Erin Farris-Olsen for Clerk of the Supreme Court
Democrat
By Denise Rivette
Montana Independent News posed the same four questions to all candidates in the Clerk of the Supreme Court race. Democrat Erin Farris-Olsen’ views are presented in their entirety below.
What are the Montana values that will guide your decision-making?
Impartiality, Fairness, and Efficiency will guide my decisions as Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court. The Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court reviews, compiles, and stores filings before the Montana Supreme Court. The Clerk’s office also carries out procedures related to attorney discipline and licensure. It’s critical that these duties be carried out with impartiality.
What skills, knowledge and experience do you possess that make you the better candidate?
I am a licensed attorney and therefore knowledgeable in the law, a strong communicator, and solution oriented.
I’ve invested many years throughout my career as an attorney, working on access to justice initiatives that improve court efficiency, and balance the needs of attorneys, courts, and the public.
As a Law Clerk for the Montana Supreme Court, I reviewed filings and participated in Clerk organized proceedings.
As Administrator of the Supreme Court’s Self Help Law Centers, I supported staff at six permanent self-help law centers and remote services to over 12 additional counties. Self represented litigants present a significant time commitment for the Supreme Court Clerk and courts across the State. When handled well, the court is more efficient, cases proceed in a more timely way, and the public has support in accessing the legal resources they need.
As Equal Justice Coordinator for the State Bar of Montana, I worked with attorneys to find creative ways to fill justice gaps through pro bono and limited scope representation. I organized local clinics and worked with alternative dispute resolution practitioners to meet community needs in a practical way.
I’ve seen the administration from all sides and look forward to having the opportunity to protect judicial integrity and improve court efficiencies that also help people. I have observed court processes across Montana jurisdictions and have the skills and experience to serve the Court ethically and responsibly.
What are your top priorities to address during your term if you are elected?
I will lead in restoring impartiality to the Clerk’s office. Our Montana Court sees everything filed before it, so everything from natural resource issues, to parenting, to consumer protection, labor, and constitutional claims comes through the Clerk’s Office. It is the core function of the Clerk to ensure that cases are presented pursuant to the rules so that the Court can make an impartial and objective decision according to the rule of law, including the Montana Constitution.
Being available, welcoming, impartial, knowledgeable, and solutions oriented are the most important characteristics of a Clerk of the Supreme Court. I will be present and foster good working relationships with the State Bar, attorneys, courts, judges, and Court Administrators office.
I would like to improve the online case management system to increase its searchability.
Furthermore, I would like to work with the Access to Justice Commission and practitioners statewide to improve how our courts serve Montanans and advocate for solutions.
What actions will you take to address those priorities?
For the online case management system, I will connect with attorneys and court staff who use the system the most and develop a list of recommendations from the most common users. Then I would then meet with the technology teams and discuss what the budget and timeline would be for improvements.
In terms of restoring impartiality, I would avoid hiring any staff that would manipulate or undermine the office of the Clerk. I would administer the activities of the office in a fair manner for all parties and refuse to provide any special assistance based on my personal political beliefs. I would personally commit to limiting my personal and political engagements to activities that would not conflict with the Clerk’s Office or create any perception of impropriety. I would comply fully with the Appellate Court Clerk’s Code of Ethics, which specifically states that a “member should avoid political activity which may give rise to a suspicion of bias or impropriety in any matter pending or impending before his or her court.”