2-20-2025 12:23am

L.A. Superior Court Reporter Shortage Continues

Lorraine Mabbett Editor

Impact of Certified Court Reporter Shortage

Consequently, hundreds of thousands of proceedings, during which significant and impactful decisions are made regarding child custody, paternity, assets, and more, go without a verbatim record every year.
The absence of a verbatim record makes it nearly impossible for an individual to appeal their case.

Efforts to address the issue iclude:

investing nearly $10 million annually to promote the field of court reporting and help retain existing Court-employed court reporters.

Up to $50,000 signing bonus for newly hired court reporters;
Up to $5,000 relocation reimbursement;
Up to $15,000 in court reporter school student loan and equipment allowances;
Up to $12,000 in retention bonuses for current full-time court reporters;
$25,000 for a finder’s fee for court employees who refer official court reporters to the court;
Floater bonuses for existing court reporters not assigned to a specific courthouse;

September 5, 2024, the Presiding Judge of the Court issued a General Order authorizing the operation of electronic recording equipment in family law, probate and civil departments in specified circumstances to protect the constitutional rights of litigants.

Courts across California, including the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, continue to experience a chronic deficit of court reporters. The Court is hiring and encourages those interested to visit the Court's Careers page for opportunities

https://www.lacourt.org/CourtReporterCrisis/HO0210.aspx