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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Your first-year legal writing course might seem basic compared to your constitutional law or contracts classes, but it could be the most important class for your appellate career.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Your second year of law school is when appellate career planning gets strategic. While 1L focused on building foundational skills, 2L is about making intentional choices that open doors to clerkships and appellate practice.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Building relationships with faculty can transform your law school experience—but this is often an untapped resource.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Breaking into appellate law can feel overwhelming when you don't have a roadmap to follow.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

If you’re not in a formal appellate role, you can still build experience in practical ways.

Graphic from The Appellate Project titled “How to Gain Appellate Experience When You’re Not in an Appellate Role.” Text explains that lawyers can build appellate experience by taking on pro bono appeals through their workplace, bar associations, or legal aid organizations. It notes that these opportunities can build confidence and credibility in appellate-style work while providing meaningful support to clients in need.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

This misconception can be discouraging for those that do not fit the preconceived mold. In fact, many talented law students and lawyers talk themselves out of exploring appellate opportunities before they have even tried, often because they do not know where or even if they can start.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Appellate practice is a specialized area that can sometimes feel unreachable. It is writing-centered, rules-heavy, and often shaped by exposure to appellate work.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Too many talented lawyers don't pursue appellate careers simply because they don't know the field is open to them — or how to get started.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Decisions that affect entire communities are happening in appellate court rooms. When the lawyers and judges in these spaces reflect those communities, the system is better positioned to deliver equal justice and strengthen public trust in the courts.

Why Pursue an Appellate Career: An appellate career offers the next generation of lawyers a powerful opportunity to shape the law in ways that affect entire communities.

Greater representation among appellate advocates and decision makers is essential: when the people shaping legal precedent reflect the diversity of the communities most impacted by these decisions, the system is better positioned to deliver equal justice and strengthen public trust in the courts.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Over the past six years, TAP has supported more than 600 law students from over 100 law schools, built a network of over 1,000 volunteers, and helped shift the culture of one of the most elite corners of the legal system. Today, we're taking that work further.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Breaking into appellate law shouldn’t feel impossible. As TAP alum Marquan Robertson shared in his story with the American Bar Association’s Student Lawyer magazine, at every stage of his journey to appellate practice, there were mentors who believed in him and told him he belonged.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Many law students pursuing appellate careers can get caught up in whether they've checked every box — and when their path doesn't match a rigid standard, it's easy to become discouraged.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Clerkships are one of the most formative experiences an aspiring appellate lawyer can have, but they're also difficult to access without the right guidance and community behind you.

A branded graphic from The Appellate Project with a red overlay on a photo of two graduates in caps and gowns smiling outdoors. White text reads, “On the value of clerkships:” followed by a quote from Juliana Chang: “Since graduating from law school, I have had the immense privilege of clerking for two kind and brilliant judges. Law school gave me the substantive foundation and skills I needed to do good research and writing, but clerking is where I really found my confidence with legal work, largely due to the guidance and encouragement of my judges.” The quote is attributed to Juliana Chang, Judicial Law Clerk, U.S. District Courts.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

TAP Alum Juliana Chang, Judicial Law Clerk for the U.S. District Courts, will clerk for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during the 2026-2027 Supreme Court term.

A graphic featuring a portrait of TAP alum Juliana Chang smiling in front of a blurred stone archway with columns on either side. She is wearing a green sleeveless top and a small necklace. The lower half of the graphic has a light textured background with bold navy and red text that reads, “TAP alum Juliana Chang will clerk for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during the 2026-2027 term.”

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Appellate court decisions affect every aspect of our lives—from voting rights to housing discrimination to healthcare access. These courts review disputes that came from trial courts, but the legal principles they establish ripple far beyond individual cases.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Appellate decisions shape civil liberties at scale. When the Supreme Court rules on voting rights, reproductive healthcare, or housing discrimination, that interpretation determines how those constitutional protections apply to millions of people.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Appellate courts don't just resolve individual disputes—they set the precedent that shapes how the law gets interpreted and applied going forward.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Sometimes, a single unexpected moment can change the course of your career.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Transformation begins with your presence in spaces that need to change. Sarah Lahlou-Amine, shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC and TAP volunteer, reminds us that showing up authentically in legal spaces creates ripples that benefit everyone, not just those who look like you.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Behind every successful appellate advocate is someone who extended a hand.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

We're proud to reshare the story of Ashwin Phatak, Principal Deputy Solicitor General at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and TAP volunteer, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.

A professionally designed quote graphic featuring a man speaking at a podium in what appears to be a courtroom or formal event space. He is wearing glasses, a dark suit jacket, light blue shirt, and striped tie, and is standing beside a microphone. Large bold white text over the image reads: “Representation is critical so that the appellate bar reflects the diversity of the population it represents.”

