Collaborative Transcript Preparation

The data doesn’t lie.

Industry predictions made a decade ago about a stenographer shortage have proven true. In 2013, the U.S. had 32,000 stenographic court reporters; today, only 23,000 remain. Projections indicate this number will drop to 18,700 by 2029, according to the new American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) 2025 Court Reporting Industry Trends Report.

Released in April, the AAERT study underscores how the dwindling number of stenographers nationwide fails to meet the growing demand for accurate legal transcripts. The report emphasizes the increasing role of digital court reporting as a reliable solution to maintain timely justice for all litigants.

Key insights from the report include:

  • Cause of Shortage: Aging stenographers are retiring faster than new recruits are entering the field. Enrollment in stenography schools has plummeted by 74%, and nearly half of stenography programs have closed, according to AAERT.
  • Impact: Legal professionals are facing scheduling difficulties (76%) and increased costs (55%) due to the shortage, limiting access to court reporting services for many litigants.

More than a labor shortage, it is a growing  “constitutional crisis,” as deemed by the California Courts. Accurate, timely transcripts are essential for fair trials, appeals and the overall integrity of the legal system.

The AAERT report advocates for digital court reporting as a part of the solution. Digital reporters can be certified in months compared to years for stenographers, ensuring efficient service without compromising quality. They undergo specialized training to meet high accuracy standards, a crucial key performance indicator (KPI) identified by 96% of respondents.

Moving forward, AAERT suggests, stakeholders are urged to support regulatory updates that remove barriers to digital reporting, expand certification programs, and modernize court reporting infrastructure. By integrating stenography, digital, and other reporting methods, the legal industry can sustain court reporting and safeguard justice for all.