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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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We’re sharing how Josh drew on his military experience to mentor fellow veteran and TAP alumni Alex Porter. Read their full story here: theappellateproject.org/news-and-voi...
A photo of two people standing together at an indoor event. A man in a navy suit and maroon tie stands beside a woman wearing a floral top under a black cardigan; both are smiling and have event name tags. The room has warm lighting and modern architectural details. Below the image, on a blue textured background, white text reads: “I’ve admired TAP’s mission to support law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This work is critical to ensuring that our courts better reflect our communities and the principle that ‘We’re all here.’ Josh Mathew, Associate at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP.”
November 13, 2025 at 6:06 PM
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The issue compounds when you consider how many veterans also come from other underrepresented backgrounds—including communities of color, immigrant families, and first-generation professionals.
A graphic with a blue textured background and a pink quotation mark icon at the top. White text reads: “Now, as a lawyer, I know that veterans are underrepresented in the legal profession, in clerkships, and on the bench. […] Veterans, particularly those from [underrepresented] communities, have a unique voice to share in the legal profession and in clerkships but often face challenges navigating both.” Below the text is a photo of a law school graduation scene. A man in a cap and gown with red and black academic regalia stands smiling between two older adults who appear to be his parents. There are trees and other graduates in the background.
November 13, 2025 at 6:05 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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Read their full story: theappellateproject.org/news-and-voi...
A split slide design. The left side has a dark red background with heading text in bold light blue reading: “ADVICE FOR OTHER VETERANS:” Below it, white serif text reads: “Finding mentors who also served is incredibly helpful, but there frankly aren’t that many. Still, there are a lot of people who will want to get to know and help you because of your background and abilities, and it’s important to make good impressions with them and build connections.” Underneath, italic text reads: “Alex Porter, Clerk at the Southern District of Indiana.” On the right side is a person in dress military uniform holding an American flag outdoors, smiling, with a blue sky in the background.
November 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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As veterans remain underrepresented in clerkships and on the bench, Josh and Alex's mentorship demonstrates how building community around the next generation creates pathways forward—ensuring future leaders from underrepresented backgrounds have the support they need to reach the bench and bar.
A split slide design. The left side has a dark red background with heading text in bold light blue reading: “NAVIGATING IMPOSTER SYNDROME:” Below it, white serif text reads: “Veterans often downplay their achievements because they’ve come up in an environment that consistently reminds them that they could always be faster, stronger, and more proficient. While that mindset is helpful in the military, it’s important for veterans (and other folks navigating imposter syndrome) to give themselves credit and some grace.” Underneath, italic text reads: “Josh Mathew, Associate at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP.” The bottom portion shows two people in formal military dress uniforms with berets and decorated jackets, standing in front of a fountain and grassy campus setting, looking at the camera.
November 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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Through TAP's Mentorship Program, Josh helped Alex reframe his experiences as the kind of qualities that make exceptional clerks.
A split slide design. The left side has a dark red background with heading text in bold light blue reading: “TRANSLATING EXPERIENCE:” Below it, white serif text reads: “I suspected that Alex had compelling experiences in service, which he might downplay as ‘just part of the job.’ [...] We then discussed how Alex’s experiences in service—caring for soldiers, while executing his commander’s guidance under tight timelines—would make him a great clerk for a judge.” Underneath, italic text reads: “Josh Mathew, Associate at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP.” On the right side is a portrait of a person wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and navy tie, standing against a plain gray background with one hand in their pocket and smiling slightly.
November 11, 2025 at 3:27 PM
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When Alex transitioned from the Army to law school, he faced a challenge many veterans know well: translating military leadership into language that resonates in civilian settings.
A split slide design. The left side has a dark red background with heading text in bold light blue reading: “THE IMPACT OF MENTORSHIP:” Below it, white serif text reads: “Josh helped me not only put my [military] experiences into words that my new audience would understand, but also take the next step of writing to persuade my reader that those experiences would make me a capable clerk.” Underneath, italic text reads: “Alex Porter, Clerk at the Southern District of Indiana.” The right side features a photo of two soldiers in camouflage uniforms standing together at dusk. They are wearing helmets and gear and smiling.
November 11, 2025 at 3:27 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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For early career practitioners from underrepresented backgrounds, that visibility matters in ways that can't be overstated.
A quote graphic with a similar style to the previous one. Text reads: “My background and lived experiences, in conjunction with my skills, bring an irreplicable layer of depth to the way I approach legal issues.” – Berenis Ibarra López, Law Clerk at the Western District of Texas.
November 7, 2025 at 3:44 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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Visits like these matter because they demystify the path forward. They show early career practitioners that there's room for their voices in appellate law, especially when you have a supportive community showing you the way.
A graphic with a light blue background. The text reads: “On seeing appellate practice in action: ‘A particularly meaningful moment was seeing different advocacy styles during oral arguments. The different levels of skill both inspired me to strive for the best and reinforced my sense of what is true: I, too, am capable of being an appellate lawyer.’ — Law Clerk at the Western District of Texas.” Below the text is a professional headshot of a woman in business attire, outlined with a red drop-shadow effect.
November 6, 2025 at 3:27 PM
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For participants like Berenis Ibarra López and Maya Stevenson, the experience went beyond procedural insight. Watching different advocacy styles, seeing representation across the court, and hearing from judges offered something textbooks can't: tangible proof of what's possible in appellate practice
A split graphic with a light blue background on the left and a graduation ceremony photo on the right. The text on the left reads: “On the best advice they received: ‘Your career development is never complete and you do have time to learn more, accomplish more, and even, be more. I think for early attorneys, it can be tempting to think that these early years define who we’re going to be in our careers, so everything feels that much heavier. I heard from several people that that couldn’t be further from the truth, and that one day I would even look upon these days fondly. For me, hearing those sentiments was especially encouraging.’ — Appellate Counsel at the Center for Appellate Litigation.” On the right is a close-up of a graduate wearing a black graduation cap and gown, looking upward, with a red and multicolored graduation stole.
November 6, 2025 at 3:26 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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When communities see judges who understand their lived realities interpreting the constitutions that govern their daily lives, those rulings are more likely to be trusted and respected.
A graphic from The Appellate Project titled “Did You Know?” Text reads: “‘Adequate and independent state grounds’ is a legal doctrine that prevents the U.S. Supreme Court from reviewing certain state court decisions.” A paragraph explains that this doctrine can give state judges significant power in shaping decisions on issues like voting rights and freedom of speech. The source cited is State Court Report, “When Does the U.S. Supreme Court Review State Court Decisions?” by Sarah Kessler.
October 24, 2025 at 5:09 PM
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That's why diversifying state appellate benches matters for more than representation—it's also about trust. Courts derive their legitimacy from the people they serve.
A graphic from The Appellate Project titled “Did You Know?” Text reads: “38% of sitting state supreme court justices are former prosecutors, while only 9% are former public defenders.” A paragraph below adds that men make up 57% of state supreme court benches as of May 2024, and nearly 20 states have no justices of color, even though 13 of those states have populations where at least one in five residents identifies as a person of color. The source cited is State Court Report, “How Much Do You Know About State Constitutions and Courts?” by Nancy Watzman.
October 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM