Certified court reporter shortage projected in Kansas
As we've reported previously on this blog, court reporting services provide individuals with a steady career that has remained financially viable over time. In Kansas, though, there could soon be an enormous demand for more candidates in the field.
According to a report from The Hutchinson News, 25 percent of the state's certified court reporters are eligible to retire within the next three years – a number that is only going to increase further into this decade. Such an exodus from the field would not only create an unusually large gap in the job market, but it would also significantly increase delays for legal procedures in the state, should the positions stay unfilled.
Currently, the Kansas Court Reporters Association (KCRA) is moving to recruit more individuals to enter the profession, in order to negate future shortages. KCRA President Coleen Boxberger has contact many of her colleagues in the organization to encourage them to reach out to potential reporters.
Meanwhile, there are many reporters working today who are eligible to retire, but have yet to do so because of the underwhelming attitudes surrounding the U.S. economy. This portion of the workforce could put additional strain on courtroom staffing, should reporters choose to retire with improving economic conditions.
"I think some people are putting off retirement because of the economic situation and expenses," Boxberger said. "We only have three open positions (in the state) now, but it usually fluctuates up to six."
The efforts that these organizations are putting toward recruiting employees shows how much need there is for certified court reporters to be at any legal proceeding. Those in the local court system are aware of how vital Wisconsin court reporters are when it comes to quickly and accurately transcribing any deposition or trial.
