From Moot Court to the Circuit Courts: Leslie Espiricueta’s Journey in Appellate Law
How mentorship, perseverance, and purpose shaped one TAP alum’s path to the federal bench
As a current federal law clerk and proud TAP alum, Leslie Espiricueta is already making her mark in appellate law. Mentored through TAP’s programming and supported by a judge who saw her potential early on, Leslie turned a classroom spark into a career. Now, she’s helping shape the future of justice from the inside.
For Leslie, the road to appellate law began in a 1L constitutional law class. But it was moot court that made the dream tangible.
“My interest in appellate law began in my 1L constitutional law class, where I learned the transformative power of litigating to change people’s material conditions,” she recalls. “My interest was solidified as I began writing briefs and preparing oral arguments for moot court competitions. The problems were always timely in topic and dealing with issues I cared about. These experiences helped me realize I wanted to argue these types of cases before the circuit courts and help bring about positive change for my community.”
Mentorship That Made a Difference
She credits Judge Juan F. Alanis as a pivotal influence in helping her believe a circuit clerkship was within reach.
“The first mentor that helped me believe I could get a circuit clerkship was U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis, who I currently clerk for. From the start, he believed in my ability to accomplish that goal, and he encouraged me to pursue it. He would check in weekly to see how I was doing with my applications, and he even gave me a book geared towards appellate practice just because he knew I liked it. Having his encouragement helped me to not discount myself from the application process altogether.”
Bringing Her Experience Into the Room
For Leslie, entering the appellate space is more than a professional milestone. It reflects a broader truth: the courts need voices that understand the real-world impact of the law.
“Appellate decisions impact many aspects of people’s lives, and it is easy for judges to become disconnected from this reality, or to simply not understand it if they have never experienced it,” she says.
Leslie’s path to this role was shaped by personal experience.
“I am the daughter of immigrants, grew up low income, attended public schools, and worked hard to achieve my goals of an education.”
That background brings necessary perspective to a system that often overlooks it.
“Although I may be one of few with this background entering the appellate space, I represent the lived experiences of so many people in our country, and their perspectives need to help shape the law we all must live by,” she says.
Leslie’s path is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent, mentorship, and lived experience come together. Her story reflects the heart of TAP’s mission: building a more just and representative appellate system, one clerk, advocate, and voice at a time. And for Leslie, this is just the beginning.
Advice for Future Appellate Leaders
“Don’t be afraid to take up space and unapologetically pursue your goals. Many people do this work, so why can’t it be you? Chances are you have worked harder than your peers in many levels, and you deserve this opportunity, too.”
Lightning Round: Just for Fun
Law school guilty pleasure? In between classes, me and Berenis (another TAP mentee) would get ice cream from Dairy Queen almost daily. It was a great way to keep going.
A quote or mantra that got you through clerkship apps? “I just need one yes.”
Your experience with TAP? Building bridges
One word for how you feel heading into this next chapter? Excited!