The Upskill Battle: Courts and Employee Career Development

<p><em>Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Series March, 17, 2026, Episode </em></p><p>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.</p><p><strong> Improved Performance and Results</strong></p><p>When people keep learning, they get better at their jobs, they produce higher quality work, and are better problem-solvers.</p><p><strong>Increased Employee Engagement and Retention</strong></p><p>Employees feel more valued when they can see a future for themselves. They are more likely to stay and give their best.</p><p><strong>Organizations Can More Easily Adapt to Change</strong></p><p>Career development helps staff stay current with business trends and adjust to new roles. </p><p>Why, then, do so many organizations, including courts, struggle to implement effective career development programs?</p><p> <strong>Competing Business Priorities</strong></p><p>Career development often feels less urgent than meeting case processing targets, struggling with budget shortfalls, and dealing with unexpected events such as high-profiletrials.</p><p><strong>Limited Time and Resources</strong></p><p>Career development takes staff time, money, and structure. All are scarce resources. Training budgets are often the first to be cut in tight times. </p><p><strong>Management Mindset</strong></p><p>Not 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.</p><p><strong>Limited Internal Opportunities</strong></p><p>In smaller organizations, especially, there just aren’t many rungs on the ladder to the executive level.</p><p> This month, we are discussing courts and career development programs. Katie Hemphill wrote a terrific article in the Fall 2025 issue of the <em>Court Manager</em>. It explains why career development matters and how courts can build effectiveprograms.</p><p> <em><strong>Today’s Panel </strong></em></p><p> Katie Hempill, Consultant and Retired Federal Court Administrator</p><p>Aaron Burdick, Professional Development Manager for the Illinois Supreme Court Judicial College</p><p>Juli Edwards-McDaniel, Curriculum Developer for the National Center for State Courts </p><p>Become part of the Conversation. Submit your comments and questions to: <a href="mailto:CLAPodcast@nacmnet.org">CLAPodcast@nacmnet.org</a></p><p> </p>