• Applicants who are realtime certified from the National Court Reporters Association, the United States Court Reporters Association, or an equivalent examination approved by the Administrative Office of the United States (i.e., State of Illinois realtime examination) are preferred. Applicants who are not realtime certified will be considered for the position if they: (1) meet the minimum established requirements set forth by the Judicial Conference; (2) provide realtime reporting to the judges of this Court; and (3) agree in writing to attain realtime certification within 18 months of the appointment date with the Court.
• At least four years of prime court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts or a combination thereof.
• 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.

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.

Benefits information may be viewed at the court's website .

Qualified applicants should submit an application, cover letter, resume, 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. Applicants who are realtime certified through USCRA, NCRA or equivalent State examination must submit their certification.

Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the court’s online applicant tracking system by May 22, 2026. To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs .

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 only through email and must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Applicants will be screened to determine their experience and qualifications.

The U.S. District Court requires employees to follow the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Reference checks with current and former employers will be conducted. Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. 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. 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.

To be eligible for employment, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

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.