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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project
@theappellateproj.bsky.social
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A nonprofit organization fostering emerging leaders as they build a more just and representative appellate field. Learn more at http://theappellateproject.org
theappellateproject.org
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 3h
Read more about TAP's Seventh Circuit visit and why witnessing diverse courts matters: theappellateproject.org/news-and-voi...
A Day at the Seventh Circuit: TAP Alumni Witness the Power of Representation — The Appellate Project
TAP shares reflections from two alumni who attended our recent Seventh Circuit event.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 3h
When appellate practitioners bring different lived experiences to their work, they bring depth that strengthens legal analysis and builds public trust in the courts.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 4h
During TAP's recent Seventh Circuit visit, Berenis Ibarra López, law clerk at the Western District of Texas, witnessed this principle in action. Her reflection cuts to the heart of why diverse backgrounds matter at every level of the judiciary.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 4h
Representation in appellate spaces isn't an abstract ideal. It can have real consequences for how law affects communities.
Berenis Ibarra López, a woman with long dark hair, wearing a navy blue suit and a tan blouse, smiles confidently against a textured coral background. Next to her, large white text reads: “Diverse perspectives are necessary so that the most vulnerable communities do not continue to bear undue burden simply because they don’t have a seat at the table.” Below, smaller italicized text reads: “Berenis Ibarra López, Law Clerk at the Western District of Texas.” The logo of The Appellate Project, a white column inside a circle, appears in the upper right corner.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 3d
Learn more about the power of clerkships, including those as state courts, here: theappellateproject.org/appellate-sy...
Guide to Clerkships — The Appellate Project
theappellateproject.org
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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 3d
TRUTH: Top law firms and federal judges value strong state clerkship experience, especially at the appellate or supreme court level. 

It's a stepping stone, not a dead-end.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 3d
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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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 3d
A state court clerkship can be a powerful stepping stone towards diverse, high-level legal careers.
Graphic titled “State Court Clerkship Myths Debunked.” Under a red box labeled “Myth #3,” the text reads: “A state court clerkship won’t help you get into Big Law or a federal clerkship.” Below, a blue box labeled “Truth” reads: “Top firms and federal judges highly value strong state clerkship experience—it’s a proven stepping stone to elite legal careers.” At the bottom is The Appellate Project logo on a light blue background.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 4d
As a clerk, you're often deeply involved in drafting memos and proposed opinions on these challenging matters that directly impact people's lives.

Ready for a substantive challenge? Discover the intellectual rigor of state court clerkships on our blog: lnkd.in/gRc4KesY
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 4d
MYTH: "State court work is less intellectually rigorous and impactful."

TRUTH: State courts frequently decide nuanced, first-impression issues involving constitutional rights, family law, criminal justice, property disputes, and more – often setting vital precedent.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 4d
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:
Graphic titled “State Court Clerkship Myths Debunked.” Below, a red box labeled “Myth #2” reads: “State court work is less impactful.” Beneath it, a blue box labeled “Truth” states: “State courts tackle complex, first-of-their-kind legal questions that shape constitutional rights, family law, criminal justice, and more.” The background is light blue with The Appellate Project logo at the bottom.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 5d
Don't underestimate the power and prestige of state court experience. Read more about the clerkship process: theappellateproject.org/appellate-sy...
Guide to Clerkships — The Appellate Project
theappellateproject.org
theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 5d
They provide a strong foundation for diverse legal careers – including roles in state/federal courts, academia, and top firms – and can be more accessible pathways, especially for first-gen and underrepresented students.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 5d
This week, we’re demystifying common myths around state court clerkships, starting with Myth #1: "Only federal clerkships are prestigious or career-boosting."

TRUTH: State court clerkships offer the chance to grapple with complex legal questions shaping communities.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 5d
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.
A blue and white graphic titled “State Court Clerkship Myths Debunked.” The first red box reads “Myth #1: Only federal clerkships are prestigious or career-boosting.” Below it, a blue box labeled “Truth” explains that state court clerkships also offer real influence, career-launching opportunities, and the potential to impact more lives day-to-day than federal clerkships. The Appellate Project logo appears at the bottom.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
And here: statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
statecourtreport.org
theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
Explore State Court Report's articles on the role and function of state courts here: statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
How Much Do You Know About State Constitutions and Courts?
Learn why state constitutions are so long, which high court is almost completely made up of women, and more.
statecourtreport.org
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
When communities see judges who understand their lived realities interpreting the constitutions that govern their daily lives, those rulings are more likely to be trusted and respected.
A graphic from The Appellate Project titled “Did You Know?” Text reads: “‘Adequate and independent state grounds’ is a legal doctrine that prevents the U.S. Supreme Court from reviewing certain state court decisions.” A paragraph explains that this doctrine can give state judges significant power in shaping decisions on issues like voting rights and freedom of speech. The source cited is State Court Report, “When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?” by Sarah Kessler.
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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
That's why diversifying state appellate benches matters for more than representation—it's also about trust. Courts derive their legitimacy from the people they serve.
A graphic from The Appellate Project titled “Did You Know?” Text reads: “38% of sitting state supreme court justices are former prosecutors, while only 9% are former public defenders.” A paragraph below adds that men make up 57% of state supreme court benches as of May 2024, and nearly 20 states have no justices of color, even though 13 of those states have populations where at least one in five residents identifies as a person of color. The source cited is State Court Report, “How Much Do You Know About State Constitutions and Courts?” by Nancy Watzman.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
And because state appellate courts have the final word in 98% of cases, the perspectives on those benches become the perspectives that define the law for most Americans.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
Many legal disputes in America are resolved in state courts, not federal ones, and they interpret federal law, shape constitutional protections, and issue rulings that SCOTUS will never review.
A graphic from The Appellate Project titled “Did You Know?” includes a diagram showing the U.S. appellate system. At the top is the U.S. Supreme Court. Below it are two branches: one leading to U.S. Courts of Appeals (connected to U.S. District Courts) and another leading to State Supreme Courts (connected to Intermediate Appellate Courts and then State Trial Courts). Beneath the diagram, text explains that while the U.S. Supreme Court is the highest appellate court, it hears less than 2% of cases it’s asked to review. Therefore, in 98% of appeals, lower appellate courts—including state courts—have the final say.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 10d
State Court Report recently shared several articles full of essential facts about state courts and constitutions that reveal how the legal system really operates.
A graphic from The Appellate Project titled “Did You Know?” Text reads: “State courts have broad jurisdiction and can decide both state and federal law issues.” Below that, a paragraph explains that state courts share responsibility with federal courts in interpreting and applying federal law. When state courts interpret federal law, appeals can go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure correct application, though the rules for when the Supreme Court can intervene are complex. A citation at the bottom attributes the information to the State Court Report article “When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?” by Sarah Kessler.
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The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 12d
This article by State Court Report explains the complex rules that determine when state courts have the final say: statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?
State courts have the final word on state law, but when federal law is involved, it can be complicated.
statecourtreport.org
theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 12d
When state courts base their rulings on these grounds, those decisions are shielded from Supreme Court review and the state court has the last word.
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theappellateproj.bsky.social
The Appellate Project @theappellateproj.bsky.social · 12d
Under a legal doctrine called "adequate and independent state grounds," the U.S. Supreme Court may not review state court decisions that rest on state constitutions or procedural rules.
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