Pictured: Andrea Jent, Certified Shorthand Reporter and Official Court Reporter for the Second Judicial Circuit Attends Conference in Washington, D.C.
Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan is honored to recognize Official Court Reporter Andrea Jent of West Frankfort for her attendance and advocacy at the 2026 National Court Reporter Association’s (NCRA’s) Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp, held in Washington, D.C., March 1-3. Jent has served the Second Circuit as a Certified Shorthand Reporter for 12 years, and she received leadership and advocacy training in Alexandria, Virginia before heading to Capitol Hill where she joined attendees from state affiliates around the country. The NCRA is the country’s leading organization representing stenographic court reporters, captioners, and legal videographers. NCRA’s Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp is a unique opportunity offered annually by the Association. Attendees meet with legislators and learn how to advocate for court reporting, captioning, legal videography, scopist, and associated legal professions.
Chief Judge Morgan stated, “I am honored to recognize Andrea Jent for her leadership and passion to advocate for her colleagues and the court reporting profession as a whole. I am grateful she had the opportunity to meet with legislators and discuss issues such as artificial intelligence that are relevant and important to our reporters. In addition to being a highly skilled reporter, she also serves as the Vice President of the Illinois Court Reporters Association, and is truly an asset to the Second Circuit.”
Jent expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate stating, “NCRA Boot Camp is the best experience I have had as a court reporter. I was honored to be asked to attend for a second time to represent the Illinois Court Reporter’s Association. Everyone we spoke to understood the need to study the legal and ethical issues of using artificial intelligence to make the official record in legal proceedings. Our ultimate goal is to protect all parties in the legal process.”
The Second Judicial Circuit is comprised of twelve counties: Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White. Ms. Jent primarily serves the counties of Franklin, Hamilton, and Jefferson, but has worked in a number of additional counties throughout her employment. The Second Circuit is currently hiring Court Reporters and all interested persons are encouraged to contact Court Reporter Supervisor Amy Scott at the Office of the Chief Judge in Mt. Vernon at 618-244-8036 for more information.
