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48 P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 enrollment, and the remaining schools are experiencing low graduation rates. Becoming a certified stenographer requires a substantial investment of time and effort for those who choose to pursue this career. Training can span several years, including classroom education and practical experience. This lengthy training process can deter potential candidates, further contributing to the shortage. Addressing the stenographer shortage requires a comprehensive approach, which may involve embracing modern digital reporting technologies and encouraging more individuals to explore careers in court reporting to ensure the continued integrity of legal proceedings. The Rise of Remote Reporting Remote work and remote reporting are here to stay in the U.S. stenography landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote proceedings, requiring specialized remote court reporting software and equipment. However, many stenographers struggled to adjust to this new way of working and the technology involved. The current remote tools are not optimized for remote reporting needs and the needs of the legal industry. They often lack features essential for conducting legal proceedings, such as exhibit management, private sidebars, and secure witness video recording. They also require complicated setups and multiple screens, which can affect the quality and efficiency of stenographic services. Moreover, remote work has opened new opportunities for stenographers to take on more jobs across different locations. However, the technology and training available for remote reporting are not sufficient to meet the high standards and demands of legal proceedings. This gap leads to a shortage of qualified stenographers who can provide reliable and accurate services remotely. Lawyer Expectations and Requirements Legal professionals, particularly lawyers, have precise expectations and requirements from court reporters to ensure the seamless progression of legal proceedings. They demand accessibility – the ability to schedule a court reporter when needed, quick turnaround times for transcripts, unwavering accuracy in recordkeeping, and the competence to handle both remote and hybrid proceedings seamlessly. The court reporter shortage has deeply impacted lawyers and law firms struggling to find a stenographer who consistently meets these requirements. When a stenographic court reporter is unavailable, legal professionals must postpone proceedings and request for continuance on a case. These delays negatively affect the judicial system, causing frequent postponements and a backlog of cases still waiting to be addressed. Expect extended lead times for transcripts if a court reporter is available—a considerable "if" since booking a reporter is tedious. Sometimes, receiving transcripts may take up to a couple of weeks. Pricing for court reporting services has also increased due to supply not meeting demand. The stenographer shortage continues to be a pressing concern for the legal industry and will continue to have far- reaching impacts on legal professionals. The stark reality is that the demand for court reporters exceeds the available supply, exacerbated by an insufficient influx of new stenographers to replace those retiring. And this condition will continue to get worse as time goes on. Consequently, the shortage has left law firms struggling to secure trained stenographers, leading to postponed proceedings and a backlog of cases, negatively affecting the judicial system. In light of these complexities, exploring innovative solutions, such as digital court F E A T U R E S

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