Sacramento Single Mom Passes Bar Exam on First Try, Inspiring Thousands

Defying the Odds: Single Mom Passes California Bar Exam on First Try

Rhianna Gordon’s journey to becoming an attorney wasn’t paved with privilege; it was built brick by brick on perseverance, fueled by love for her two children, Flinn, 12, and Rhiley, 10. A single mother in her 30s, Gordon knew the odds were stacked against her. As a woman of color and a domestic violence survivor, she faced challenges many couldn’t imagine.

But Gordon’s story is not defined by hardship; it’s illuminated by unwavering determination. During the pandemic, a pivotal moment dawned on her: it was time to pursue her passion for crime and justice.

“You can be anything and decide what you want and go after it,”

she proclaimed, her words echoing her own transformative journey.

Leaving the stability of a job with the state’s Department of Transportation, Gordon embarked on the daunting path of law school. She knew the requirements: studying, conquering the LSAT, navigating the application process. Acceptance came first from UC Law San Francisco, a potential upheaval of her family’s life in Sacramento. Then came the acceptance from UC Davis, a life-altering answer to her prayers.

“I was able to keep the kids in their home,” Gordon shared. “I was able to keep the kids in their sports and in our schools. You know we have life established locally.”

A Balancing Act

The next three years were a whirlwind of late-night study sessions, juggling children’s activities, and finding moments of solace amidst the storm.

“It made me have to ask for help, and it’s okay – there’s no shame in that,” Gordon revealed, her words resonating with countless parents who’ve walked a similar path.

Loved ones stepped in, offering a lifeline to keep her family afloat. She documented snippets of her law school life on TikTok, sharing authentic glimpses into a student’s reality, inspiring others along the way.

“There were 260 of us who graduated, and I was the only one who was a single parent,” Gordon emphasized. Her journey was not just her own, it was a testament to the resilience of single mothers everywhere.

tears of relief

Her daughter’s excitement bubbled over; her son, though emotionless on the outside, embraced her with unwavering quiet support.

“People are like, ‘Oh, look how happy they are,’ and I’m like, ‘That emotion was relief,‘” Gordon explained empathically.

Complete this goal. The enormity of the California Bar Exam loomed, her final hurdle.

Known for its notoriously low pass rate, it wasn’t just a test; it was a battle against doubt, exhaustion, and the unrelenting pressure to succeed.

Successfully passing on her first attempt, Gordon shared a raw and tear-filled video with the world. Whispers of “inspiration” followed. While the achievement was hers, the impact resonated far beyond herself.

“What I have instilled in my kids, whether I meant to or not, is that you work hard, and it pays off,” Gordon mused, her voice tinged with pride.

For Gordon, the abundance of support following the viral video has been overwhelming. Many aspiring attorneys have reached out to her, inspired by her story.

“It’s not a question of ‘if’ — it’s ‘I’m going to do this now, how do I infiltrate it,’” Gordon’s perspective encapsulates her approach to challenges. Her story sends a powerful message: despite the obstacles, dreams can be achieved. She’s now working at the California Department of Justice in the honors program and cherishing the newfound time to be a present parent.

“I love the work I’m doing, and I’m also enjoying more time with my kids and getting to go their year-round soccer and softball practices and games.”

Pandora’s box has opened for Gordon.

What were the biggest challenges Rhianna faced while attending law school?

## ‌Interview with Rhianna Gordon:

**Host:** Welcome to the show, Rhianna. Congratulations on​ passing the California Bar Exam on your first try, an incredible achievement especially considering the challenges you’ve overcome.

**Rhianna:** ⁢Thank⁤ you! It feels surreal, honestly. This journey has been a wild ride,​ but seeing it through⁤ feels amazing.

**Host:** You’ve been‍ very open about being ⁤a single mother of two, working full-time, and going through law school simultaneously.⁤ Could you tell our viewers​ a little bit about what that struggle looked like?

**Rhianna:** It was ⁤definitely a whirlwind. There were late nights studying while the kids were asleep, shuffling them to​ school and activities, and constantly feeling like I was running on fumes. You learn to become incredibly ​efficient, and “asking for help” becomes your new mantra [[1](https://singlemothers.us/assistances/free-legal-assistance/) ]. I’m⁢ incredibly grateful for the support system ​I had – family, friends, even online communities.

**Host:** Wow! And you were able to secure a spot at ‌UC Davis,⁢ allowing you to keep your family stable.

**Rhianna:**‌ Absolutely. That was a crucial moment. UC Davis being in Sacramento ‍meant my ‌kids could stay ⁣in their schools, their sports ‌teams, ​their⁤ routines. That stability was ⁤so important for them,‌ and for me.

**Host:** You’ve also been using TikTok to document your journey and connect with others.

**Rhianna:** It feels‌ important to share my story. I want others, especially ⁣single parents and people facing adversity, to know that ⁣it’s possible to achieve their dreams. It won’t always ⁤be easy, but it’s worth it.

**Host:** You passed the Bar Exam on your first try – an impressive feat! What message does that send to⁢ anyone listening who might ⁤feel limited⁣ by their circumstances?

**Rhianna:** Never, ever give up on ​yourself.

“You can be anything and decide⁢ what you want and ​go after it.”

If I‌ can ⁤do it, anyone can.

**Host:** Thank you‍ so much for sharing your story, Rhianna. Your resilience and determination are truly inspiring. We⁢ wish you all the best in your legal career!