This week, Kim Kardashian celebrated a significant milestone, but fans were left perplexed by the private ceremony that sister Khloé Kardashian posted on social media. The films appeared to be a typical law school graduation, replete with cap and gown moments, but viewers were left wondering which university Kim had actually attended and what degree she had obtained because something didn’t quite fit up.
In a backyard ceremony, the founder of SKIMS celebrated the next phase of her six-year law education journey by throwing her graduation cap into the air as the only student present and receiving heartfelt honors from two mentors.
Mentors commended the reality TV tycoon for his commitment to promoting clemency for prisoners, drawing attention to criminal justice concerns globally, and continuously finding time for those society has forgotten.
During the ceremony, CNN analyst Van Jones choked back tears as he discussed Kardashian’s commitment and her humanitarian work. He describes her career as not requiring any “ivory tower shortcuts” in the now-viral video.
During her speech at the celebration, Kim also highlighted how her hard work and sheer dedication had allowed her to pull herself up by her figurative high heels. Supporting her sister’s “celebration lunch for graduating law school” made Khloe feel incredibly pleased. However, when The Shade Room announced the “celebration,” questions and criticism flooded the comment area.
One user wrote, “Wait graduated from WHAT law school???” which sums up the general misunderstanding regarding Kim’s academic accomplishments. Although Kim did not claim to have gotten a bar license, the doubt was part of a larger sense that she was able to bypass the queue and obtain the title of “lawyer” that most others could not without the right steps.
OMFGGGG I PASSED THE BABY BAR EXAM!!!!
Looking in the mirror, I am really proud of the woman looking back today in the reflection.
For anyone who doesn’t know my law school journey, know this wasn’t easy or handed to me. pic.twitter.com/44UiguM4bJ
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) December 13, 2021
Others immediately focused on what appeared to be a circumvention of the conventional educational requirements. Can I enroll in law school right away and forego earning my bachelor’s degree? One cynical commenter remarked, “It’s always been my dream,” while another said frankly, “A white woman did both here, whereas regular people could never avoid law school, bachelor’s degrees, and the LSAT.”
The comments expressed annoyance at what seemed to be special treatment that regular students were not able to receive. Someone who seemed to have a background in legal education made the most pointed criticism, attempting to make the distinction clear.
Robert Kardashian & O.J. Simpson met on a tennis court in 1969 & stayed friends for decades, sharing business interests & their affiliation with the University of Southern California pic.twitter.com/RxQ3blKY6N
— Kardashian Facts (@KardashTruths) August 17, 2021
“Let’s be clear, she didn’t graduate from law school she finished an apprenticeship. That is definitely not that same and it’s an insult to those of us who did graduate from law school,” one person quipped, adding, “She shouldn’t be celebrated for things she didn’t do. Call it what it is and say congratulations for finishing an apprenticeship.”
Kim never attended a formal law school or obtained a Juris Doctor degree, which is the source of the misconception. According to Live Now Fox, she instead finished California’s Law Office Study Program, which is an alternate legal apprenticeship track that is only offered in four U.S. states.
This program, which requires 5,184 hours of study over four years, enables people to learn from judges or practicing attorneys instead of going to law school.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and her hectic schedule running many businesses and raising four kids, Kim’s trip lasted six years. Motivated by her increasing interest in criminal justice reform, she began her legal education in 2018 by beginning an apprenticeship with a San Francisco law firm, according to People.
