Digital Reporting Is Rising, and It Is Critical for Access to Justice
At Access Transcripts, we have seen firsthand the growing strain on the court reporting industry. Courts, attorneys, and court reporters alike are feeling the effects of a shrinking workforce, rising costs, and delays in transcript production. A new report confirms what many of us have been experiencing and makes a strong case for embracing digital reporting as part of the solution.
The 2025 Court Reporting Industry Trends Report, released by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT), outlines the serious challenges facing our legal system and how digital reporting can help.
The Problem: A Shrinking Workforce
According to the report:
The number of stenographers has dropped by 21 percent over the past decade.
There are now only 23,000 stenographers nationwide, and that number continues to fall.
Enrollment in stenography programs has decreased by 74 percent, and nearly half of those programs have closed.
This is not just a staffing issue. It affects the courts' ability to provide timely and accurate transcripts and protect the rights of all participants in the legal system. As AAERT Executive Director Matt Riley stated, "This labor shortage is more than a workforce issue; it is a growing constitutional crisis."
The Solution: Embracing All Methods of Capture
The report emphasizes that digital court reporters are a reliable and scalable solution. They receive specialized training, earn certification, and use current technology to produce accurate transcripts.
Key findings from the report:
76 percent of legal professionals say scheduling difficulties are their biggest challenge.
55 percent report that increased costs make court reporting services harder to access.
Certified digital reporting is seen as a proven solution that keeps pace with demand while delivering quality.
In fact, 96 percent of respondents said accuracy is the most important performance indicator. Certified digital reporters consistently meet this expectation.
A Call to Action
The report does not call for replacing stenographers. Instead, it urges the legal industry to take a collaborative approach that includes all certified methods of court reporting, such as stenographic, digital, and voice writing.
The report recommends that stakeholders:
Remove restrictions on digital reporting
Expand access to certification and training programs
Modernize systems to support a variety of reporting methods
You can read the full report and summaries here:
Where Access Transcripts Stands
At Access Transcripts, we work with AAERT-certified transcriptionists and support the growth of certified digital reporting as a professional and necessary part of the court reporting field. Our commitment is to produce transcripts that are timely and accurate, no matter the method used to capture the record.
We believe that the future of court reporting must include all qualified professionals. By doing so, we protect the quality of the record and ensure that the legal system continues to function effectively.
If you are ready to work with a team that understands the legal field and adapts to meet its evolving needs, reach out to us today.
