The following article originally appeared in the American Bar Association’s Student Lawyer magazine on Apr 25, 2025. It is reprinted with permission.

How First-Gen Lawyers Can Build a Career in Appellate Law

By Marquan Robertson

I’ll never forget my first encounter with the legal system: as a fifth grader with a cracked skull. 

My family had to sue after a serious injury, and I was deposed during the process. Sitting across from an attorney asking detailed questions while a court reporter transcribed everything was intimidating, but it opened my eyes to the power lawyers have to shape conversations. That moment planted the first seed of my curiosity about becoming a lawyer. 

Even then, I didn’t know what appellate law was, let alone that I could one day practice it. For a long time, I thought that path wasn’t for someone like me. 

As a First-Generation Student, I Found Mentors Everywhere 

I’m a first-generation everything. My mom, who raised me, didn’t finish high school. She was a great mom, but when it came to figuring out career steps, I couldn’t exactly hit her up for advice. Thankfully, I had mentors who stepped in to fill the gaps. 

In high school, I had several Teach for America teachers who fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life. These were young, motivated individuals who planned on attending law school. They told me I could absolutely practice law and walked me through what I needed to do to get there: what the LSAT was, how to prepare for it, and what steps I should take to make it a reality. Those teachers stayed in my life for years, guiding me through college, law school, and beyond. 

“Here’s the truth: appellate law is just another area of law. It’s accessible to anyone with the right preparation and guidance.”

At law school, I found professors who believed in my abilities and strongly desired to place underrepresented students like me in positions to succeed. When I had questions, they had answers. They all worked together to explain not only the importance of clerking for a judge but also to break down my preconceived notions of who was allowed to secure those few prestigious positions. 

Because of those professors’ guidance, I secured a clerkship on the Fifth Circuit for my 2L year—something I couldn’t have imagined without their help. They showed me the unwritten rules of the process, from how to position myself as a candidate to where I should apply. 

After landing that incredible opportunity, I had no idea what I was walking into. I didn’t know how deliberations worked, what my day-to-day would look like, or what to expect as an East Coaster moving to the South. 

That’s when I discovered (TAP) and was gifted with yet another set of mentors at a critical time. 

The Myth of Appellate Law 

When you hear about appellate law, you might think it’s reserved for the best and brightest graduates from the top 10 law schools—those who seem to have it all figured out. And to some extent, the legal profession reinforces that idea. For years, the field has been dominated by people with access to the right schools, networks, and mentors. 

But here’s the truth: appellate law is just another area of law. Yes, it’s important and requires specific skills, like strong legal writing and critical thinking, but it isn’t inherently elite. It’s accessible to anyone with the right preparation and guidance. 

The problem is that many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, don’t even know this path exists. And even if they do, they don’t always know how to get there. 

That’s why programs like TAP are crucial: they help bridge that gap. 

For me, TAP’s mentorship program made all the difference. I was paired with mentors who had experience with the Fifth Circuit, where I’d soon be clerking. They gave me insights into what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of my clerkship. Their guidance turned what could have been an intimidating unknown into a manageable, exciting opportunity. 

Here’s How You Can Get There 

If you’re a pre-law or law student interested in appellate work but unsure whether it’s within reach, I’m here to tell you it is. The following tips will tell you how. 

Find Mentors Early 

No one gets to where they are alone; mentorship is especially critical in appellate law. Programs like TAP can help connect you with experienced appellate lawyers who will answer your questions, demystify the process, and even open doors to opportunities you didn’t know existed. I joined TAP as a second-year law student because I had no idea how to navigate the clerkship process or appellate practice. The mentors I met there gave me confidence and guidance that I still rely on today. 

Learn the Unwritten Rules 

Success in appellate law often requires a few key steps, like securing a judicial clerkship, honing your writing skills, and building relationships with appellate practitioners. TAP’s programming helped me understand what steps to take and when to take them. They even held brown bag lunches to talk about what really happens behind the scenes in appellate deliberations. Those insights were invaluable. 

Be Proactive 

Don’t wait to get involved. Look for resources like TAP’s mentorship program, attend panels, and start building relationships with people in the field. There’s more help out there than you think—all you have to do is ask. 

You Belong in Appellate Law 

If you’re reading this and wondering if appellate law could ever be for you, let me say this: It absolutely can. TAP and other organizations are here to help you get there. The first step is believing you belong, and reaching out to the people and programs that can help guide you. Appellate work isn’t some distant, elite dream. It’s just another area of law. If I can do it, so can you. 

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©2025 by the American Bar Association Law Student Division. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. This information or any portion thereof may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association.