Allison S. Cartwright, an attorney and public defender, announced her candidacy for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in Suffolk County on Monday. She will seek to replace Maura Doyle, who announced in February that she will not seek re-election in November.

Cartwright joins current Boston City Councillor Erin Murphy, who is also a candidate for the elected position. Murphy can run for the county seat without giving up her council position; however she would be expected to step down from the council if she wins the clerk’s job, which administers critical functions within the court system and oversees the admission of lawyers to the Massachusetts bar.

Cartwright, who presently supervises 75 public defenders through the Committee for Public Counsel Service, pointed to her 30-plus years of experience as an attorney and manager.

“Ensuring the working class and poor people have access to justice and be able to navigate the court system has been my life’s work,” Cartwright said.

In addition to Boston, Suffolk County includes Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Doyle, who has held the position for 28 years, is currently the longest-serving elected official from Dorchester.