At the bottom of the image, smaller italicized text identifies him as “Ashwin Phatak” followed by: “Principal Deputy Solicitor General at the D.C. Office of the Attorney General & TAP Volunteer.” The lower portion of the image has a blue gradient overlay fading upward from the bottom.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Diverse lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds and educational institutions strengthen our legal system.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Aspiring appellate lawyers without insider connections often assume the path into appellate law isn't meant for them, so they stay quiet about their goals and self-select out before anyone even has the chance to support them.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

TAP Alum Darryl E. Williams, Jr., current Supreme Court and Appellate associate at Hogan Lovells, will clerk for Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson during the 2026-2027 Supreme Court term. He's only the second Howard Law graduate to clerk at the Supreme Court—the first since the 1980s.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

For Samantha Maltais, a judicial law clerk and TAP alumna, the stakes of appellate law have never been abstract. As a Native attorney, she understands deeply how a single ruling can bind entire tribal communities — shaping their past, their present, and their future.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

This month, we recognize Arab American Heritage Month — honoring the generations of Arab Americans who have shaped American culture, communities, and institutions, and who continue to do so.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

When appellate decisions are made without the perspectives of people who've lived their consequences, something essential is missing from the law itself.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Law students frequently approach clerkships with a singular focus on prestige, often at the expense of finding positions that genuinely advance their career objectives. The truth is that the "best" clerkship isn't necessarily the most highly ranked.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Law students often wonder how their unique backgrounds "fit" into the appellate world. What many don't realize: chambers actively need clerks with different lived experiences to strengthen judicial decision-making.

A light blue graphic with bold, uppercase headline text at the top reading: “REPRESENTATIVE COURTS, REPRESENTATIVE JUSTICE.” The words “REPRESENTATIVE COURTS,” are in dark blue, while “REPRESENTATIVE JUSTICE” is in a coral-orange color.

Below the headline, a paragraph in smaller dark blue serif text reads: “When clerks bring diverse lived experiences to chambers, judicial decision-making benefits from broader perspective and deeper understanding of how rulings affect different communities. Your background directly contributes to more fair and thoughtful jurisprudence.”

In the bottom right corner is a gold statue of Lady Justice, partially visible, holding a set of scales in her raised right hand. The scales hang evenly, with gold chains and plates. Lady Justice is shown without a blindfold, and only her upper body and arm are visible.

In the bottom left corner, there is a small circular icon with a stylized courthouse column in white against a dark blue background.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

A state court clerkship can be a powerful stepping stone towards diverse, high-level legal careers. As we continue to demystify common myths around state court clerkships, we tackle Myth #3: "A state court clerkship won’t help if you aspire to work in Big Law or the federal bench."

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

State court clerkships involve deeply engaging work on critical legal questions. Today in our series debunking state court clerkship myths, we’re addressing another common myth about state court clerkships:

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

State supreme & appellate court clerkships carry enormous influence and prestige. Last week, we shared resources that explain the influence and impact the state courts have on issues affecting people’s rights.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Clerkships offer unmatched training for appellate advocates, from offering experience on a breadth of legal issues to understanding how judges weigh complex arguments.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Clerkships are valuable, but they come with real challenges that can disproportionately affect students without financial cushions or built-in support systems.

Blue social media graphic titled “Potential Clerkship Challenges,” with a faint statue of Lady Justice in the background and a dark rounded rectangle containing white text. A small courthouse column icon appears at the bottom.
Text reads:
“The application process can be lengthy and expensive. It often requires gathering transcripts, securing letters of recommendation, tailoring application materials, and potentially traveling for interviews. Applicants may also need to invest in professional attire.”

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

When it comes to judicial clerkships, there are certain skills that most judges look for: strong research skills, demonstrated writing ability, and attention to detail among other things.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

The clerkship application process is full of unwritten rules: when to apply, how to choose judges, what actually goes into a strong cover letter, how to prepare for interviews, and more.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Federal clerkships are where nearly all appellate careers begin. These prestigious positions provide the training, credentials, and connections that open doors to appellate practice and eventually judicial leadership.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

This Women's History Month, we're highlighting insights from Alejandra Á., a partner at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick PLLC, on what meaningful mentorship actually requires.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

This Women's History Month, we're sharing insights from Alejandra Ávila, a partner at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel, and Frederick, PLLC, on why diverse teams strengthen appellate practice.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

In appellate practice, where competition is fierce and pathways aren't always visible, mentorship can make the difference between navigating the field alone and having advocates who actively invest in your success.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

This Women's History Month, we're highlighting Alejandra Ávila, a partner at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel, and Frederick, PLLC, whose experience reflects a reality many women of color in professional spaces navigate: serving as primary caregivers to family members while managing demanding careers.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

When talented lawyers encounter barriers unrelated to their legal skills, the profession loses essential perspectives.

