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.
Summary
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.
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.
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.
To be eligible for employment, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (1) U.S. citizen; (2) Person who owes allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands); (3) 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 (4) Lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) who is seeking citizenship. A lawful permanent resident "seeking citizenship": (a.) 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); (b.) Must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible; and (c.) Must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application).
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.
Qualifications
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 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.
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.
Additional information
Reference checks with current and former employers will be conducted.
Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position.
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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Real-time certification (if candidate is real-time certified); and
Recommendations (including an evaluation of the applicant's work) 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Qualified applicants should submit an application, 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 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.
Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the court's online applicant tracking system by February 4, 2026. To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs
US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
219 South Dearborn Street
HRO, Room 1574
Chicago, IL 60604
US
Next steps
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those applicants who will be interviewed. Applicants selected for interviews will be communicated to only through email and must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Real-time certification (if candidate is real-time certified); and
Recommendations (including an evaluation of the applicant's work) 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Qualified applicants should submit an application, 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 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.
Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the court's online applicant tracking system by February 4, 2026. To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs
US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
219 South Dearborn Street
HRO, Room 1574
Chicago, IL 60604
US
Next steps
Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those applicants who will be interviewed. Applicants selected for interviews will be communicated to only through email and must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
