How TAP Alum Zaakir Tameez unexpectedly ended up writing a book on Charles Sumner.

Kendrick Peterson, a recent law school graduate and federal law clerk, was sworn into the Washington, D.C. bar in 2025, becoming the first Black clerk in his district to do so.

TAP Board member Paul Watford, former judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, explores how dissenting opinions often carry weight that extends far beyond their immediate legal impact.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s room for someone who looks like you, know this: you belong here.

TAP shares the journeys of five of our mentors whose stories reflect resilience, representation, and the power of mentorship.

“Our justice system must reflect the communities it serves. As lawyers, we are a vital part of that system. If you encounter spaces where you don’t feel like you belong, those spaces are probably due for a change.”

“Trust in the judicial system is strengthened when the public sees that lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals look like them.”

TAP alum Anjika Pai shares how early exposure to appellate law shaped her path.

“Once someone has a judicial clerkship, it really opens the door to different types of careers in the appellate field.”

“Don’t prioritize networking over studying, clerk, and be kind to everyone you interact with—the legal community is a small one, your reputation is everything, and relationships matter.”

“I think that in absolute terms, there are a lot of accomplished and wonderful women in the Appellate Bar.”

“I had no idea how hard it is to break into appellate practice with no support system and no guidance.”

“When students and young attorneys see people who look like them or share similar backgrounds and experiences arguing before appellate courts, it signals they can do the same.”

“Mentorship has been critical to my own success. A great mentor is often a great teacher, plus mentors can open doors to the right opportunities.”

“Your background and experiences are your greatest strengths and your unique perspectives will be at a premium at some point of your career. “

“t=There still seems to be a gap in indigenous people serving as lead counsel and arguing cases affecting Indian country nationally. Diversity at all levels is important to produce better and more informed decision-making.”

“Encourage judges and faculty to look beyond traditional proxies and focus on other markers of talent and success, such as overcoming adversity, beating the odds, and making unconventional choices.”

“We want a legal profession that reflects our communities. Diversity encourages intellectual discourse and fosters confidence in our justice system.”

“Great appellate lawyers can come from all different backgrounds and the law benefits from great lawyers on both sides of any argument.”

“Maintain your integrity and cultivate meaningful relationships because you never know who may be going to bat for you.”