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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
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As a TAP mentee, Justin Lam first connected with the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC) at a conference early in his legal career. In September 2025, APABA-DC honored him with its 2025 Rising Star Award.
A celebration graphic featuring a photograph in the upper half of two men standing together at an event. Both are wearing dark suits and ties. The man on the right, smiling, holds a bouquet of flowers and an award. The man on the left stands beside him with one arm behind his back. They stand on a stage with gray curtains behind them, along with a podium on the left. A teal circular logo with a white column icon sits in the upper right corner. Below the photo is a white section with text. In large bold red font it reads: "Congratulations to TAP Board Chair, Justin Lam, on receiving APABA-DC’s Rising Star Award!" Below that, in teal serif font is a quote: "‘It’s an incredible honor and privilege to be acknowledged by a community that has shaped my path in the law.’" At the bottom in smaller text: "Justin Lam, Counsel at Brennan Center for Justice’s Voting Rights and Elections Program Board Chair & Alumnus at The Appellate Project."
December 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM
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For many emerging lawyers from underrepresented communities, stepping inside the U.S. Supreme Court to observe oral arguments remains out of reach.
A graphic with a burnt-orange textured background at the top featuring The Appellate Project logo and text. White text reads: “On November 4th, seventeen TAP alumni gathered in Washington, D.C. to hear oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court.” Below the text is a full-width photograph of seventeen professionally dressed TAP alumni standing together outside the U.S. Supreme Court. They stand in two rows, smiling at the camera, wearing suits and professional attire in various colors including navy, beige, gray, burgundy, and blush. The Supreme Court building is visible behind them.
December 4, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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Appellate courts shape the meaning of our laws and the rights that protect us. Who gets to be in those rooms matters.

Since 2019, your support has helped The Appellate Project provide mentorship, resources, and community to more than 600 law students like Samantha from 108 law schools.
A square promotional graphic with a dark red background features The Appellate Project’s white logo centered at the top: a small column icon next to the text “THE APPELLATE PROJECT.” On the left side of the graphic is a long white pull quote that reads: “Attending oral arguments [through TAP’s event] at the First Circuit was particularly meaningful for me, given the fact that one of the cases we heard will determine the fate of my sister Tribe’s reservation lands. Hearing advocates on both sides debate the Tribe’s past, present, and future reminded me how important it is to have members of our communities represented in the appellate field, helping create binding precedents that promote tribal sovereignty and self-determination.” Below the quote, the attribution appears in white text: “Samantha Maltais, 2022–23 TAP Alum, Harvard Law School, Class of 2024.”
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
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Even in a challenging moment for the legal profession, there are real reasons to feel optimistic about the years ahead.
Square graphic with a dark red background. At the top is The Appellate Project’s logo—an icon of a small white column inside a circle—followed by the words “THE APPELLATE PROJECT” in white. To the left, a large dark blue quotation mark sits behind a block of bold white and light-blue text that reads: “Ten, twenty years from now, this profession is going to look so different in so many ways, and that really gives me a lot of hope.” Beneath the quote, in smaller white serif text, it says: “Juvairia S. Khan, Founder & CEO of The Appellate Project.” On the right side of the image is a photo of Juvairia S. Khan sitting onstage, smiling and holding a microphone. She has long dark hair and is wearing a floral dress under a black blazer, with gold earrings and a bracelet. A name badge is clipped to her blazer, and she is seated in a beige chair with notes in her lap.
December 1, 2025 at 11:48 PM
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This Native American Heritage month, we acknowledge the legal landscape for tribal communities varies from state to state—and those differences have real consequences.
A graphic with a pink textured background. At the top is an illustration of six overlapping oval shapes in a horizontal row, transitioning from light pink to dark blue. In the upper-right corner is a small circular icon with a white column symbol inside. Centered text reads: “State constitutions address American Indian affairs across roughly six categories: land, taxation, gaming, voting, culture, and governance.” Below that, smaller text says: “Yet how states approach these questions varies dramatically—with some constitutions explicitly protecting Native cultural rights while others contain no such recognition.” At the bottom, a citation reads: “Source: State Court Report, ‘American Indians and Indigenous Peoples in State Constitutions’ by Martha F. Davis.”
November 28, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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The intersection of tribal and state legal systems creates unique interpretive challenges—especially when judges must apply constitutional provisions written decades ago.
Full-screen graphic with a dark teal background. At the top is The Appellate Project’s logo in white: a small column icon next to the organization’s name in uppercase serif text. Above the logo is a row of textured rectangular color blocks in red, blue, beige, and burgundy. Centered text in large salmon-orange serif letters reads: “DID YOU KNOW?” Below, in large white serif text: “There are 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States, each with their own legal system.” At the bottom in smaller white text is the source line: “Source: State Court Report, ‘Tribal Courts and Constitutions of American Indian Tribes’ by Michael Milov-Cordoba & Dan Lewerenz.”
