Official Court Reporter

Court Reporter

Priority Application Date: June 12, 2026

Court Reporters support a fast-paced and collaborative environment, covering both in-person and remote (Zoom) proceedings across the district. As one of the busiest and most high-profile federal courts in the country, we handle a wide range of complex and groundbreaking cases.

Court reporters play a vital role in the judicial process, working closely with judges, attorneys, and fellow reporters to produce accurate and timely transcripts of court proceedings. This position offers a rewarding mix of meaningful in-person work, substantial telework flexibility, and opportunities to work across our San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland courthouses. The role also offers exceptional earning potential.

Transcript income for in-person reporters averaged over $125,000 annually over each of the past three years.

Being an official court reporter involves:

• Working as part of a team of reporters for the judges of the court.
• Verbatim shorth and reporting of courtroom proceedings and reading back portions of the record when required.
• Producing transcripts at a high volume, including expedited and daily transcripts.
• For some criminal proceedings, creating and storing audio recordings alongside shorth and notes. Adhering to the policies and administrative procedures outlined in the Court Reporter Management Plan, the Court Reporter Manual, and the Guide to Judiciary Policy.
• Performing administrative tasks including transcripts billing, and docketing financial tracking, responding to requests, and submitting required reports to the Administrative Office.

Typical Qualifications:

• Level 1 ($119,330) must have at least one year of court reporting experience (freelance, courts or a combination); RPR (or equivalent); and excellent Realtime skills. (Those hired without Realtime certification must pass the test within two years.)
• Level 2 ($125,296) additionally requires Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) certification and ability to provide Realtime writing in the courtroom (must become Realtime certified within two years of hire date).
• Level 3 ($131,263) additionally requires Realtime certification.
• Level 4 ($137,229) additionally requires Realtime and RMR certification.
• Level 5 ($143,197) for transferring Federal Official Court Reporters appointed before October 11, 2009, with CRR or FCRR, RMR and ten years' reporting experience in the federal courts

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three or more years of court reporting experience (freelance, courts or a combination) and experience directly invoicing clients
• Experience e-filing transcripts on a court docket
• Previous federal court experience
• Realtime Certification
• Certificate of Merit from NCRA

Physical Requirements: Successful candidates must be able to (with or without accommodation): (1) bend, (2) pull, push, and lift up to 20 pounds, (3) reach, (4) walk, and (5) sit for extended periods.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California is part of the federal Judicial branch of government and is independent of the Executive and Legislative branches. The court sets its own employment policies including remote work and performance management, while also valuing employees' individualism and continuing to strive towards a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. Judicial Branch employees are "at will" employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. However, full-time judiciary employees are entitled to:

• A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid annual leave in the amount of 13 days per year for the first three years, 20 days per year after 3 years, and 26 days per year after fifteen years.
• Paid sick leave in the amount of 13 days per year
• Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS)
• Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (with up to 5% employer matching contributions), the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Federal Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), the Flexible Benefits Program, the Commuter Benefit Program (Public Transportation subsidy up to $130 per month), Long-Term Care Insurance, and Professional Liability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Work Life Services