The Upskill Battle: Courts and Employee Career Development

Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Series March, 17, 2026, Episode Career development is essential for both individual success and the long-term health of any organization. There are several obvious benefits to an organization having asolid career development program. Improved Performance and ResultsWhen people keep learning, they get better at their jobs, they produce higher quality work, and are better problem-solvers.Increased Employee Engagement and RetentionEmployees feel more valued when they can see a future for themselves. They are more likely to stay and give their best.Organizations Can More Easily Adapt to ChangeCareer development helps staff stay current with business trends and adjust to new roles. Why, then, do so many organizations, including courts, struggle to implement effective career development programs? Competing Business PrioritiesCareer development often feels less urgent than meeting case processing targets, struggling with budget shortfalls, and dealing with unexpected events such as high-profiletrials.Limited Time and ResourcesCareer development takes staff time, money, and structure. All are scarce resources. Training budgets are often the first to be cut in tight times. Management MindsetNot all managers feel responsible for developing their people. Some may focus on employees just doing their jobs, or worry about losing strong employees to jobs elsewhere.Limited Internal OpportunitiesIn smaller organizations, especially, there just aren’t many rungs on the ladder to the executive level. This month, we are discussing courts and career development programs. Katie Hemphill wrote a terrific article in the Fall 2025 issue of the Court Manager. It explains why career development matters and how courts can build effectiveprograms. Today’s Panel  Katie Hempill, Consultant and Retired Federal Court AdministratorAaron Burdick, Professional Development Manager for the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial CollegeJuli Edwards-McDaniel, Curriculum Developer for the National Center for State Courts Become part of the Conversation. Submit your comments and questions to: [email protected]