Court Reporter

Salary: $105,651.00 - $121,498.00 Annually
Location : 219 S. Dearborn Street Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-36
Department: Judicial Support Internal
Opening Date: 04/16/2025

Position Overview, Position Duties and Responsibilities
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now accepting applications for a Court Reporter. Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system and submit a cover letter, resume, test scores or NCRA or equivalent certificate, real-time certification (if candidate is real-time certified), and recommendations (including an evaluation of the applicant's work) from at least one judge of this Court. To apply, please see the "Notice to Applicants" section listed below.
*To be eligible for a CR 5, applicants must have been onboard before 10/11/2009.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has an opening for an Official Court Reporter assigned to District Judge Sara L. Ellis. Official Court Reporters serve at the pleasure of the Court and must comply with the requirements of the Judicial Conference of the United States Courts and the Court Reporter Management Plan of this Court.
OVERVIEW

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 records of time, attendance, transcript production, and earnings.
Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Successful completion of the certified real-time reporter examination offered by the United States Court Reporters Association or the National Court Reporters Association, or an equivalent qualifying examination, is strongly preferred.
• 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 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.
• Ability to accurately record 180 words per minute on literary matter, 200 words per minute for jury charge, and 225 words per minute for testimony.
• 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.

OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION

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.
Notice to Applicants
Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the court's online applicant tracking system and provide a cover letter, resume, test scores or NCRA or equivalent certificate, real-time certification (if candidate is real-time certified), and recommendations (including an evaluation of the applicant's work) from at least one judge of this Court, by April 30, 2025To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at:
The United States District Court offers a generous benefits package to full-time, permanent employees, which includes:

11 Paid Federal Holidays
13 Days Paid Vacation (per year for the first three years)
20 Days Paid Vacation (after three years)
26 Days Paid Vacation (after fifteen years)
13 Days Paid Sick Leave
Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
Life Insurance
Thrift Savings Plan with matching funds (401k & Roth 401k style)
Participation in Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS-FRAE)
Health, Dependent, & Parking Reimbursement Programs
Public Transit Subsidy Program
Employee Assistance Program, which provides free counseling, financial assistance, and basic legal services to all eligible employees.
Access to an Infant Care and Toddler Care Center (onsite and near the building), and a Fitness Center (onsite)
A Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available to certain full-time employees with qualifying student loans.

Further details regarding Federal benefits may be viewed at: