Omarosa Manigault Newman graduates law school, celebrates promise kept and a new chapter

Omarosa Manigault Newman, best known for her memorable time on The Apprentice and as a former White House aide, has achieved a milestone she’s long dreamed of — earning her law degree. On May 17, the 51-year-old reality star proudly graduated from Southern University Law Center with both a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), marking the “culmination of a promise” she made to herself years ago. Balancing a demanding career in entertainment and public service alongside rigorous academic studies, Omarosa’s achievement speaks to her perseverance, resilience, and renewed dedication to advocacy and justice. This milestone is more than a degree; it is the fulfillment of a deeply personal goal and the beginning of a new chapter in a life marked by reinvention.

A dream delayed but never forgotten

Omarosa’s aspiration to become a lawyer was sparked early and never faded, even as her career took unexpected turns. After earning her master’s degree at Howard University, she planned to continue her studies at Howard Law School. At the time, she was working in presidential personnel in the Clinton White House and even requested a letter of recommendation from then-President Bill Clinton to support her law school application.

However, fate intervened when she was cast on the inaugural season of The Apprentice in 2004, a reality television show that catapulted her into the public eye. “Even after filming hundreds of episodes, I still had this law school dream,” Omarosa shared. Despite the detour, she never gave up on her goal of pursuing legal studies.

Her graduation from Southern University Law Center marks the end of a long, determined journey. “Graduating with my JD/MBA degree is a culmination of a promise I made to myself — to never give up on my dreams,” Omarosa told PEOPLE. “It’s deeply personal for me in terms of the power of perseverance. I set this goal and, no matter how long it took me, I saw it through to the end.”

Balancing law school with a public life

Omarosa’s path to graduation was far from easy. She successfully navigated the challenges of a demanding dual-degree program while continuing her work in entertainment, recently filming the Hulu reality series Got to Get Out. This balancing act showcased her remarkable tenacity and ability to excel in multiple arenas simultaneously.

In a statement shared by Southern University Law Center, Omarosa expressed pride in managing both her studies and her career. “Graduating from Southern University Law School has been enriching. I’m proud to have balanced my studies with my work in entertainment, and I look forward to using my legal education to advocate for justice in every field I touch,” she said.

Her law school accomplishments did not go unnoticed. The university highlighted her leadership roles, including serving as president of the SULC Rotaract chapter and as senior editor of the Journal of International Law, Business & Policy. They praised her for embodying “an unwavering commitment to advocacy, leadership, and the pursuit of justice,” adding that she has “brilliantly redirected her career toward law and public service.”

Standing up for justice in turbulent times

For Omarosa, becoming a lawyer is not just a personal triumph but also a response to the current political and social climate. “Watching what’s happening in this country right now, you see firsthand that it’s the lawyers who are on the front lines, defending the rule of law when our democracy is clearly under threat,”.. “Lawyers are holding the line during this time of political turmoil.”

Her commitment to justice is further reflected in her induction into the Order of the Barristers — a prestigious national honor awarded to law students who demonstrate exceptional oral advocacy, legal writing, and courtroom skills. Omarosa proudly shared this milestone on Instagram, explaining that the Order recognizes a select group of advocates from over 100 law schools nationwide.

The dual-degree graduate is ready to take her legal skills into the next phase. She revealed her plans to sharpen her litigation and trial skills this summer at The Cochran Firm, a law firm renowned for its impactful community work and courtroom successes. “I’ve always looked up to the late Johnnie Cochran and the impact he made in the community and courtroom,” Omarosa said, highlighting her dedication to making a difference through law.

A shared journey of perseverance with kim kardashian

Omarosa’s graduation news coincided closely with another high-profile figure celebrating a legal milestone: Kim Kardashian. The SKIMS founder recently completed her Law Office Study Program, bringing her one step closer to becoming a lawyer through an unconventional path.

Six years into her journey, Kardashian reflected on the challenges and perseverance required to reach her goal. “It wasn’t easy, and it took longer than planned, but I never gave up,” she wrote on Instagram. “Each course brought moments of doubt, tears, and triumph — especially when I conquered subjects I initially feared.”

Omarosa congratulated Kardashian on her accomplishment, acknowledging the difficulties inherent in legal studies. “I can attest that legal studies are difficult and very demanding, so I applaud Kim for choosing her path and not giving up on her dream,” Their shared determination highlights how varied and challenging the journey to the legal profession can be, especially for those balancing public lives and high expectations.

A new era of advocacy and leadership

As Omarosa closes one chapter and opens another, her focus remains clear: using her law degree to advocate for justice and empower communities. From reality TV star to White House aide and now lawyer, she continues to redefine her career with a commitment to public service.

Her story is one of resilience and reinvention — a testament to the power of setting goals, enduring setbacks, and ultimately fulfilling promises made to oneself. Omarosa Manigault Newman’s graduation is not just a personal victory but an inspiring example of perseverance in pursuit of a dream, no matter how long it takes.