CourtScribes has explained many times in these blogs that court reporters have a silent, but largely significant role in our justice system. But as we have also explained, there is such a huge shortage of them across the nation. This is especially true in the Arkansas/Louisiana/Mississippi area.

From divorce courts to murder trials to hearings on the House and Senate floors, court reporters are always in the courtroom even though you may never know who they are or what they are doing.

Their accurate record of what’s going on is helpful for lawyers, jurors, other court personnel and is especially helpful for those at risk of being incriminated while facing a lawsuit or on trial.

Why the Shortage?

Why is there such a shortage of these professionals?

“They are unaware that you don’t have to use a college degree to become a court reporter. A lot of people don’t even understand what a court reporter does,” Director of Arkansas Court Reporting Academy, Heather Pierce said.

“This career is essential no matter what sickness is out there,” Pierce said. “I hope everyone checks into it. It’s a wonderful career for anybody needing something.”

In addition, there are more people retiring and not enough people to fill these vacant positions. That’s why this organization is hoping to spread some awareness about this profession.

ARCA is having more trouble finding interested individuals in the northeast and southern parts of Arkansas.

In years past, court reporters were trained to use a notepad and pen to transcribe words being said in the courtroom as it was happening in real-time. The key to a reporters’ speed was becoming skilled using a form of shorthand.

Nowadays, reporters are trained to use a steno mask which is a hand-held microphone that they use to put over their nose and mouth.

According to ARCA, reporters could start off making between $65,000 to $68,000 per year.

“That’s good especially to not have gone to college for 4 years. That’s almost unheard of anymore,” Pierce said.

To learn more information you can visit Arkansas Court Reporting Academy website. The course is offered to anyone across the nation.

If you need court reporting services that handle digital recoding then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

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