The Appellate Project (TAP)

In just four years, we have built a nationwide movement: 619 students and lawyers, 962 volunteers, and alumni clerking for judges, joining elite practices, and mentoring the next generation. Explore our impact map and see the multiplying effect of mentorship: https://lnkd.in/ekhfCzDY #MentoringMatters #nextgen #community #AppellateLinkedIn

You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and now the door to your future in law is wide open—time to step through and conquer the bar exam! To all February bar takers, especially those paving the way as first-generation professionals, your dedication and perseverance have led you here. Trust your preparation, stay confident, and remember—you belong on this path. You’ve got this! #BarExam #lawstudents #nextgen #confidence

"Every one of my mentees wasn't totally sure that they deserved or belonged in that realm of people who were getting clerkships or becoming appellate lawyers. I felt like it was my job to tell them 'Of course you belong there and we NEED you there.'" -- TAP mentor Andrea Russi During these challenging times, it's important to have a community where you can feel seen and heard. Recently we held an event in San Francisco with our cosponsor the AABA - Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area. Thank you AABA and especially TAP volunteer Lisa Ma for spearheading this event! TAP mentor Andrea Russi spoke of the need for mentors supporting and encouraging others, while TAP alum Kimberly Mejía-Cuéllar spoke of how empowering it was to be supported by others who looked like her and encouraged her to see herself in appellate law. Hear more of their comments about the impact of mentorship in the video below; then visit the links in the comments to learn more about the AABA (and how to get involved) and how to sign up to follow our journey to create a community fostering and supporting the next generation of the appellate bar. #AppellateLinkedIn #nextgen #community #MentoringMatters

🎯 Our Mentorship Program alumni are making an impact across the U.S.! Our new interactive impact map showcases the 619 alumni, 962 volunteers, and 109 law schools that make up our growing network. Explore the map today: ➡️➡️➡️ https://lnkd.in/ekhfCzDY #MentoringMatters #nextgen #community #AppellateLinkedIn

With gratitude in our hearts this Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible community that makes TAP’s work possible. Your generosity helps us provide critical resources, career-building opportunities, and access to the appellate field for law students nationwide. 💕 Thank you to our supporters: Akin Gump Baker Botts Benedon Serlin California ChangeLawyers Compass Minerals Curtis Echoing Green Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland (GMSR) Haynes Boone Horvitz & Levy Jenner & Block J.M. Kaplan Fund Jenner & Block Kirkland & Ellis Kramer Levin Latham & Watkins Mayer Brown McNulty Foundation Morrison & Foerster Munger, Tolles & Olson Orrick Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler Public Welfare Foundation Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan SABA-DC Skadden Skoll Foundation Wiley WilmerHale This work is made possible by the financial support of foundations, companies, law firms, and the many individual donors who make this work possible. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive future in appellate law! #ThankYou #AppellateLinkedIn #nextgen #ValentinesDay

"Credentials are important indicia of capability, but when we deify one credential or another—particularly one that is more available to people of certain ethnicities—we set a path toward a less diverse and less capable appellate bar." In celebration of Black History Month, we're proud to feature Tillman Breckenridge, partner in the Appellate and Supreme Court Practice at Stris & Maher LLP. Head to our website to read his full profile, including the advice he got in law school, his advice for law students, and what he thinks the appellate bar and law schools could do to ensure our courts represent all Americans. 👉 👉 👉 https://lnkd.in/eF_yr_aT #AppellateLinkedIn #MentoringMatters #PublicService #courts #BlackHistoryMonth

"I always had the goal of moving to D.C. after law school. TAP helped me build a network in D.C. before I even got here, which was incredibly helpful when I moved to D.C. without one. " Today we're spotlighitng our Mentorship Program alumnus Fara Sheila R., Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Postgraduate Law Fellow at the House Judiciary Committee and an alum of our 2024 Mentorship Program. She shared a few reflections with us: Q: What is one accomplishment of which you're proud? A: Through my first placement at CHCI, I helped draft House Resolution1545 - "Recognizing October 15, 2024, as the day to honor the diaspora of Hispanic culture, and the representation of Hispanics in the legal profession and the judiciary." Q What's your favorite food? A: Enchiladas Verdes Q: What impact has TAP had on you and your career? A: I am from California and attended law school in Sacramento. However, I always had the goal of moving to D.C. after law school. TAP helped me build a network in D.C. before I even got here, which was incredibly helpful when I moved to D.C. without one. Shoutout to my TAP mentor, Miguel B. for his support during my transition to D.C.! Q: What advice would you give to a law student of color interested in the appellate field? A: Apply to programs like TAP and reach out to people who have done the program. I found that many people at TAP are happy to help, it's just matter of reaching out and making that initial connection. Her journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and hard work. Congratulations on this next chapter. #AppellateLinkedIn #MentoringMatters #nextgen

"I always say, "opportunities happen when you show up.'" In celebration of Black History Month, we're proud to feature the Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department of New York Supreme Court. Head to our website to read her full profile, including how her communities shaped her growing up, what drew her to appellate work, and her advice for law students: 👉 👉 👉 https://lnkd.in/eaxjEt_S #AppellateLinkedIn #MentoringMatters #PublicService #courts #BlackHistoryMonth

With recent challenges affecting DOJ Honors Program hires, interns, externs, and probationary employees, we know the uncertainty can be overwhelming. There are resources and a community ready to help you navigate the job search and connect with supportive legal professionals. * Current DOJ employees can access support through Civil Service Strong (https://lnkd.in/euaJx24f) * If your offer was rescinded, explore Work for America’s Civic Match jobs board for open positions in state and local government. You can also reach out to Caitlin Lewis, Executive Director of Work for America, for further guidance. * Karen S. Vladeck at RisePoint Search Partners has compiled an extensive list of law firms, corporations, non-profits, and agencies eager to connect with displaced lawyers and students—all free of charge. Message her for this list of resources and a network of attorneys willing to talk and network with those affected. Don’t hesitate to reach out and make those connections. #legalcommunity #jobsearch #lawstudents #DOJ #networking #careersupport

This #MotivationalMonday, we are excited to feature appellate superstar and TAP Mentor Purti Pareek, Supreme Court and Appellate litigation associate at Mayer Brown LLP. Q: What's your favorite food? A: It is a tie between daal and roti and szechuan tofu with vegetables stir fry. Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring appellate attorney? A: Get as much exposure to the different types of appellate attorneys and read excellent writing (legal or non-legal). Q: What is one of the most important pieces of legal writing advice you've learned or received? A: Keep it simple. Too often, we have a tendency to lean into the complicated nature of arguments. It is important to recognize the nuances of legal doctrine. But, the best writers simplify those concepts in a way that a lay person can understand. Q: What advice would you give to a law student of color struggling with their confidence or imposter syndrome? A: Always ask yourself 'why not me?' Additionally, do it scared. Putting yourself out there may not come naturally and that is okay. The more you do things that are uncomfortable, the better off you will be. #WritingTips #AppellateLinkedIn #impostersyndrome #confidence