Preparing for future workforce needs

Staffing shortages, rising caseloads, and court delays are pressing challenges for state courts today. At the same time, emerging technologies — particularly artificial intelligence (AI) — offer new opportunities to ease workloads and better serve the public.

During "Exploring the Effects of AI and Generational Shifts in the Workforce," experts Jen Leonard, David Slayton, and Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas discuss how courts are adapting to challenges while highlighting key trends, real-world examples, and practical steps forward. 

Watch the full webinar

What the data tells us

Our panelists see two trends shaping the future of courts:

• The rise of generative AI
• Significant shifts in the workforce, including shortages, retirements, and new expectations from younger generations

These trends, along with others outlined in Figure 1, are converging at a critical time — forcing courts to rethink how they deliver services, manage caseloads, and support their teams.

AI is here – and court leaders are paying attention

According to "Staffing, Operations and Technology: A 2025 survey of State Courts" from the Thomson Reuters Institute, survey results show that 91% of respondents expect AI to have at least a moderate impact on court operations, with many anticipating it will be highly or even transformatively influential. Only 9% said it wouldn't have an impact at all.

While many court leaders and staff see AI's potential, most are proceeding with caution. Their top concerns include:

• Cybersecurity and data privacy
• Misinformation and bias in AI-generated content
• Overreliance on automated tools instead of human judgment

Despite these concerns, courts aren't shying away from AI — they're actively looking for the right tools, training, and policies to implement it responsibly and effectively.

"Only 25% of court systems have offered AI training. The best way to address concerns is through education and exposure — even if it's just getting familiar with how the technology works. Court staff must take that step to embrace AI responsibly and confidently, so it can support justice rather than hinder it." 
— Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, New York State Unified Court System

Staffing shortages straining court operations

More than 70% of survey respondents reported staffing shortages in the last year, and 61% expect shortages to continue. These gaps are hitting every level — from courtroom clerks to interpreters to court reporters.

At the same time:

• 45% of survey respondents report growing caseloads and increasing case complexity
• 20% report delays in more than 30% of cases
• Over half say they're working more than 45 hours a week and still can't keep up

"I don't think it will surprise anyone familiar with the courts that resources are consistently stretched thin. I've said before, there's probably not a court anywhere — in this country or the world — that believes it has too much funding or staff, or too little work to do. What we're seeing now are staffing shortages, with many court employees working extra hours and feeling overwhelmed."  
— David Slayton, executive officer/clerk of court, Superior Court of Los Angeles County

Many courts are also experiencing a wave of retirements among experienced staff — those who hold deep institutional knowledge. Replacing them is challenging due to limited talent pipelines, public sector pay limitations, and competition from the private sector.

Despite these pressures, only 1% of survey respondents identified hiring as a top operational priority, revealing a disconnect between workforce needs and resource planning.

How courts are adapting 

To ease pressure from staffing shortages and rising caseloads, some courts are turning to AI tools that reduce manual workload and support day-to-day operations. 

Real-world applications include:

• Automating document summarization and redaction
• Streamlining scheduling and case processing
• Providing self-service tools for the public, such as jury duty rescheduling
• Translating and transcribing virtual hearings in real time

But successful innovation isn't just about adopting technology — it's also about preparing the people who use it. As Gen Z and millennials enter the court workforce and baby boomers and Gen X employees retire, courts face a widening gap in institutional knowledge and tech readiness.

While younger staff may be comfortable with digital tools, they still need guidance in areas like court culture, critical thinking, and ethical use of AI. Likewise, experienced staff often need support and training to confidently use new systems. Cross-generational learning, inclusive onboarding, and continuing education are essential for future-ready court teams.

"The myth of a fully AI-literate generation is just that — a myth. Everyone needs hands-on training and space to learn ... We're in the first inning of a long game. Now is the time to experiment, learn, and lead with intention." 
— Jen Leonard, founder and CEO, Creative Lawyers

Preparing for a human-first, AI-forward future

AI is not about flashy technology — it's about solving real problems in ways that support people. When used responsibly, AI can help courts reduce backlogs, assist self-represented litigants, and give staff more time to focus on meaningful work.

But courts must proceed with care. AI should never replace human decision-making. Instead, it should be guided by strong values: fairness, accuracy, transparency, and impartiality. Protecting data security and recognizing potential bias are essential to maintaining public trust.