July 24, 2026

Most individuals who don't pass the bar exam tend to retreat quietly, reorganize their study plans, and prepare for the next opportunity. Kim Kardashian, on the other hand, transforms her failure into a viral marketing spectacle. Recently, she launched a major advertising campaign for UPDATE, a new energy drink she co-founded, which is gaining traction online for its ingenious approach to dealing with setbacks.
In the campaign, Kardashian is seen at a staged press conference, answering inquiries about how she manages her multifaceted life. She cleverly transitions from wearing oversized sunglasses to academic glasses, humorously addressing years of public scrutiny over her appearance. The ad then shifts to a museum setting, where Kardashian is humorously displayed in a glass case, busily checking off tasks on a to-do list while onlookers stare in fascination. Women's rights attorney Gloria Allred makes a surprise appearance, pressing Kardashian with a question that has lingered since 2018: did she ever pass the bar exam?
Kardashian's response is as bold as it is memorable: "No, I didn’t pass the bar. I raised it."
This campaign beautifully illustrates how Kardashian has leveraged a personal setback into a profitable marketing opportunity—a feat that is certainly easier when backed by a billion-dollar fortune and a host of business ventures, including a nationwide Walmart distribution deal.
Kim Kardashian's journey through legal education has been nothing short of public and prolific. Despite not having a traditional law degree, she embarked on a legal apprenticeship route, showcasing her studies and setbacks openly on social media. Her journey through law has been peppered with both failures and successes, including multiple attempts at the baby bar exam before she eventually passed.
Moreover, Kardashian's legal aspirations are part of a broader commitment to criminal justice reform. Before she even completed her first year of legal studies, she had already played a pivotal role in securing clemency for Alice Marie Johnson and advocating for the First Step Act during the Trump administration. Her ongoing advocacy work has included creating documentaries, pushing for policy changes, and directly intervening in high-profile justice cases.
Kardashian's current life is a whirlwind of business launches, media engagements, and personal milestones, including a public relationship with F1 champion Lewis Hamilton. Despite the busy schedule, she remains committed to passing the bar exam, possibly in 2027 or later, with each attempt serving as potential content for her vast audience.
In a world where setbacks can often lead to discouragement and withdrawal, Kardashian's approach to "failing profitably" is a testament to the power of resilience and marketing savvy. Her story is a unique narrative about transforming personal challenges into opportunities, proving that sometimes, not passing can set the stage for a different kind of success.