The Unsung Heroes of Court Reporting – Still Standing Strong Past 65

In a world where the average American worker eyes retirement at 65, a unique and determined group of professionals defy the trend. They are the veteran court reporters—many in their late 60s, 70s, and even pushing 80—who continue to transcribe the wheels of justice with relentless dedication, sharp skill, and a passion that refuses to wane. Often overlooked, these seasoned stenographers are the very backbone of an industry that was once predicted to face a severe shortage by now. And yet, the crisis hasn’t fully materialized—not because the predictions were entirely off, but because these professionals never left.

The 2013/2014 Ducker Worldwide study once warned of a looming shortage in court reporters due to aging professionals and a lack of new entrants into the field. While the study was insightful in many respects, it missed one critical point: court reporters don’t retire at 65. In fact, many of them keep going well into their 70s—and some until their final days—simply because they love the work, they’re still good at it, and, frankly, the industry still needs them.

Let’s take a closer look at the real lives behind the aging hands that keep our legal records intact.

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Still Writing, Still Thriving

“I’m not interested in, nor in a financial position to retire,” says one veteran reporter. “And there aren’t human replacement reporters available. We’re the last of a dying breed, and I’d like to just stick around and go down with the ship.”

This sentiment is echoed across the board. There’s no mourning here—just gritty endurance and pride. These individuals don’t view themselves as clinging to relevance. They see themselves as essential, seasoned, and skilled.

Another reporter puts it simply: “I am going to be working until I’m in my 80s. I’m hoping to get another good 20 years out of this. Though I’m not feeling like a fossil yet, it’s insane that I’m now consistently the oldest one in these proceedings. And that happened literally overnight.”

A third shares with laughter, “I’ll be scoping all day today from a comfy recliner. How many people can say they can do that and make money? I’ll probably be going down with the ship too!”

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A Job That Evolves with the Times

Thanks to remote work, the landscape of court reporting has changed significantly, making it more sustainable for older reporters to remain active.

“I’ll be 74 in another month and I still work two days from home remotely,” one veteran shares. “I hope to do it for at least another couple of years, as long as my health and stamina hold up.”

Others note how tools like Zoom have extended their careers. “Remote changed everything,” a 62-year-old reporter explains. “Maybe not full time, but I’ll keep on plugging. I’m going ‘til these hands can’t move.”

Remote reporting has reduced the physical demands of commuting and made it possible for older reporters to scale back without stepping out. As one 70-year-old proudly puts it, “I can still handle three jobs a week—and I still love it. Honestly, I don’t really want to retire.”

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Seasoned, Sharp, and Still Proud

The value of experience in court reporting cannot be overstated. Many of these professionals have worked for over five decades and, by their own admission, feel like they’re at the peak of their careers.

“I have been reporting 45 years,” one says, “and I feel like I am at the peak of my career. I no longer give a [hoot] because I know how good I am. I’m going to milk this job for as long as my body holds up!”

Another veteran, at 70, echoes a similar tone: “I told myself 70 was my cutoff. Well, I’ll be 71 in a few months and I’m still going. You know what? You’ll know when enough is enough. Until then, I’m grateful this business still needs me.”

One 77-year-old tops the list: “I WIN! I’ll be 78 in November and still take three jobs a week—sometimes back-to-back all-dayers. Yes, it tires me out, but I enjoy getting out, hearing people’s stories, and working with attorneys I really like. I guess I’ll keep doing it until I lose my concentration.”

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Passion and Pride

For many, retirement is not the dream—continuing to do meaningful, fulfilling work is. And that’s what court reporting provides.

A 67-year-old reporter reflects with humor and dignity: “I like the people. The cases are interesting. I think when they see me, they act better—like I’m their mom or grandma. They probably figure with my gray hair and still working, I must be good at my job. I always like seeing older workers do repairs on my house. In fact, I’ve been known to say, ‘Send a plumber with some whiskers!’ I’ve got whiskers now too.”

This career, for many of them, isn’t just a job—it’s part of their identity, a source of pride and purpose.

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Holding Up the Profession

These over-65 reporters are doing more than just extending their personal careers—they are holding up the profession itself. The anticipated shortage of court reporters hasn’t hit quite as hard, largely because these professionals never left.

They are the reason courtrooms, depositions, and hearings continue to run smoothly. They are the bridge between generations, the mentors, the institutional memory, and the iron will behind the stenograph.

One reporter sums it up with a smile: “This ship is getting more and more crowded by the day.” And that’s a good thing.

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Final Thoughts

The next time you hear the rhythmic tapping of a stenograph machine, consider this: the person behind that machine might have been doing this work for 50 years or more. They’ve transcribed murder trials, family disputes, corporate scandals, and legislative sessions. They’ve seen it all, heard it all, and written it all down—word for word.

They are not fossils. They are cornerstones.

In a profession facing technological shifts and workforce changes, it’s these steadfast veterans—working in their recliners, logging into Zoom, commuting only five miles from home—who are keeping the courts running and the record intact.

The court reporting profession owes a standing ovation to its elder statespeople. They are the unsung heroes whose enduring devotion and incredible stamina have kept the wheels of justice spinning.

And they’re not done yet.