How's the climate?

[InstantReplayCSR]

I am an experienced reporter contemplating returning to freelance work in Southern California. Was just wondering what the state of things is out there in the agencies. Is there enough work? Has there been a decrease lately? Will returning to the bottom of the totem pole mean I'm relegated to only P.I. plaintiffs? Your thoughts, please.

[Judy]

Well, how about this for an answer: Do you contemplate anything worse than PI plaintiffs? Sorry for the harsh reality, but it seems like everybody that ever had a CSR license, almost got a CSR license, or even thought about getting a CSR license has decided to re-enter a market that even has some top-notch reporters shaking their heads and wondering where all the jobs went. Yes, I'm going to be the gloom-and-doom one. But I'm sure there are lots of people that will come on and "Welcome back! We missed you" response.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

Ha, ha, ha. That was funny - and so very true. I am in Florida, got RPR status in 1981, went on to legal assistant (money and security). And I am now back to building my speed and knowledge so I can get a job.

[howard stone]

I have to agree with judy.

[Mary Ann Payonk]

I took my deep breath, so here goes, and it might be a bit of a harsh reality. You asked what the state of things is out there in the agencies, and is there enough work. I'm assuming you mean for everyone, for all reporters. Uh, no. Read any atty blog and you'll find a link to Layoff Central, keeping track of firms laying off lawyers. So for entry-level reporters, I would say no. Has there been a decrease lately? Lately, you ask? NCRA has been ringing the "reporter shortage" bell for many years now, but I think if you check, 2007 was starting to slow down for many reporters. 2008 was certainly nothing to crow about. And now the bad economy is kicking our collective asses.

There is one thing I'll say to reporters who've been out of the market an dare now returning TO the market, since you asked what the state of things is out there in the agencies. Agencies know that reporters need work. And there are A LOT of those big nationwide firms ... we call them 1-800 firms ... who pay such low rates that they have a really hard time finding good reporters to work for them. Those firms, my guess, are hoping against hope that they can use the glut of reporters and shortage of work to be able to lower their page rates, thus attracting MORE work for themselves, which will happily be done by unknowing reporters who are glad to have some work instead of no work at all. They've got control over reporters now like never before.

A reporter re-entering the market with superb realtime skills is going to be able to move from a long line of reporters looking for work into a much shorter line ... but excellent realtimers probably wouldn't have left to begin with. We don't have a serious shortage of reporters, but we do have a serious shortage of quality, especially when it comes to very high-end realtime work.

M.A.
(Note, from Washington, DC, not the West Coast)

[Judy]

After looking at "your page," I notice you're currently a reporter in Los Angeles Superior Court. If I were you, I'd stay put until -- if -- things turn around, at the very least. Be happy that at least you have a full-time job with benefits.

[InstantReplayCSR]

Thank you all for your candid responses. Judy is correct, I am currently with L.A. Superior Court. After having done depos for many years, I am having difficulty adjusting to court, but probably not for the reason you would think. I am not finding it challenging enough. I am tired of writing the same plea over and over. I used to love the doctor depos. They were like a puzzle to me, and I really felt like I had accomplished something when I finished an extra hard one. My realtime skills are very good (although I don't know that I would want to report a doctor realtime!), so was thinking perhaps that would be my ticket back into the depo world without having to do the PI junk. I am just not challenged in court, and am actually missing the sense of fulfillment I got from depos. But you are also correct that I should just be thankful for the job and the benefits. I sincerely thank you for the reality check.

[Judy]

Veronica is correct. But with your experience and skill, WHEN it turns around, come on out and I'm sure you'll be as busy as you like. It's just right now I think you'll end up regretting your choice.

[Kyung]

Even if you're a woderful realtime reporter, there's no guarantee you won't end up on PI work. Sometimes PI work is really, really easy and "boring." But once in a while, you end up w/a PI job that is very complicated with multiple injuries, so much so that you think this PI job should be categorized as heavy medical.

Sometime calendar gets a call, and they have no idea what kind of job it's going to be.

So you never know. There's never a guarantee. Also, if you are "bored" w/the work in your court, maybe you can see if you can switch into a "harder" courtroom.

[InstantReplayCSR]

Good sound advice, greatly appreciated. I am particularly struck by your boring work is better than no work comment. AMEN! You gals have been great. Thanks for a much-needed attitude adjustment.