It goes without saying that it takes more than nine Supreme Court Justices to run a Supreme Court. A list of some of the key Court positions and the people who have filled them over the years is provided below, with more detailed information to follow in the coming months.
Bailiff
- Mr. Crandall, c. 1900
- Steven Englehorn, 1997 to 2009
- Timothy Schiewe, 2009 to present
Clerk
“The Clerk of the Supreme Court … maintains all the Court’s rulings and files. The Clerk is also responsible for managing the caseflow of the Court which includes the preparation of the calendar and docket for all cases and papers filed. In addition … the Clerk … must tax assess on all matters decided by the Court, maintain records of admission of attorneys to practice within the state and arrange for the reproduction and service of the briefs. The Clerk may also rule on various procedural motions.” (Administrator for the Courts, Judicial Administration in the Courts of the State of Washington: Twenty-third Annual Report [Olympia: State of Washington, 1979], 1-2).
- Sol Smith: 1889 to 1891
- C. S. Reinhart: March 4, 1891 to 1934
- Benjamin T. Hart: 1934 to 1957
- Robert Holstein: 1957 to 1961
- William Lowry: 1961 to 1975
- John J. Champagne: 1975 to 1981
- Reginald N. Shriver: 1981 to 1989
- Jerry Merritt: 1989 to December 31, 2006
- Ronald R. “Ron” Carpenter: January 1, 2007 to present
Reporter of Decisions
- Truman S. “Tim” Fuller, III
- Danilo Anselmo
Stenographer
- Marion Patton, c. 1900
Other Positions
Administrative Assistants
- Cynthia Jennings, Assistant to Justice Alexander
- Cynthia Phillips, Assistant to Justice Fairhurst
- Julie Keown, Assistant to Justice Madsen
- Sheila Gunderson, Assistant to Justice Chambers
- Sylvia Campbell, Assistant to Justice Wiggins (and previously Justice Sanders)
Deputy Clerk
- Susan Carlson
Judicial Communications Manager
- Wendy Ferrell
Communications Officer
- Lorrie Thompson