Kim Kardashian has announced that she is currently studying in hopes of becoming a lawyer, and the internet has been very vocal about it. Some view her efforts as a joke and mock the star online, while others have come to Kardashian’s defense, calling the criticism sexist and comparing her to the “Legally Blonde” character Elle Woods, who was also dismissed in their efforts to become a lawyer due to her looks and shallow persona. Kardashian should be given support for working for something that would actually help society, but by doing so, she also demonstrates the sickening power of privilege and wealth. 

Kardashian is currently enrolled in a four-year apprenticeship and plans on taking the bar exam in 2022. However, she is not currently enrolled in any law school. Under California law, aspiring lawyers can take part in an apprenticeship and can practice law if they pass the bar exam (even without a law degree). Although she does have a busy schedule, not enrolling in law school and still being able to practice law seems like a cop-out. 

The Kardashian name is well-known in the law world, stemming from Robert George Kardashian’s success in the famous O.J. Simpson case. Kardashian also credits her mother for giving her the guidance and knowledge to practice law through watching her mother navigate various business and political challenges. Her parents are definitely not the most ethical people to consider as role models, but they are exceptionally good at what they do.  

The reality star first entered the political world through her advocacy for Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year-old grandmother that was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence after being convicted in a drug trafficking case (which was her first offense). Through her status and connections, she was able to meet with Donald Trump, who later commuted Johnson’s sentence, meaning that she wouldn’t have to serve her sentence, although she would still be seen as convicted in the eyes of the law.  

The fact that Kardashian is not studying in a law school, already has multiple job offers for prestigious firms and has influence over the president is horrifying. The unfairness represented by her new interest in pursuing law shows how corrupt our political system truly is. However, if she genuinely wants to help fix our government and bring justice to the people, using her platform would most definitely bring about change.