Like most jurisdictions, Oklahoma courts are facing a severe shortage of certified shorthand reporters. Demand for court reporters in our 77 county courthouses remains constant, but the supply of trained professionals is dwindling. According to the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), the average age of current court reporters is 55 years old, and the association estimates there is a shortage of 5,000 court reporters in the United States. Coupled with nearing retirement and opportunities in the private sector, the supply of newly trained reporters cannot keep pace with the need in the public sector. There is no “quick fix” to this problem; however, our courts and local educational institutions are working to promote opportunities and programs in court reporting.

As of April 1, there were 64 court reporter vacancies across the state. The majority of these positions are in rural counties that currently have no court reporters on staff. Without the ability to make an official record of proceedings, delays are inevitable, and access to justice is impacted.

To address the current need for certified reporters in our county courtrooms, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has authorized the implementation of the Oklahoma Reporter Bank. This permits full-time official court reporters to serve in a temporary capacity outside the administrative district where the reporter routinely works. The “visiting reporter” may serve for trials, evidentiary hearings and other proceedings where a court reporter is needed, whether virtually or in person. To access the bank, the judge presiding over the matter or the judge’s bailiff sends a request to the coordinator of the Oklahoma Reporter Bank with information including the date(s) needed, the type of case, the matter to be heard and whether the reporter needs to be in person or may be virtual. Priority will be given to felony matters, including preliminary hearings and jury trials.

If you are an attorney and need a court reporter for a matter, you should timely make your request to the judge presiding over the case in compliance with court rules and with sufficient notice that a reporter may be requested by the judge and then assigned to your matter by the bank. Oklahoma is fortunate to have experienced and dedicated official court reporters serving our state courts. They are making a difference and filling a very real void by willingly making themselves available where needed via the Oklahoma Reporter Bank.

Ms. Hendryx serves as OBA general counsel.