Our
Programs
From the first steps of exploring appellate law to building a lasting career, The Appellate Project equips emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and community they need to thrive.
Program Pillars
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Community
We are building a supportive network committed to ensuring our highest courts reflect the diverse lived experience of all of our communities.
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Training
We develop innovative and hands-on appellate training opportunities led by renowned appellate practitioners.
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Access
We create opportunities for emerging leaders to access appellate networks, mentors, clerkship support, and employers.
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Awareness
We strive to bring more awareness about the importance of a diverse appellate system for all of us.
Mentorship Program
Our award-winning Mentorship Program — the first national initiative of its kind — has connected more than 600 law students from over 100 law schools with nearly 1,600 mentors, including judges, clerks, appellate attorneys, and professors. These mentors provide personalized guidance and real-world insight into one of the most powerful and competitive areas of legal practice.
After a pause for program redesign, the Mentorship Program will return better than ever in late 2026, incorporating feedback from participants and expanding opportunities for connection, skill-building, and long-term career support.
Want to be notified when applications open?
Events That Open Doors
Our events are a cornerstone of TAP’s programming, offering direct access to the people, skills, and experiences that shape success in appellate law. They combine hands-on training, behind-the-scenes exposure, and opportunities to build lasting professional relationships.
Through TAP events, participants have:
Observed oral arguments and received guided debriefs from experienced clerks and advocates
Engaged in small-group discussions with appellate judges, attorneys, and thought leaders
Built core skills through workshops on legal writing, persuasive advocacy, and litigation strategy
Learned from impact litigators, public defenders, in-house appellate counsel, and more about diverse career pathways
Connected with peers, mentors, and role models at national convenings and alumni-led gatherings
Award-Winning Programming
Who Our Programs Support
Our programming is intentionally designed for law students and early-career appellate practitioners from underrepresented backgrounds, providing mentorship, sponsorship, and visibility that open doors to competitive appellate roles and a lifetime of influence in the law.
Law Students
We know that discovering appellate law and breaking into the field can feel daunting, especially without access to established networks — and too often, you don’t know what you don’t know.
Our programming for law students:
Expands awareness of appellate law as a career path within reach
Builds core skills in legal writing, oral advocacy, and litigation strategy
Facilitates connections with judges, clerks, and leading appellate practitioners
Provides mentorship, career guidance, and a supportive peer community
Early Career Appellate Practitioners
The needs of early career appellate professionals are different from those of law students.
Our programming for early-career practitioners will:
Strengthen appellate skills and deepen expertise
Open access to networks and sponsors who can accelerate career growth
Support career transitions, clerkships, and leadership opportunities
Create spaces to connect, collaborate, and build community with peers in the field
Sustain long-term engagement with TAP as you grow — and offer ways to give back by investing in the next generation
in their words
RECENT EVENTS
Interested in Partnering with TAP on an Upcoming Event?
We’re proud to collaborate with a wide range of organizations that share our commitment to building a more diverse and representative appellate field.
Whether you’re interested in co-hosting a program, sponsoring an event, or bringing TAP to your community, we’d love to explore ways to work together.
Contact us to learn more about event partnership and sponsorship opportunities.