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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This Native American Heritage Month, we're recognizing the need for greater representation in our courts.
A graphic from The Appellate Project with a textured light-grey background. At the top is The Appellate Project’s logo: a small navy blue circular icon with a white column inside, followed by the organization’s name in navy blue. Centered below is large text that reads: “There are no Native American state supreme court justices in four of the five states with the largest populations of Native Americans per capita.” The last clause is in dark red. Below that, smaller text reads in navy blue and dark red: “Yet state supreme courts regularly decide complex legal issues affecting the rights and lives of Native American people.” At the bottom center, in small red text: “Source: Brennan Center for Justice, ‘State Supreme Court Diversity — May 2024 Update.’” Along the bottom edge are several overlapping rectangular blocks in muted colors: dark red, pale pink, medium blue, coral, sky blue, and dark teal.
November 24, 2025 at 3:07 PM
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TAP Founder and CEO Juvaria Khan recently joined the ABA’s Sound Advice podcast to talk about staying the course in a moment when equity work in the legal profession is being tested, and to share what’s ahead for TAP as we enter our next chapter.
A graphic from The Appellate Project featuring a background image of the U.S. Supreme Court building in muted blue tones. At the top is The Appellate Project logo. Centered on the image is a large pink quotation mark icon followed by the quote in bold white and pink text: “History shows us that you have two options. You can keep going or you can give up. And giving up is not an option, SO WE KEEP GOING.” Beneath the quote, in smaller italic text, it reads: “Juvairia S. Khan, Founder & CEO of The Appellate Project.”
November 21, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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Our highest courts shape the laws that affect everyone. We're working to ensure those courts reflect the communities they serve.
A man stands smiling in front of a textured dark red background. He has short black hair and is wearing a light blue button-down shirt. He holds a handwritten sign on white paper that says, “TAP gives me hope that I can have a voice in the future of the law in this country.” In the upper right corner of the image, white text reads: “BEN REYES, Litigation Associate at Blank Rome LLP and 2020–2021 TAP Alum.” In the top left corner is The Appellate Project logo—a white circle with a stylized “TAP” icon next to the words “THE APPELLATE PROJECT.”
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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To our mentors, volunteers, students, funders, alumni, and partners: We are so grateful for you.

As we work toward building a more just and representative future, you make this critical work possible.
A graphic for The Appellate Project. At the top, against a textured red background, white text reads: “OUR COMMUNITY MAKES THIS WORK POSSIBLE.” Above it is The Appellate Project’s logo — a small white column icon next to the organization’s name in white serif text. The bottom two-thirds of the image is a collage made up of alternating squares featuring close-up black-and-white portraits and bold graphic shapes. The portraits show cropped sections of different people’s faces — eyes, noses, mouths — representing a diverse range of ages, genders, and racial backgrounds. The graphic squares include designs in red, blue, pink, and navy: stacked semicircles, overlapping oval shapes, checkerboard patterns, and starburst-style asterisks. The overall design feels modern and textured, emphasizing community and collective identity.
November 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM
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When Josh Mathew's commander shared this about the Army's diversity, it captured something fundamental: strength comes from inclusion.
A photo of two U.S. Army service members in dress uniforms standing side-by-side in front of a fountain. Both wear black berets with blue infantry insignia, dark jackets with medals and name tags, and light blue shoulder cords. Below the image, on a blue background, white text reads: “My former commander told me: ‘The U.S. Army is one of the most diverse organizations in the world. We have every race, religion, national origin, gender, creed, and sexual orientation. We’re all here.’”
November 13, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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West Point taught Alex Porter, clerk at the Southern District of Indiana, to approach every matter with neutrality and an open mind. That training reflects what our judiciary needs: more perspectives shaped by experiences outside the traditional legal pipeline.
A person in U.S. Army camouflage uniform stands smiling beside a blue and gold sign reading “Staff Judge Advocate, BLDG 606,” with arrows pointing toward “Director of Admissions,” “Dept of Law,” and “Center for the Rule of Law.” Behind them are trees and a stone building. Below the photo is a blue box with a quote in white text from Alex Porter, Clerk at the Southern District of Indiana. The quote reads: “Serving in the military influences how I aim to approach all matters neutrally and with an open mind. A quote that we learn at West Point is that ‘an officer on duty knows no one—to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor.’ As a clerk, of course the job requires being unbiased, but I think this approach can also help in advocacy by keeping an open mind to the other side’s case.”
November 12, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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This Veterans Day, we're recognizing Alex Porter and Josh Mathew—two Army veterans whose mentorship story demonstrates why representation matters in the legal profession.
