that you can pivot at any age and follow your dreams, despite what people say. Power to you Kim, we look forward to seeing what you accomplish!
