At The Appellate Project (TAP), we believe our highest courts should reflect the communities they serve—both in the advocates who shape the law and in their decisions that impact millions. Yet, for many talented law students, the path to appellate practice remains out of reach.

Since its founding in 2019, TAP has built a nationwide network dedicated to diversifying the appellate field, connecting more than 600 law students from over 100 law schools with nearly 1,000 mentors and volunteers. Through mentorship, career resources, and community-building, we’ve helped future appellate leaders gain the access, skills, and connections needed to thrive.

With a rapidly growing community and increasing need for our work, we embarked on a strategic planning process in 2024 to shape TAP’s next chapter. By engaging students, alumni, mentors, funders, law school partners, and legal professionals, we gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our community.

What’s Next for TAP?

We’re excited to share plans for the next phase of our work, with a focus on mentorship, career-building, and fostering a connected community. Here’s what’s coming:

Mentorship Program Relaunch

Mentorship remains at the heart of TAP’s impact. In 2026, we’ll relaunch our signature Mentorship Program with new features designed to enhance participant experiences. Expanded resources, cohort-based opportunities, and exclusive events will provide participants with tailored support to help them succeed in appellate practice.

Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when Mentorship Program applications reopen. 

New Community Platform 

We’re creating a new online platform to connect our growing network and scale our impact. This platform—the first of its kind in the appellate field—will offer resources such as:

• Materials to demystify appellate law and career pathways;

• Skills trainings to prepare members for success in the field;

• Networking opportunities with appellate employers and leaders; and

• Tailored career resources for our community.

A pilot version of the platform will launch in 2025, with plans for a larger rollout in 2026.

Empowering Future Appellate Leaders

Systemic barriers continue to limit access to appellate practice, disproportionately affecting talented, underrepresented law students. Many aspiring advocates face significant challenges, including a lack of connections, training, and guidance needed to navigate this competitive field.

In response to consistent feedback from our community, we are developing an intensive initiative aimed at leveling the playing field. By offering skills training, personalized mentorship, and meaningful networking opportunities, this program will empower participants to break into appellate law, thrive in their careers, and help shape a more inclusive legal system.

More Space for Community & Conversation

Our community has expressed a strong desire for more opportunities to connect and collaborate. In response, we’re planning even more in-person events and gatherings, including TAP’s first annual conference in 2026, to bring together our vibrant network and grow our collective power.

Growing With Intention

As TAP evolves, we’re committed to scaling with care. With a lean team, we’re focused on strengthening our internal capacity and raising funds to support sustainable, high-impact programming.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive and equitable appellate field. We’re excited to have you along for the journey.