A graphic with a dark red background. At the top is The Appellate Project logo and name. Large headline text reads: “FROM THE ARMY TO THE COURTROOM.” The words “ARMY” are in light blue and “COURTROOM” in light pink. Below, smaller text reads: “How Alex Porter translated military service into a clerkship with help from his TAP mentor and fellow veteran Josh Mathew.” Below the text is a photograph inside a courtroom. A judge stands on the left and a clerk stands on the right; both have their right hands raised, appearing to take an oath. The U.S. District Court seal is mounted on the wall behind them. An American flag stands to the far left. The judge’s bench, computer monitors, and wood-paneled courtroom details are visible.
November 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
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For Maya Stevenson, appellate counsel at the Center for Appellate Litigation, the draw to appellate law was clear from the start: it's where her love of reading, writing, and helping others converged with the opportunity to create change at scale.
A graphic with a quote on a textured blue background that reads: “Appellate work represents an opportunity to effect meaningful change on as large a scale as possible, which can be extraordinarily beneficial, especially for marginalized communities.” — Maya Stevenson, Appellate Counsel at the Center for Appellate Litigation. Below the quote is a courtroom scene. Four judges sit behind a long, ornate wooden bench with carved panels, each with papers and laptops in front of them. In the foreground, a person stands at a podium addressing the bench, with several empty wooden chairs and patterned carpeting visible behind them. The organization’s logo appears in the lower right corner.
November 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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During TAP's Seventh Circuit visit, Berenis Ibarra López saw proof that diverse voices are shaping appellate law at every level.
A quote graphic with a professional, clean layout. Text reads: “Beyond any skills, it can be easy to think that appellate practitioners must fit into a mold, one I can never fill. What makes me different is what makes my voice valuable to appellate spaces.” – Berenis Ibarra López, Law Clerk at the Western District of Texas.
November 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
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TAP alumni spent a day inside the Seventh Circuit observing oral arguments, meeting with judges and staff, and witnessing firsthand how appellate decisions take shape.
A graphic with a light blue background. At the top is The Appellate Project logo. The headline text reads: “What 2 TAP Alumni Say About Their Experience Visiting the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.” Below the text are two professional headshots of women wearing business attire. Each woman is outlined with a red drop-shadow effect.
November 6, 2025 at 3:24 PM
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For Maya Stevenson, appellate counsel at the Center for Appellate Litigation, her path to appellate law wasn't defined by a single moment; it was shaped by consistently saying yes to opportunities as they appeared.
A group of eight professionally dressed people stand side by side in an office, smiling at the camera. Framed diplomas and artwork hang on the wall behind them above a red couch. Below the photo, a maroon banner features a quote in white text that reads: “Some of the best life advice I ever received was to just keep saying yes, whether that’s to opportunities, experiences, or anything else. You never know where your yes can take you.” — Maya Stevenson, Appellate Counsel at the Center for Appellate Litigation.
November 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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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.
November 3, 2025 at 8:41 PM
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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.
October 31, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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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.
October 30, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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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.
October 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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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.
October 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
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State appellate judges hold more power than most people realize, a concept State Court Report explored in a recent article.
Light blue graphic with a red headline reading, “When State Judges Make the Final Call.” Below it, black text explains that when state supreme courts base rulings on state constitutional or procedural grounds, those decisions are often shielded from U.S. Supreme Court review. The next line highlights that state judges often have the final say on issues affecting people’s rights. A small citation at the bottom credits the State Court Report article “When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?” by Sarah Kessler. The image includes a small blue column logo in the top left and a pink and blue asterisk-like design at the top center.
October 22, 2025 at 6:29 PM
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Judge Peter M. Reyes, Jr. speaks from experience about the power of intentional career planning.
Judge Peter M. Reyes, Jr. of the Minnesota Court of Appeals stands at a wooden podium in a courtroom or ceremonial setting, speaking into a microphone. He wears a black judicial robe with a red tie, and other judges in robes sit behind him smiling. Green plants and curtains decorate the background. A quote on the image reads: “Believe in yourself to achieve your goals. Create a strategic plan for yourself as to where you want to be one year, three years, five years, ten years from now. Have a plan but be flexible and open to opportunities that may come your way.” – Judge Peter M. Reyes, Jr., Minnesota Court of Appeals.
October 20, 2025 at 3:26 PM
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Visibility can change everything.

Chief Justice Monica Márquez understands that representation on the bench creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond any individual case or decision.
Quote graphic featuring Chief Justice Monica Márquez of the Colorado Supreme Court. The background is bright blue with an orange silhouette outline behind her. She is smiling, wearing a light blue collared shirt and dark blazer. The quote reads: “Having a diverse bench not only dispels stereotypes but importantly, establishes role models for all groups. In other words, it's easier for young people to aspire to be something they can see.” Below the quote, her name and title appear in white text. A small white logo with a blue column icon sits in the bottom right corner.
October 17, 2025 at 3:57 PM