We celebrate the remarkable career and well-earned retirement of Jan Ballman, FAPR, RPR, CMRS, Principal of Veritext-Minneapolis — a leader, mentor, innovator, and true pillar of the court reporting profession. Jan’s professional journey has been marked by exceptional service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the court reporting community.

Jan began her career as a court reporter in 1981, quickly establishing herself as a trusted voice and respected professional. In 1990, she was elected President of the Minnesota State Court Reporters Association, an early sign of her leadership and her commitment to elevating the profession.

In 1993, Jan joined forces with Jayne Seward and Lisa Richardson to establish Ballman, Richardson & Seward, and later led strategic mergers that transformed the firm into Paradigm Reporting & Captioning, growing influence and service in the industry. After reporting for 20 years, she retired her steno machine in 2002 to focus fully on business leadership, mentoring others, and shaping the future of the profession.

Her leadership extended beyond her agency. Jan served with distinction on the Board of Trustees of the National Court Reporters Foundation, including a term as Board Chair, and earned the Fellowship in the National Academy of Professional Reporters (FAPR) — a distinction no other court reporter in Minnesota has attained. She has also received Minnesota’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Association of Verbatim Reporters and Captioners.

In 2018, Jan brought Paradigm Reporting into the Veritext family, where her influence has been both strategic and deeply personal. As Principal of Veritext-Minneapolis, she helped shape not only the business, but the culture — one grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and care for the reporting community.

Jan has also been a familiar and trusted voice well beyond the deposition room. Alongside long-time friend and fellow distinguished court reporter Rosalie Kramm, RPR, CRR, she co-hosted Depo Talk, bringing thoughtful conversations, humor, and decades of insight to listeners across the industry. In addition, Jan was a major contributor to The Veritext Voice, our newsletter for the partner community, where her perspective helped inform, connect, and inspire.

Her passion for education and engagement extended further through her longtime role as a webinar host and moderator for the Veritext Partner Webinar Series. Whether guiding discussions, spotlighting industry experts, or fostering meaningful dialogue, Jan had a rare ability to make complex topics accessible and every participant feel welcome.

Beyond her titles and accolades, Jan’s true legacy lies in the people she has mentored, encouraged, and championed. She has elevated standards, opened doors, and modeled what thoughtful leadership looks like — with grace, humor, and authenticity.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jan has devoted time to giving back — serving as President of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation Board of Directors, championing mentorship, supporting nonprofits, and even founding affinity groups like Legal Wine Lovers.

To colleagues, clients, and the countless reporters she has inspired, Jan not only helped shape the profession, but also nurtured a community grounded in excellence, curiosity, and camaraderie.

Jan, thank you.