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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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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
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When Judge Reyes talks about strength through diversity, he's speaking from his own personal experience.
Portrait of Judge Peter M. Reyes, Jr., smiling and wearing judicial robes, positioned against a dark blue background with an orange silhouette outline behind him. To the left, a large white quote in bold text reads: “Our country is stronger because we have people from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. This is our strength as a nation.” Below the quote, smaller italicized text identifies him as “Judge Peter M. Reyes, Jr., Minnesota Court of Appeals.” A small white emblem appears in the lower left corner.
October 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
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Representation on the bench isn't just symbolic—it's practical.

Chief Justice Monica Márquez's words about building public confidence in our legal system highlights this truth: courts that reflect their communities make better decisions for everyone.
A smiling person with short dark hair, wearing a light blue collared shirt, stands in front of shelves filled with law books. In the upper left corner is The Appellate Project’s logo, a white circle with a stylized column inside. A blue textured banner across the bottom displays a quote: “Our courts serve everyone—people from all walks of life. Having a bench that reflects the communities that we serve promotes confidence in the legal system, the rule of law, and the notion that justice is truly equal.” The quote is attributed to Chief Justice Monica Márquez of the Colorado Supreme Court.
October 14, 2025 at 2:25 PM
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Clerkships offer unmatched training for appellate advocates, from offering experience on a breadth of legal issues to understanding how judges weigh complex arguments.
October 10, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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Clerkships are valuable, but they come with real challenges that can disproportionately affect students without financial cushions or built-in support systems.
Dark blue and white graphic titled “Potential Clerkship Challenges.” Inside a navy box labeled “Application Process,” white text explains that applying for clerkships can be lengthy and expensive, requiring time, resources, and costs for materials, travel, and attire. It also notes that applications often demand official transcripts, multiple letters of recommendation, and tailored materials for each judge. The design ends with a small white circle featuring a blue courthouse pillar logo at the bottom.
October 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
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When it comes to judicial clerkships, there are certain skills that most judges look for: strong research skills, demonstrated writing ability, and attention to detail among other things.
A red-tinted photo of the U.S. Supreme Court building with bold white and blue text overlaid. The blue header at the top reads “Clerkship Tip:” and beneath it, in large white text, it says “Don’t self-select out.” The smaller white text below explains that there’s no single “right” background for judicial clerks, noting that while judges value skills like writing, research, and attention to detail, they also appreciate diverse experiences, perspectives, and a commitment to public service. It concludes by encouraging interested applicants to apply. At the bottom, The Appellate Project’s logo is displayed.
October 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
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The clerkship application process is full of unwritten rules: when to apply, how to choose judges, what actually goes into a strong cover letter, how to prepare for interviews, and more.
Dark blue textured background with The Appellate Project logo at the top. Large text in the center reads “Demystifying Judicial Clerkships” in pink and white. A light pink and blue geometric asterisk symbol sits near the bottom.
October 7, 2025 at 8:20 PM
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The stories we elevate have the power to shape the law we live under.
A collage of black-and-white close-up portraits of diverse individuals—faces of different ages, genders, and ethnicities—interspersed with bold graphic blocks in blue, red, and pink. The graphics include geometric shapes such as plus signs, checkerboards, semicircles, and overlapping ovals. Below the collage, on a solid dark red background, large white text reads: “NARRATIVE IS POWER.” At the bottom, the logo and name appear: “The Appellate Project.”
October 3, 2025 at 6:11 PM