The Appellate Project (TAP)

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

Last month, we held a board meeting, on the heels of our four year anniversary celebration. We delved into strategies for cultivating the next generation of the appellate bar, ensuring a strong and diverse future for the field. Here's to another year of impactful leadership and growth. #AppellateLinkedIn #board #NextGeneration

"[I]t’s helpful not to be too convinced of your own views, especially when you’re in a learning process, as law students are. You come to law school, I hope, not to find confirmation of all the things you already believe, but to consider a broader range of viewpoints and perspectives and knowledge bases you perhaps did not have." -- Justice Goodwin H. Liu Check out eight state supreme court justices' advice on what they wish they had known in law school: https://lnkd.in/eXvsvckH. #AppellateLinkedIn #RepresentationMatters #nextgen

"[T]he result is a very homogenous group of attorneys and judges...from the same very narrow elite networks and schools who are deciding issues that they often have no lived experience or connection with." Do you wonder why it matters if those sitting on our highest courts and arguing in front of those courts reflect all Americans? As the Supreme Court starts a new term, check out the episode of Strict Scrutiny from last fall, when founder and executive director Juvaria Khan and the hosts discussed the issue: https://lnkd.in/eHYAEe_h #TBT #community #WeAreTAP #AppellateLinkedIn #nextgen

"The Hispanic people of Texas make up at least 40% of the state’s population. We want a legal profession that reflects our communities. Diversity encourages intellectual discourse and fosters confidence in our justice system." In honor of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, today we proudly share this profile of Tasha Taylor, TAP mentor and partner at Wright Close & Barger, LLP. We've shared some of her reflections below; you can read all of her responses here: 👉 👉 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXQ4jgci We are so grateful to Natasha for sharing her candid insights! Q: How often do you encounter Hispanic or Latinx people in the appellate field? Why do you think that representation is important? A: While I see more Hispanic attorneys in the appellate field than when I clerked 15 years ago, the number does not come close to reflecting the percentage of the Hispanic population in the state. The Hispanic people of Texas make up at least 40% of the state’s population. We want a legal profession that reflects our communities. Diversity encourages intellectual discourse and fosters confidence in our justice system. Driven individuals with the talent for appellate work should be encouraged to pursue appellate law regardless of their background or culture. #LatinxHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritageMonth #RepresentationMatters #AppellateLinkedIn

Thank you South Asian Bar Association of Washington D.C. (SABA-DC)! We are grateful for your support and excited for the event on Saturday night! #AppellateLinkedIn #MentoringMatters #ItTakesAVillage

We are grateful for South Asian Bar Association of Washington D.C. (SABA-DC)'s support and are honored to be a 2024 Racial Justice grantee! #ItTakesAVillage #MentoringMatters #AppellateLinkedIn

Voting is a powerful way to shape the future of our courts. While the next election might feel far away, voter registration deadlines can sneak up on you—some states' deadlines are in the next few days! Voting is especially crucial for state courts, where many judges and justices are elected by the people. Don't miss your chance to have a say in who sits on the bench. Check your state's voter registration deadline and register today: https://lnkd.in/gBpMd_j #Vote #elections #appellateLinkedIn