Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

First Woman in State History Named to Position of Washington Supreme Court Clerk

The Washington Supreme Court’s nine justices have appointed the state’s first female Supreme Court Clerk in Washington State history.   Deputy Clerk Susan Carlson, was sworn in today as the Court Clerk by Chief Justice Barbara A. Madsen and justices of the Court.

Carlson replaces long-time Court Clerk Ron Carpenter, who retired from the position at the end of March after serving 10 years in the role. She will serve as the 9th Supreme Court Clerk in Washington State history.

The position of Supreme Court Clerk was created in 1934 to maintain the court’s records, files and documents. The clerk is also responsible for managing the court’s case flow, including the preparation of its calendars and docketing of all cases and papers filed with the court.  

“We are so pleased that Susan has accepted this position,” said Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. “She has served the Court very well as Deputy Clerk for the past 9 years, and we could not have asked for a higher-qualified candidate to fill the role.”

Prior to joining the Court as the deputy clerk in 2007, she held positions within the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, Washington State Senate, Chelan County Prosecutor’s office and the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The Clerk’s Office manages the Court’s case flow and the filing of supporting documents for approximately 1,000 petitions and motions considered each year by the Washington Supreme Court. The Office also manages attorney licensing and discipline, and manages documents related to death-penalty cases filed with the Court.

“I am honored to be selected to serve as the Supreme Court Clerk,” said Carlson of the appointment. “To say that I am excited to take on this role is an understatement and I look forward to serving the Court and the people of the State of Washington.”

For further information on the operations of Washington’s Supreme Court, please visit www.courts.wa.gov.