Ilene Watson Named AAERT’s Professional of the Year
Fishers, IN — Access Transcripts, LLC is proud to announce that its Co-founder and Co-CEO, Ilene Watson, has been named the 2022 Professional of the Year by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). This prestigious national honor recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence, integrity, and leadership within the legal transcription and digital reporting industry.
Ilene was selected for her longstanding commitment to advancing the profession, her role in mentoring and supporting new transcriptionists, and her dedication to upholding the highest standards of accuracy and ethics in transcript preparation. As one of the co-founders of a woman-owned legal transcription firm based in Indiana, Ilene has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with clarity, purpose, and compassion in a rapidly evolving field.
"Being named Professional of the Year by AAERT is an incredible honor," said Watson. "This work matters. It preserves voices, supports justice, and creates meaningful career paths for professionals across the country. I’m grateful to be part of such a dedicated and forward-thinking community."
With over two decades of experience in legal transcription, Ilene, along with her partner, Lisa Luciano, has built Access Transcripts into a nationally respected company specializing in appellate court transcripts, including a strong presence in Indiana's legal system. Under their leadership, the company has implemented strict quality control procedures, invested in staff training and certification, and emphasized the importance of continuing education for all team members.
Ilene currently serves as Chair of AAERT's Professional Development Committee, which oversees the newly implemented Conference Subcommittee, Webinar Subcommittee, and Mentorship Subcommittee. Her leadership has helped to plan and coordinate conferences, develop industry webinars, and launch mentorship initiatives that support certification and continuing education across the field.
The Professional of the Year Award was officially presented at the 2022 AAERT Annual Conference, where Ilene was honored among peers for her outstanding contributions to the profession.
About AAERT
The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) is the leading national organization supporting professionals in digital court reporting and legal transcription. AAERT provides certification, training, continuing education, and advocacy for best practices in capturing and preserving the legal record. The organization sets industry standards and promotes excellence and innovation through its CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) and CER (Certified Electronic Reporter) programs.
About Access Transcripts, LLC
Access Transcripts, LLC is a woman-owned transcription firm headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, specializing in high-quality, court-ready transcripts for attorneys, court reporters, and legal professionals across the United States. The company is committed to accuracy, reliability, and ethical service delivery. Known for its expertise in appellate court transcription, Access Transcripts partners with professionals nationwide to ensure every voice is preserved with care and precision.
Learn more at www.access-transcripts.com
