One of the most contested races on the primary ballot this year was the race for clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County. It drew big money and high-ranking endorsements, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Sen. Ed Markey. But it’s also a position that many otherwise informed voters don’t fully understand.

So Under the Radar decided to go straight to the source and find out more about what clerks of courts do.

Responsibilities of the clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County

Allison Cartwright, who won the primary and is now running unopposed in the general election for clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County, outlined some of the job’s key responsibilities, including:

  • swearing in new attorneys
  • maintaining court records
  • and managing the single-justice session, an emergency appeals session

“So if you’re in the middle of a trial or a hearing and you believe that the trial judge has ruled against you ... and if it’s of constitutional significance, especially, you have the right to file a petition,” Cartwright said. From there, the proceedings are halted while the clerk assembles the record and gets the petition before one of the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court.

Responsibilities of the Suffolk County clerk of courts for civil business

John Powers, incumbent Suffolk County Clerk of Courts for Civil Business, who is also running unopposed in November, said his office and employees help residents directly by:

  • assisting those who will be representing themselves in court
  • and guiding people on how to file legal paperwork, such as restraining orders and injunctions

“When people come to our court and they’re not represented, they’re scared, they’re angry, they’re frustrated. And if you can help them through the process — as they say in public service, you can’t promise the result, but you can promise the effort,” Powers said. “It’s something worthwhile. I wouldn’t have been doing this for as long as I have if I didn’t feel it was important and personally fulfilling.”

More about Cartwright and Powers

Cartwright is a career public defender. She said she ran for clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County because she wanted to help even more people throughout the state.

“Once you’re in office, you serve the entire commonwealth,” sge said. “I saw that as an opportunity to bring my skills, my experiences into this position where I don’t know that it’s ever had someone who had done a lot of trial work in the district, in superior courts, in the criminal sessions, to bring that point of view and perspective into this position.”

Cartwright is believed to be the first Black person to assume the position she will be taking over in 2025. She will replace outgoing Clerk Maura Doyle.

Powers has been Suffolk County clerk of courts for civil business since his predecessor, Michael Donovan, retired last year.

“In order for me to have continued on in this job, I did what I didn’t think I would ever do, and that is one run for office,” Powers said. “And that’s what I did. And I was successful in September, and I’m looking forward to continuing to do the job that I really enjoy.”

Although both Cartwright and Powers have extensive legal experience, neither of their positions requires a law degree. However, they both think that because of their background as lawyers, voters found them much more suited for their respective positions.

Both said they want to help inform the general public about their roles, too.

“I fully intend to go out and educate people on what this role is, to invite people to come into the Supreme Judicial Court to listen to arguments,” Cartwright said. “It’s open to the public and there’s no reason why you can’t come. You were invited. This is the people’s highest court.”

Guests

  • Allison Cartwright, attorney and candidate for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County. 
  • John Powers, attorney and incumbent Suffolk County Clerk of Courts for Civil Business.