Court Law Clerk
U.S. Courts
FreshPosted Feb 18
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Posted: February 20, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Court Reporter
U.S. Courts
Judicial Branch
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job is for an Official Court Reporter in a federal court in Chicago, where you'll accurately record everything said during trials and hearings using specialized equipment, and prepare transcripts when needed.
It's ideal for experienced court reporters who stay calm under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and enjoy working as part of a team to support judges.
You'll need strong skills in real-time transcription and handling long hours in a fast-paced courtroom environment.
Key Requirements
- Successful completion of the certified real-time reporter examination from the United States Court Reporter Association, National Court Reporters Association, or equivalent state exam
- At least four years of prime court reporting experience in freelance, other courts, or a combination
- Qualified by testing for listing on the Registry of Professional Reporters of the National Court Reporters Association or equivalent examination
- Skilled in using Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) equipment
- Possess and provide all necessary personal equipment and software for court reporting
- Ability to record verbatim testimony, read back records, work under pressure, and meet strict transcription deadlines
- Certificate of Merit from the National Court Reporters Association (preferred)
Full Job Description
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.
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. Major 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.
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