Graphic from The Appellate Project with a light blue textured background. Large centered text reads: “Graduates who identified as having a disability had a lower overall employment rate of 89% and a lower employment rate of 77.2% for admission required/anticipated jobs.”

A citation below attributes the statistic to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) report Class of 2024 Law Graduates Exceed Employment Expectations, But Equity Gaps Persist.

Along the bottom are decorative design elements: a blue square pattern, a black-and-white close-up photo of part of a person’s face showing one eye, and a series of overlapping oval shapes in shades of blue and gray on a pink background.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Jillian Williams, an associate at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, speaks to the reality of navigating appellate spaces while often being "one of the only" individuals who look like them, and the toll that can take.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

In honor of Black History Month, we're sharing insights from Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP associate Jillian Williams, on why diverse teams strengthen legal work.

Blue graphic from The Appellate Project featuring a quote in large white text: “One of the great things about being on diverse teams is that nobody thinks the same way.” Below, smaller text reads: “Even if you went to the same schools or clerked for the same judge, you still experienced those things differently. And especially in legal practice—whether at a firm or elsewhere—you want all of those experiences and ideas to be aired out.” The quote is attributed at the bottom to Jillian Williams, Associate at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Imposter syndrome can be particularly acute in appellate practice, where the work can feel intimidating and the barriers to entry remain high.

Graphic from The Appellate Project with a red background and large quotation marks. The text reads: “I would tell first-year me to ‘back myself’ more. Sometimes we forget about all the things we’ve learned and accomplished just to get to this moment, or we feel like we have to show up to a matter and already know everything and that’s just not true. You’re here because of all the things you’ve achieved and because others believe in your ability to grow and to produce excellent work at a high level. So, start with the first step and trust that you have the tools and the know-how to do it well.” The quote is attributed to Jillian Williams, Associate at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

In honor of Black History Month, we're highlighting Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP associate Jillian Williams, who shared what it means to navigate appellate practice as a Black professional.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Bar admission opens doors to legal positions that serve as traditional pathways into appellate practice. When graduates from underrepresented backgrounds face barriers to securing these roles, the gap affects not just their first jobs but their entire trajectory toward appellate careers.

Graphic from The Appellate Project on a dark blue textured background. Large white text reads: “For positions that require or anticipate bar admission, White graduates held these positions at a rate of 86.5%. The rate dropped to 74.3% for Black graduates, 78.6% for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander graduates, and 79.4% for Native American and Alaska Native graduates.”

A citation below references the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), “Class of 2024 Law Graduates Exceed Employment Expectations, But Equity Gaps Persist,” with a link to the report.

At the bottom of the image are three overlapping visuals: a black and white close-up of part of a person’s face with faint geometric lines overlaid, a sepia-toned image of the U.S. Supreme Court building, and a blue panel with a white medical-style cross symbol.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Career paths into appellate practice often run through private practice, clerkships, and government offices—often overlooking those in public interest roles. When the pathway to appellate careers privileges certain sectors over others, talented lawyers with essential perspectives get left behind.

A blue graphic from The Appellate Project featuring white text that reads, “Gender nonbinary graduates were four times more likely to work in public interest roles, at 38.3% compared with 9.7% overall, and LGBTQ+ graduates were nearly twice as likely, at 18.6%.” The source is cited as the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Class of 2024 employment report. Decorative design elements at the bottom include abstract blue squares, a grayscale close-up photo of part of a person’s face, and overlapping oval shapes in shades of blue and gray.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

This employment gap among law school graduates can compound over time. When lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds face barriers to securing their first positions, those early obstacles narrow the pool of diverse professionals who eventually pursue appellate practice and judicial leadership.

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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

One of the most common barriers to clerkships isn't what's on your transcript—it's the decision not to apply at all. Students from underrepresented backgrounds often talk themselves out of opportunities before judges ever see their applications.

Graphic with a textured light background. At the top, in red text, it reads: “Advice from judges to students looking for clerkship opportunities:”

Centered in large, bold navy text: “JUST APPLY. DON’T SELF-SELECT OUT BEFORE YOU EVEN GET STARTED.”

At the bottom, smaller red text reads: “From ‘Navigating the Clerkship Process for Law Students of Color and First Generation Law Students,’ hosted by:”

Below are the logos for The Appellate Project and the American Constitution Society (ACS).

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