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The Appellate Project
@theappellateproj.bsky.social
A nonprofit organization fostering emerging leaders as they build a more just and representative appellate field.

Learn more at http://theappellateproject.org
We're so proud to congratulate Justin on this well-deserved recognition.
Read more about Justin’s leadership and APABA-DC Rising Star award here: theappellateproject.org/news-and-voi...
(Photo Credit: APABA-DC)
TAP Board Chair and Alumnus Justin Lam Honored with 2025 APABA-DC Rising Star Award — The Appellate Project
TAP Board Chair Justin Lam receives APABA-DC's 2025 Rising Star Award, recognizing his commitment to representation and inclusive appellate practice.
theappellateproject.org
December 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Justin's recognition reflects what's possible when emerging lawyers find the support systems they need—and why representation at every level strengthens our legal institutions.
December 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
As TAP's Board Chair since 2023, he's working to create those same opportunities for others, building the pathways that help diverse voices reach appellate practice.
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
That commitment to inclusivity and representation has brought Justin to the Brennan Center for Justice's Voting Rights and Elections Program, where he defends the right to vote through research, litigation, and advocacy.
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Read more about TAP’s recent visit with alumni to the Supreme Court: theappellateproject.org/news-and-voi...
December 4, 2025 at 8:42 PM
This is what building pathways looks like: supporting emerging leaders and expanding who gets to shape the law in our highest courts.
December 4, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The visit put TAP's program pillars into action: building community among our members, providing hands-on appellate training, opening doors that have historically been closed, and reinforcing why representation in our highest courts matters for the health of our democracy.
December 4, 2025 at 8:41 PM
But on November 4, seventeen TAP alumni did exactly that—witnessing appellate advocacy at the highest level.
December 4, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Donate today to support the next generation of appellate leaders here: theappellateproject.org/donate
Thank you for standing with our students and for believing in a justice system that reflects the communities it serves.
Donate — The Appellate Project
theappellateproject.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Today on Giving Tuesday, you can help TAP expand opportunities in appellate law. Your gift will help us deepen mentorship and training, strengthen alumni support, and open more doors into appellate practice for students who have been historically excluded.
December 2, 2025 at 9:07 PM
She shared why she believes the next 10-20 years will reshape the profession in meaningful ways and why the determination she sees in today’s students and alumni is one of the strongest signs of progress.
December 1, 2025 at 11:49 PM
She spoke about the changes she has already seen since beginning her own career, including the increased number of students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing appellate work and the growing recognition of the importance of who interprets and applies the law.
December 1, 2025 at 11:49 PM
In her recent ABA Sound Advice conversation with TAP alumnus and host Damonta Morgan, our Founder and CEO Juvaria Khan talked about what gives her hope for the future of the profession.
December 1, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Learn more about how state constitutions address Indigenous rights in this @State Court Report article: statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
American Indians and Indigenous Peoples in State Constitutions
In the shadow of federal law, some state constitutions address American Indian land, taxation, gaming permissions, voting rights, cultural protection, and governance.
statecourtreport.org
November 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
When courts work through these intricate relationships, judges who have lived experience as both tribal members and state citizens bring essential perspective that strengthens legal reasoning and grounds decisions in the real impacts on tribal communities.
November 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
How state constitutions protect Native cultural rights, address voting access, or handle gaming compacts differs significantly across jurisdictions.
November 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we recognize that this insight strengthens legal reasoning in ways textbook knowledge alone can't provide.
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 PM
When judges interpret these overlapping systems, cultural and historical understanding becomes essential. Native judges bring that perspective—they understand not just the legal text, but the lived reality of how historical policies continue to affect tribal communities today.
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 PM