Tell us about your interest in appellate work and why you decided to join this Mentorship Program.

As a Native American law student, my interest in appellate work stems from my interest in Native American law. The federal appellate courts’ take an active role in shaping the lives of tribal citizens across the U.S. While this is true, so few Native American lawyers litigate appellate level cases. I joined this mentorship program to gain insight and guidance to navigate a career in appellate litigation.

What has it been like working with your mentor/mentee? Is there an experience you particularly enjoyed, something significant you learned, etc.?

My mentor’s career in Native American law made him the ideal fit. He offered invaluable guidance to an appellate career in Native American law, but we also connected on issues that Native American law students and young lawyers face in the field. Because of our shared cultural background and legal interests, I felt that my mentor’s advice was more meaningful than advice I had received from others before.

What is something you personally will take with you from this experience? It could be appellate-related or more broad, such as something you realized about yourself, our profession, etc

I will take with me the relationships that I have built with the guest speakers, appellate professionals that I met with one-on-one, and my fellow mentees. Through the program, I realized just how small the appellate professional community is and how important it is to foster the relationships I build with others in the community.