The question “Did Kamala Harris fail the bar exam?” has become a topic of intense scrutiny and speculation. As the first woman of color to serve as Vice President of the United States, Harris’s legal career has been thrust into the spotlight, with her bar exam performance drawing particular attention. This issue has sparked debates about the significance of bar exam results and their impact on a politician’s qualifications.
To analyze this claim, it’s essential to examine Harris’s legal background and achievements. Her journey from Howard University School of Law to becoming California’s Attorney General and later a U.S. Senator has been marked by notable accomplishments. This article aims to uncover the truth about Harris’s bar exam experience, put it in context, and explore her subsequent legal career. By doing so, we can better understand her qualifications and the relevance of bar exam performance in assessing a public figure’s capabilities.
The Truth About Kamala Harris and the Bar Exam
Initial Failure in 1989
Kamala Harris graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (now renamed the University of California College of Law, San Francisco) in 1989. Following her graduation, Harris took the California bar exam for the first time in July 1989. Despite her academic achievements, Harris did not pass the exam on her initial attempt. In her memoir, “The Truths We Hold,” Harris described this experience as “the most half-assed performance of my life”.
It’s important to note that the California bar exam is notoriously challenging. The July 1989 test that Harris failed had a passing rate of 72.2% among first-time test takers, meaning more than a quarter of candidates did not pass. This statistic highlights the difficulty of the exam and puts Harris’s initial failure into perspective.
Successful Passage in 1990
Undeterred by her initial setback, Harris persevered and retook the bar exam in February 1990. This time, her efforts proved successful, and she passed the exam. The February 1990 test that Harris passed had an even lower overall passing rate of just 45.9%, indicating that more than half of the candidates failed. This statistic underscores the significant improvement in Harris’s performance and her ability to overcome the challenge.
Admission to California Bar
After successfully passing the bar exam, Kamala Harris was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1990. This achievement marked the beginning of her legal career and paved the way for her future accomplishments in the field of law.
It’s worth noting that Harris’s experience with the bar exam is not uncommon. Even in recent years, the pass rate for the California Bar Examination averages around 50%. For instance, in February 2020, only 40% of first-time test takers passed the exam. These statistics demonstrate the ongoing difficulty of the California bar exam and provide context for Harris’s initial struggle and subsequent success.
Harris’s perspective on the bar exam has evolved over time. In 2016, she offered words of encouragement to a recent law school graduate who had failed the exam, saying, “It’s not a measure of your capacity”. This statement reflects Harris’s understanding that bar exam performance does not necessarily indicate a person’s potential as a lawyer.
Contextualizing Bar Exam Performance
Difficulty of California Bar Exam
The California Bar Exam has a reputation for being one of the most challenging in the United States. This difficulty is reflected in its consistently low pass rates. In 1985, the Los Angeles Times reported that the pass rate for the California Bar Exam “has generally hovered around 50%“. This trend has continued in recent years, with the exam maintaining its reputation as a formidable challenge for aspiring lawyers.
Pass Rates in Harris’s Time
When Kamala Harris took the California Bar Exam for the first time in July 1989, the pass rate for that particular exam was 59.5%. This means that over 40% of test-takers failed the exam on their first attempt. The following February, when Harris retook and passed the exam, the overall pass rate was even lower at 45.9%. These statistics highlight the significant challenge that the California Bar Exam presented to candidates during Harris’s time.
Other Notable Figures Who Failed
Harris’s experience with the bar exam is not unique among successful legal and political figures. Several prominent individuals have faced similar challenges:
- Michelle Obama: The former First Lady and Harvard Law School graduate failed the Illinois bar exam on her first attempt.
- Hillary Clinton: The former Secretary of State and Yale Law School graduate failed her first bar exam attempt in the District of Columbia but later passed in Arkansas.
- John F. Kennedy Jr.: He failed the New York State Bar exam twice before passing on his third try.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: The former President failed the bar exam on his first attempt.
- Pete Wilson: The former California governor failed the California bar exam three times before passing on his fourth attempt.
These examples demonstrate that initial failure on the bar exam does not necessarily indicate a lack of legal acumen or future success. Many of these individuals went on to have distinguished careers in law and public service, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the limitations of using bar exam performance as a sole measure of legal capability.
Harris’s Legal Achievements Post-Bar
Career as a Prosecutor
Kamala Harris began her legal career in 1990 at the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, specializing in prosecuting child sexual assault cases. In 2003, she made history by becoming San Francisco’s first woman, Black, and South Asian American district attorney. During her tenure, Harris implemented innovative programs, including “Back on Track,” which provided nonviolent, first-time drug offenders with education and job training to reduce recidivism.
Harris also took a strong stance against human trafficking, sponsoring a bill to include it in the state criminal code. She focused on victim advocacy, refusing to use the term “teenage prostitute” and instead recognizing these individuals as exploited children.
Role as California Attorney General
In 2010, Harris was elected as California’s Attorney General, becoming the first woman, Black, and South Asian American to hold this position. Her tenure was marked by significant achievements:
- Secured a $20 billion settlement for Californians affected by the foreclosure crisis.
- Implemented the California Homeowner Bill of Rights in 2013.
- Launched a criminal justice open data initiative to enhance transparency.
- Introduced a body camera program for special agents in 2015.
- Initiated law enforcement training on implicit bias and procedural justice.
Harris also took on environmental issues, defending President Obama’s Clean Power Plan and reaching settlements with oil companies for violations of state laws.
Transition to National Politics
Harris’s accomplishments as Attorney General paved the way for her entry into national politics. In 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, where she continued to advocate for progressive causes. Following George Floyd’s murder, Harris co-introduced legislation to reform policing at the federal level, leveraging her legal expertise to ensure precise language in outlawing chokeholds.
Throughout her career, Harris has demonstrated a commitment to social justice and reform, often balancing progressive ideals with pragmatic approaches to law enforcement and criminal justice.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s journey with the California bar exam sheds light on the challenges faced by aspiring lawyers and the importance of persistence. Her initial failure and subsequent success highlight that bar exam performance doesn’t define a person’s potential or future achievements. This experience, shared by other notable figures, showcases the rigorous nature of the legal profession and the resilience required to succeed.
Harris’s remarkable legal career, from prosecutor to California Attorney General and beyond, demonstrates her ability to overcome obstacles and make a significant impact. Her accomplishments in criminal justice reform, victim advocacy, and environmental protection underscore her commitment to public service. Ultimately, Harris’s story serves as a reminder that setbacks can be stepping stones to success, and that determination and hard work have the power to shape a person’s path in both law and politics.
