President’s Message

February 2025 –

As we kick off another exciting year for our association, I want to take a moment to reflect on our shared journey and set the tone for the season ahead.

While we have faced many obstacles, just like any great football team, we’ve always managed to come together and fight for the win. As your president, I and the entire USCRA Board of Directors will be working tirelessly to ensure that we’re performing at the highest level, through clear and consistent communication, fostering stronger relationships across our association, and ensuring that you, our members, are the voice of our foundation.

In football the coach has the historical experience and knowledge of the game that enables his players to trust and work with him, while the quarterback makes second-to- second decisions to bring home the win. USCRA has the historical experience and knowledge to support and guide its members as they navigate through ever-changing environments and adapt to the challenges they encounter. Every successful team relies on strategy, teamwork, and a commitment to pushing toward their goal. USCRA brings these traits together for FOCRs to rely upon in everyday circumstances when meeting unexpected challenge, providing a strong backup and ensuring that you have a solid defense when tough situations arise.

This year we will continue to work together as a cohesive unit to strengthen our foundation and overcome challenges as we aim for new victories. It’s time to limber up, get out on the field, and push toward the goal line. Together we will continue to make decisions that bring success to our members, elevate our collective efforts, and secure a championship season for everyone involved.

Let’s bring our A-game and make this year one to remember!

Onward to victory,
Nikki Peters,
USCRA President 2024-2025

USCRA conducts board meetings and CEU-qualified seminars at its spring MidYear meeting and Annual Convention in autumn. And our quarterly publication, The Circuit Rider, contains articles geared to enhancing your career in the US District Court.

We have several programs to help increase your income. USCRA offers four FCRR testing opportunities per year to obtain realtime certification, recognized by the AO for salary increase. FCRRs may also charge for realtime services. And our yearly Realtime Speed Contest Champion is awarded a cash prize in addition to bragging rights and a beautiful trophy. Other available monetary benefits are announced elsewhere on our website and in The Circuit Rider.

Associate Members. Reporters outside the federal court system may apply for associate membership. All privileges of regular membership obtain, except voting and election rights. CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

Supporting Members. Those not actively engaged in verbatim reporting, who are interested in the preservation of our profession and not otherwise eligible for CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

Student Members. A student certified as being enrolled in a shorthand reporting program may apply as a student member. CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

USCRA focuses its attention on matters that affect court reporters who work in the United States District Court. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) has a broader focus because they represent reporters working in all fields (i.e. freelance, deposition, official, captioning).

In this capacity, NCRA maintains a list of certified schools. If you are interested in pursuing a career in court reporting, USCRA recommends you check out NCRA’s website at ncraonline.org. That will lead you to a page that outlines their certification process. You can also access their list of approved schools.

If after reviewing NCRA’s website you need further information about court reporting educational opportunities, we encourage you to contact them at their toll-free number, 1-800-272-6272.

Find Your Circuit Rep.
Visit The Gallery of Shorthand
Work Measurement Study Updates – Instructions and updates.
Court Reporters Act, 28 USC Section 753
Obtain an Employer Identification Number – If you’ve ever wondered how to get an EIN, the Internal Revenue Service’s website has the information for you. You will need the Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number and the Instructions for Form SS-4. Consult your tax advisor to find out if an Employer Identification Number is right for you!