Navigating the Court Reporter Shortage
It’s challenging to build a business but even more so when you’re navigating the court reporter shortage that’s happening over the next few years.
By 2018, it is estimated that 5,000 reporters nationwide will be retiring. Not only that but the average age is about 53 years old, well above the 41 year old average for all other careers.
We see two distinct challenges – keeping current court reporters engaged in their work while at the same time attracting more people to this profession. It’s challenging at best but we know we have a bit of time and we understand what it takes to be a great court reporter.
Keeping Court Reporters Engaged
As with any professional, it’s important to recognize and appreciate their accomplishments. Gone are the days of sitting in a courtroom taking testimony. More than two thirds of court reporters are now working directly with attorneys at remote locations or even from home.
That’s good for the industry for two reasons — There are still job opportunities in spite of courtrooms digitizing and working from home is more flexible. We find when we’re working from home we can actually get more done in less time which means we can spend more time with friends and family. It’s a win-win.
Attracting New People
When it comes to navigating the court reporter shortage, we, as an industry, have to be communicating the benefits of this career. Flexible schedule, earning potential, and no degree required are among the most attractive.
We’re a fairly unique industry in terms of skillset which poses challenges to attracting interest but also opportunities for the right candidates. Attention to detail, good grammar, punctuality, maturity, and confidentiality are among the qualities of a great court reporter.
We believe this near-crisis can be averted if we’re focused as an industry. It won’t be easy but we can work together to make sure courts and attorneys have what they need to move ahead.
If you have the skills we need, we’d love to talk to you about a career in court reporting!
Are you an attorney in need of a court reporter for an upcoming case? Contact us today.
