In the dynamic world of court reporting, stenography continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate and timely legal documentation. At Quinn’s Reporting, we remain committed to leveraging this time-honored skill alongside emerging technologies to deliver exceptional services. As we move through 2025, the industry faces ongoing challenges like workforce shortages, but also exciting opportunities through innovation. This blog post explores the most recent news in stenography and court reporting, highlighting key trends, events, and solutions that are shaping the future.
The Persistent Stenographer Shortage: A Decade-Long Challenge
The court reporting industry is grappling with a significant shortage of stenographers, a issue that has intensified over the past decade. Recent reports indicate a staggering 42% decline in stenography schools and a 74% drop in enrollment, contributing to an aging workforce where 81% of stenographers are over 50 years old. This trend is driven by retirements outpacing new entrants, with projections showing the shortage worsening as more professionals exit the field.
In California, for instance, trial courts have implemented incentives to recruit and retain reporters, with about 91.4% of courts using such measures between January 2023 and March 2025. Nationally, organizations like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) are addressing this through educational initiatives and scholarships. Just this month, on August 11, 2025, NCRA announced Erica McQuillen, RDR, CRR, as the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship, underscoring efforts to support aspiring stenographers.
At Quinn Reporting, we recognize these challenges and have adapted by maintaining a team of highly skilled, certified stenographers who provide reliable services despite industry-wide constraints.
AI’s Growing Role: Complementing, Not Replacing, Stenography
Amid the shortage, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key player in court reporting. AI-powered digital reporting tools are helping bridge gaps by offering real-time transcription and enhanced efficiency, particularly in handling routine tasks. However, experts emphasize that AI serves best as a complement to human stenographers, who excel in capturing nuances like accents, interruptions, and context that technology often struggles with.
Innovations in stenography itself are also on the rise, with advancements in computer-aided transcription (CAT) software and hybrid systems integrating AI for faster turnaround times. The National Court Reporters Foundation recently announced its 2025-2026 trustees at their National Conference & Expo, focusing on technology integration to support stenographic professionals.
This balanced approach ensures accuracy remains paramount, aligning with Quinn Reporting’s use of AI-enhanced tools for services like video depositions and keyword indexing, all overseen by experienced stenographers.
Celebrating the Profession: Events and Community Efforts
Earlier this year, the 2025 Court Reporting & Captioning Week, held in February, celebrated the stenographic profession with events highlighting its viability and contributions. Organized by NCRA, this weeklong initiative showcased aspects like real-time captioning and career opportunities, aiming to attract new talent.
Community outreach continues through groups like Project Steno, which promotes stenography via scholarships and awareness campaigns to build a pipeline of future reporters. These efforts are crucial in countering the narrative of decline and emphasizing stenography’s enduring value.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth
As 2025 progresses, the court reporting world is at a crossroads, with stenography evolving through technology and education. While shortages pose hurdles, innovations like AI and hybrid models offer promising paths forward. At Quinn’s Reporting, we’re equipped to navigate these changes, providing verbatim transcripts, real-time services, and customized solutions for depositions, trials, and more.
If you’re facing legal proceedings and need dependable stenography expertise, contact Quinn’s Reporting today. Our blend of tradition and technology ensures your records are protected—let’s secure your future together!