Welcome to the October 2026 issue of The Docket, the quarterly newsletter of the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks. This issue features highlights from our annual conference in Austin, recognition of outstanding service, leadership insights, and a look ahead to our 2027 conference in Tampa. You’ll also find member news, an exploration of courthouse art, and new…
by Scott Mitchell (AL) How in the world can it already be summer?! It seems like just a couple of months ago we were gathered in Albuquerque, and now we are just mere days away from convening in Austin for the NCACC 53rd Annual Conference. Deana Williamson has prepared a wonderful week for us, and I hope…
By Julie Clement (MI) The Bylaws Committee is delighted to share our proposed plain-language revisions to the NCACC’s Bylaws. We will be asking for your approval at the upcoming annual business meeting. ISO 24495-1 (2023), the first international standard for plain language, defines plain language as follows: A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and…
Communications Committee Contracts Committee Convention Committee Membership Committee Technology Committee
The Nominating Committee formally nominates the following slate of Officers and Executive Committee members for the National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks for 2026-2027. OFFICERS Vice President: Deana Williamson (Texas)Deana Williamson was appointed Clerk of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in October 2017. Since joining the Court in July 2012, she has served as…
by Doug Shima (KS) Julie Ollom has served as Chief Assistant Clerk of Court for six years but has been with the Nevada Supreme Court and Nevada Court of Appeals for nearly 26 nears. She earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona State University College of Law (n/k/a Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law) and holds both…
by Doug Shima (KS) Jasmine Smith has served as Deputy Clerk of Court for the South Carolina Court of Appeals since November 2025. She graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Psychology and later earned an Ed.S. in Counselor Education, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, before attending law…
by Doug Shima (KS) Dixie Holland has served as the Chief Deputy Clerk of the North Dakota Supreme Court for approximately seven months. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law and previously served as a law clerk for the Court and as a staff attorney for the Northeast…
by Doug Shima (KS) Benjamin Kohler currently serves as Prothonotary of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, a role he has held since October 2023. Ben has been with the Pennsylvania judiciary for over 20 years. Prior to his current role, he served seven years as deputy prothonotary in the Philadelphia office and previously worked closely…
With the 53rd Annual Conference around the corner, the countdown is officially just over a month away! Thanks to the hard work of Conference Host Deana Williamson (TX) and the Program Committee Chairperson Tristen Worthen (WA), Vice-Chairperson Tracie Lindeman (AZ, ret.), Sam Christensen (WI), Mike Cruz (TX), Kaitlyn Gorman (PA), Claudia Jenks (TX), Jenny Kitchings (SC), Kyle Ratliff (US), Seth…