A Message from the Chief Judge – Clerk of Court Transition

Effective September 18, 2026, the Eastern District of Washington's District and Bankruptcy Courts entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing an informal administrative consolidation of their two clerks' offices. This arrangement reflects a shared commitment to operational efficiency, continuity of service, and the effective administration of both court units in furtherance of the Judiciary's mission, including providing optimal services to the public. Pursuant to the MOU, Sean McAvoy will serve as the Clerk of Court of this unified office on a going-forward basis as the two courts pursue formal and permanent consolidation. Day-to-day operations, staffing, financial management, and all administrative functions for each unit will be coordinated under this shared leadership structure while each court retains its independent identity, chief judge, allocations, docket, and statutory functions.

Sean McAvoy has served the Eastern District of Washington as the District Court Executive/Clerk of Court since December 2012. Prior to his appointment to the Eastern District, Sean served as the Bankruptcy Clerk of Court for the Northern District of Iowa, a position he held for twelve years. In his time with the Federal Judiciary, Sean has been active in numerous national initiatives, including positions of leadership on the Bankruptcy Clerk's Advisory Group, the District Clerks' Advisory Group, the FJC's Education Advisory Committee, the Information Technology Advisory Council, and the NextGen CM/ECF Project Steering Group. Current assignments include service on the Ninth Circuit's IT Committee, and the AO's and FJC's CUE Education Committees.