Washington Courts: News and Information

Washington Supreme Court Appoints New Supreme Court Clerk

The nine justices of the Washington Supreme Court have appointed Erin Lennon to the position of Supreme Court clerk, effective July 1, 2021. Currently serving as deputy clerk, Lennon will take over from retiring Supreme Court Clerk Susan Carlson, who became the first woman in state history to hold that position when she was appointed in 2016.

The Supreme Court clerk maintains the records of the Court — the thousands of case files and documents involved in the work of the Court each year — and manages the Court’s case flow, mandated filing timelines, calendars, and dockets.

“In her time as both deputy clerk and then clerk, Susan has been instrumental in moving the Court forward in the 21^st century. She has helped the Court transition from paper records to electronic records, implement our E-filing program for incarcerated individuals, and continues to find ways to improve court efficiency and access to justice,” said Chief Justice Steven González. “Her work has been greatly beneficial, especially in the last year. With 38 years of public service, we are grateful that she chose to spend the last 14 years with our Court.”

Prior to her appointment as Supreme Court clerk, Carlson served nine years as deputy clerk.

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve as the Supreme Court clerk. I am also grateful for the privilege of working with the amazing and dedicated professionals in the Clerk’s office, including my deputy clerk, Erin Lennon,” Carlson said. “I am pleased that Erin has been appointed by the justices to serve as the next Supreme Court clerk. With her strong dedication to the Court, leadership skills and experience, she will do an excellent job leading the Clerk’s office.”

Lennon will become the 11^th Washington Supreme Court clerk in the state’s history. She has served as deputy clerk since 2016. Lennon is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law where she served as managing editor of the Washington Law Review and was appointed Student Regent by Gov. Chris Gregoire. She has worked with federal Judge John Coughenour of the U.S. District Court of Western Washington, served five years as a law clerk for Justice Susan Owens, served as manager of the LGBTQ Legal Clinic in Seattle, and worked in private practice.

“Erin has the institutional knowledge, skill, and deep commitment to justice necessary for this position,” Chief Justice González said. “We are confident her appointment will maintain continuity and allow the Court to build on Susan’s good work.”

Lennon said she is excited by the appointment and the new role she will step into in July.

“Susan Carlson has been an extraordinary role model for me, as she exemplifies the values of integrity, public service, and commitment to procedural due process,” she said. “I am grateful for her years of mentorship and for the trust given me by the justices to serve the Supreme Court and the people of the State of Washington in this role.”

For further information on the operations of Washington’s Supreme Court and the Clerk’s Office, please visit https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/SupremeCourt/?fa=supremecourt.welcome.