2025 Court Reporting Industry Trends: What Lawyers and CRAs Need to Know

The Stenographer Shortage Is Worsening

One of the most significant findings from the report confirms what many in the industry have been experiencing firsthand: the shortage of stenographers continues to grow at an alarming rate.

Key statistics:

• 21% decline in stenographers nationally over the past 10 years.
• 63% of legal professionals agree that the stenographer shortage is a significant industry problem.
• Estimated 42% drop in stenography schools, with a corresponding 74% drop in enrollment.
• The average age of stenographers is increasing, with 81% of current stenographers aged 45 or older.

At Rev, we've been tracking this court reporter shortage closely, as it directly impacts our clients' ability to schedule proceedings and maintain case momentum. While stenographers remain the most utilized method (82% usage rate), the continuing decline points to an urgent need for complementary solutions.

Impact on Legal Proceedings and Client Service

The report highlights several concrete ways this shortage affects day-to-day operations for lawyers and CRAs:

• Scheduling difficulties: 76% of end users report challenges finding available stenographers.
• Rising costs: 55% cite increased expenses for court reporting services.
• Procedural delays: 39% experience delays in legal proceedings due to reporter unavailability.
• Increased workload: 26% note that others in the legal process must take on additional responsibilities.

These challenges directly affect client service, budget management, and ultimately, the administration of justice. For CRAs in particular, the ability to consistently staff proceedings has become increasingly difficult, threatening business stability and growth.

Accuracy Remains the Top Priority

Despite the evolving landscape, one constant remains: accuracy is non-negotiable. The report found that 96% of users cite accuracy as the most critical key performance indicator when selecting a court reporting method.

The good news? Both traditional stenographers and digital court reporters are recognized for delivering accurate transcripts. This finding validates what we've long believed at Rev — that properly trained digital court reporters utilizing advanced technology can maintain the high standards of accuracy required in legal proceedings.

Digital Court Reporting: A Vital Solution

The report highlights digital court reporting as an increasingly valuable solution to industry challenges. Digital court reporters are recognized for:

1. Matching accuracy standards: Ranked as the top benefit by users.
2. Faster delivery of transcripts: 30% of users cite this as their primary reason for choosing digital reporters.
3. Professional service: Maintaining courtroom decorum and professionalism.

As technology continues to advance, digital court reporting is positioned to play an even more significant role in maintaining the integrity of the legal record while addressing workforce shortages.

Technology as an Industry Enabler

The Coalition Industry Report makes it clear that technology will be a driving force in the future of court reporting. Two-thirds of end users have a positive view of technology's role in the industry, with both court reporting providers (52%) and users (46%) believing technology will have a "very positive impact."

The global legal technology market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2027, according to Gartner. This growth reflects the legal industry's increasing recognition that technological solutions can enhance efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Rev's Perspective: Embracing a Hybrid Future

At Rev, we've always believed that the future of court reporting lies not in choosing between traditional stenography and digital solutions, but in creating a seamless hybrid workflow that leverages the best of both worlds.

The 2025 Court Reporting Industry Trends Report confirms this approach. By combining cutting-edge technology with human expertise, agencies can create a robust process that ensures accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.

Our own data aligns with the report's findings. Rev's AI-powered transcription technology, when paired with our network of skilled human transcriptionists, consistently delivers 99%+ accuracy — meeting or exceeding the standards required for legal documentation.

What This Means for Your Organization

For lawyers and CRAs, the report's findings suggest several strategic priorities:

1. Diversify your resources: Develop relationships with both stenographers and digital court reporters to ensure coverage.
2. Embrace technology: Investigate digital solutions that can enhance efficiency without compromising quality.
3. Consider cost implications: As stenographer shortages drive up costs, budget for these increases or explore cost-effective alternatives.
4. Focus on accuracy verification: Regardless of the method used, implement quality control processes to ensure transcript accuracy.

Looking Ahead

The court reporting industry is evolving rapidly, driven by workforce changes and technological advances. For lawyers and CRAs, staying informed about these trends is essential for maintaining a competitive advantage and ensuring client satisfaction.

We encourage you to download the full 2025 Court Reporting Industry Trends Report for a deeper dive into these findings and additional insights.

At Rev, we remain committed to supporting the legal community through this transition with our advanced transcription solutions, combining the efficiency of AI with the expertise of human professionals. Together, we can ensure that the vital function of creating an accurate legal record continues uninterrupted, despite the challenges facing our industry.