The Appellate Project (TAP)

Representation can spark belief. Last week, our founder and Executive Director Juvaria Khan joined Archana Subramanian, EVP & COO at MuleSoft (Salesforce), for an inspiring conversation on their journeys breaking into industries that have historically lacked diversity. A huge thank you to Salesforce for hosting this dialogue and amplifying our mission to support law students from underrepresented backgrounds as they pursue careers in appellate law. #AppellateLinkedIn #representationmatters #nextgen

Despite the continued lack of diversity in our federal appellate system, Black women are breaking barriers and making strides. Recently, The Appellate Project and Black Women in Law collaborated to host a webinar titled "Taking Up Space in Federal Appellate Courts." During the event, two alumni from our Mentorship Program, Simone Hunter - Hobson and Briaunna Buckner Durhal, shared valuable insights on their paths into federal clerkships and the significance of representation in the legal field. Read their insights below and follow both our organizations for more resources! #MentoringMatters #careerpaths #AppellateLinkedin

We were honored to receive the South Asian Bar Association of Washington D.C. (SABA-DC)’s Racial Justice Grant earlier this month! The purpose of the grant is to encourage, empower, and engage social justice and racial equity initiatives benefiting our local DMV area. This recognition underscores our ongoing work to bring representation and equity to our highest courts and advocates. We’re proud to stand alongside such incredible changemakers. Together, we’re building a future where diverse voices shape the legal system. #AppellateLaw #RepresentationMatters

Sometimes, the toughest part is not knowing what you don't know or where to start. The path to exploring an appellate career can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone. Whether you're aiming for a clerkship or just starting out in law school, resources like our Clerkship Handbook are here to guide you. Explore our website for tools and insights to help you take the next step in your legal career: 👉 👉 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekE7bbTj #AppellateLinkedIn #MentoringMatters #ItTakesAVillage

When you’re driving change in spaces where few people look like you, having a supportive community is essential. It reminds you that you’re not alone and offers strength to keep pushing forward. We have been fortunate over the past couple of years to enjoy get-togethers across the country—from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Charlottesville, Philadelphia, and beyond—where people shared experiences, offered support, and inspired one another as we work toward a more inclusive appellate field. Did you know TAP community members can organize and host these community events? Just fill out this form to get started: 👉👉👉 https://lnkd.in/erG97HaZ #community #RepresentationMatters #MentoringMatters #nextgen

It takes a village to build a more inclusive appellate bar, and we’re grateful for everyone who makes it possible. From mentors and volunteers to law students and practitioners, our community has supported over 600 law students through our Mentorship Program. At our 4 year anniversary celebration at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC last month, we came together to celebrate the impact we’ve made and reaffirm our commitment to driving change in the appellate system. See the highlights of this special event and the incredible community behind it all. Thank you to all our sponsors who helped make this evening possible! #TAP4Impact #AppellateLinkedIn #nextgen #community

On this Indigenous Peoples' Day, we reflect on the need for greater representation of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the legal profession. According to the ABA, just over one-half of 1% of all lawyers (0.7%) were from these communities in 2022—down from 1.1% a decade earlier. At the same time, these communities are often disproportionately impacted by rulings in our appellate courts. A diverse appellate bar that looks more like America is essential for a fair legal system. We're committed to building the next generation of the appellate bar, with lawyers and judges who bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the table. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #representationmatters #AppellateLinkedIn

Living authentically as an LGBTQ+ appellate attorney isn’t just an act of courage—it’s a powerful statement about who belongs in the legal profession. On National Coming Out Day, we honor those who break barriers by showing up as their true selves, paving the way for others to follow. Swipe through to hear from members of the appellate community as they share their insights on why diverse voices—especially from the LGBTQ+ community—are vital to the future of appellate law. #NationalComingOutDay #ComingOutDay #LGBTQ #RepresentationMatters #authenticity

In the demanding world of law, whether you're a student, a practicing attorney, or an advocate for diversity in the appellate system, prioritizing mental health and well-being is crucial. On this World Mental Health Day, let's recognize the unique pressures we face and commit to fostering a supportive community. Balancing coursework, clerkships, or cases is challenging, but taking care of your mental health is key to long-term success. Seek out resources, build connections, and don't hesitate to reach out for support. Your well-being matters—for you and for a more inclusive legal profession. #WorldMentalHealthDay #wellbeing #AppellateLinkedIn #mentalhealth

Despite the continued lack of diversity in our federal appellate system, Black women are breaking barriers and making strides. On October 18th, join us and Black Women in Law for a free virtual conversation titled "Taking Up Space in Federal Appellate Courts." Our alumni, Briaunna Buckner Durhal and Simone Hunter - Hobson, will share their experiences as federal appellate and district court clerks, as well as the importance of diverse representation in our appellate system. If you're a Black woman interested in appellate work, you definitely want to check this out! Black Women in Law (BWL) is a dynamic organization empowering Black women in the legal profession, with over 300 members nationwide and we are excited to partner with them. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from two trailblazers and learn more about both of our resources. Register here: 👉👉👉 https://lnkd.in/edRYt_xt #MentoringMatters #RepresentationMatters #nextgen #AppellateLinkedIn