Court Reporter

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has an opening for an Official Court Reporter. Official Court Reporters serve the Court en banc and must comply with the requirements of the Judicial Conference of the United States Courts and the Court Reporter Management Plan of this Court. Applicants who previously applied to the Court Reporter 2026-12 position will be considered and do not have to re-apply.

Duties

The Official Court Reporter is responsible for recording verbatim testimony of court sessions or other proceedings as specified by statute, rule, or order of the Court. At the request of a party or by order of the Court, the Court Reporter provides transcripts within the time frames and cost requirements of the Judicial Conference. Official Court Reporters are required to maintain accurate and legible records of time, attendance, transcript production, and earnings.

Salary

• $105,651 - $121,498/year

Conditions of Employment

• To be eligible for employment, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
  • U.S. citizen;
  • Person who owes allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands);
  • Person admitted as a refugee or granted asylum who has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; or
  • Lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) who is seeking citizenship. A lawful permanent resident "seeking citizenship":
    1. May not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen);
    2. Must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible; and
    3. Must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application).
• The United States District Court requires employees to follow the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
• A preliminary background investigation with law enforcement agencies, including fingerprint and criminal record check will be conducted as a condition of employment. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment.
• Direct deposit is required for payment of compensation for employees.

Qualifications

• The position requires the ability to record verbatim testimony, to read back all or any portions of the court records, to work well under pressure, to work extended court and transcription production hours within strict time limitations, and to work as a part of a team to serve all the judges of the Court.
• Successful completion of the certified real-time reporter examination offered by the United States Court Reporter Association or the National Court Reporters Association, or an equivalent qualifying State examination is required.
• At least four years of prime court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts or a combination thereof.
• If applicants have prior experience providing reporting services to this Court on more than five occasions with the same judge within the twelve months prior to submitting their application, applicants must submit an evaluation of their work and recommendations from that judge.
• Qualified by testing for listing on the Registry of Professional Reporters of the National Court Reporters Association or have passed an equivalent qualifying examination.
• Skilled in the use of Computer-Aided Transcription equipment.
• Possess and provide all necessary personal equipment and software.
• Certificate of Merit from the National Court Reporters Association is preferred.

Education High School Diploma or equivalent. Other Information Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Reference checks with current and former employers will be conducted. Employees of the District Court, Northern District of Illinois are excepted service appointments. Employees are considered at-will and are not covered by federal civil service classifications or regulations. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer Required Documents

• Online application;
• Cover letter;
• Resume;
• Test scores, USCRA, NCRA or equivalent State real-time certification; and
• Letters of Recommendation (including an evaluation of the applicant's work, if possible) from at least one judge and three members of a federal trial bar, preferably of this Court. If applicants have prior experience providing reporting services to this Court on more than five occasions with the same judge within the twelve months prior to submitting their application, applicants must submit an evaluation on their work and recommendations from that judge.

How to Apply

To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs. Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Qualified applicants should submit an application, cover letter, resume, test scores, USCRA, NCRA or equivalent State real-time certification and recommendations (including an evaluation of the applicant's work, if possible) from at least one judge and three members of a federal trial bar, preferably of this Court. If applicants have prior experience providing reporting services to this Court on more than five occasions with the same judge within the twelve months prior to submitting their application, applicants must submit an evaluation on their work and recommendations from that judge.

Applicants who apply by March 5, 2026, will receive first consideration.

Benefits Benefits information may be viewed at: https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/Pages.aspx?page=benefits