(The Center Square) – As the state of Illinois faces a shortage of court reporters, training classes are designed to rebuild this vital labor force and direct trainees to courthouse jobs.
While some consider the court reporting field in jeopardy because of technology, Melissa Clagg, instructor for the Court Reporting Services of Illinois, said this is far from true.
“I heard that 40 years ago, and we know technology has advanced but it’s nowhere near the accuracy that needs to happen in a court of law for somebody’s case,” Clagg told The Center Square.
Over a period of two years, she said the training will get students ready for careers as courthouse reporters, which are especially needed in Illinois.
“We have a little over 500 positions, and of those, a little over 100 are vacant,” Clagg said.
Clagg is signed on as an instructor/recruiter for the classes offered by the Court Reporting Services of Illinois. The spring pilot program recently started in Urbana but the fall program is another opportunity for those who apply by April 30.
Clagg, who spent 33 years at the Champaign County Courthouse, remembers the excitement of the court cases and described the field as “very rewarding.”
Like many potential students, Clagg didn’t know anything about court reporting when her guidance counselor suggested it years ago due to her typing speed.
“This will be a good field for a lot of people. It’s just something that for whatever reason people don’t necessarily think of,” she said.
Those who complete the approximately two-year, tuition-free program won’t have to worry about getting work. According to Clagg, “We also guarantee job placement once they complete our course, and they pass the speed test.”
While the pilot program started in Urbana, there’s hope of expanding the opportunity throughout the state, Clagg said.
To learn details and how to sign up for fall classes, visit the Court Reporting Services website at ilcrs.com.
Court Reporting Services is the administrative office that oversees court reporting services for Illinois trial courts.
