OCJ - Official Court Reporter

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois seeks an Official Court Reporter 2 to provide stenographic services and produce a verbatim record at a high rate of speed in Cook County courts. The role requires a CSR license and proficiency exam, with one year to pass if the license is unrestricted.

Responsibilities include preparing transcripts, filing originals, maintaining monthly transcript records, and upholding courtroom etiquette. Pre-employment screening applies; equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Must possess a CSR license and pass the Official Court Reporter Proficiency exam.
• If the CSR license is unrestricted, one year to pass the Proficiency exam.
• Second level of Official Court Reporter title series requires CSR.

Responsibilities

• Provide stenographic services to produce a verbatim record at a high rate of speed.
• Prepare transcripts and file the originals as directed by supervision.
• Keep transcripts on order and maintain monthly reporting records.
• Follow courtroom etiquette and maintain impartiality and professional demeanor.
• Operate stenographic software and word processing applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Stenographic duties

Verbatim transcription speed

Computer literacy

Education

CSR License (Illinois)

Tools

Stenographic software

Word processing

Job description

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGECIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOISCOURT REPORTING SERVICESJob Title

: OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER 2Union: IBEW, LOCAL 134Salary

: $76,336.16Location: COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PURPOSEProvides stenographic services in order to produce a verbatim record at a high rate of speed.Employees under this classification prepare transcripts from stenographic notes for which they are paid a separate page rate.Preparing transcripts outside of regular working hours is not considered regular working hours for the purpose of calculating hours worked in a week.As the second level of the Official Court Reporter title series, this level is distinguished from the entry level position by the minimum requirement of an unrestricted State of Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter’s (CSR) License. This class is distinguished from the higher level Official Court Reporter titles by the level of proficiency.Work is performed under the direction of the chief judge, administrator and supervisor and is reviewed through personal conferences, general observation of work in progress and upon completion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible to the Chief Judge, the Administrator and the supervisor.
• Must comply with all applicable statues, administrative orders, court rules and all regulations promulgated by the Chief Judges and any amendments thereof.
• Provides stenographic services in order to produce a verbatim record at a high rate of speed.
• Keeps a monthly report of all transcripts on order and files the original report as directed by the Chief Judge.
• Prepares all transcripts in a timely manner.
• Follows proper courtroom etiquette, including, but not limited to, impartiality to parties, and appropriate demeanor and dress as specified by the regulations and local rules.
• Operates personal computer (i.e. stenographic software, word process and other applications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTSMust possess a Certified Shorthand Reporter’s (CSR) License issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations and pass the Official Court Reporter Proficiency (Part A) examination. If the reporter possesses an unrestricted CSR License, they will be given one (1) year from hire to pass the Official Court Reporter Proficiency exam.

SELECTION FACTORSKnowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and skill in performing stenographic duties and the ability to reduce the spoken word into a verbatim record at a high rate of speed.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of personal computer and applications (i.e. stenographic software, word processing and other applications).
• Working knowledge of office procedures, composition, records management and office communications.
• Ability to organize work effectively and meet required deadlines and schedules.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to review documents for proper form, content and agreement with policies.
• Associates with employees and the public in a pleasant, courteous and helpful manner.
• Ability to be flexible and productively respond to change.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to retrieve files.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Ability to sit for extended time periods.
• Normal office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.

Information about benefits available for this position may be found at SERS of Illinois

It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment.

No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Revised 7/1/25