First Board-Certification Program for Trucking Litigation Paralegals Established by ATAA

The Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) has developed the first board-certification program for paralegals specializing in trucking litigation, establishing a new credential that verifies specialized expertise in this complex area of law. This certification was recently earned by two paralegals at the law firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless, making them among the first professionals to achieve this designation. Carissa Swalls and Holly Hinds attended the ATAA Symposium in Austin, Texas, from September 18 to 20, 2025, where they completed the rigorous certification examination process. As of October 16, 2025, both paralegals are officially Board-Certified by the ATAA in Trucking Litigation, marking a significant milestone in their professional development.

This certification serves as concrete proof of a paralegal's extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of truck accident law, providing clients with tangible evidence of specialized expertise. The certification process requires thorough documentation of substantial experience handling truck accident cases, followed by passing a comprehensive examination covering information an advanced paralegal in this specialized field should master. The establishment of this certification program represents a formal recognition of the specialized skills required in trucking litigation, where cases often involve complex regulations, multiple parties, and significant damages. Craig, Kelley & Faultless has distinguished itself as one of the few firms in the country with both board-certified truck accident attorneys and paralegals, reflecting its deep commitment to specialized legal representation in this niche practice area.

The firm actively works to provide its legal team with opportunities for continuing education, systematically helping paralegals and staff build upon their expertise in truck accident law through programs like the ATAA certification. This educational commitment directly aligns with the firm's mission to offer the best possible representation to victims of semi-truck, heavy truck, bus, and other commercial motor vehicle accidents. The certification program's development by ATAA addresses a growing need for standardized qualifications in this specialized legal field, where the technical complexity of cases demands highly trained professionals. Additional information about the firm's approach to specialized representation can be found on Facebook or on LinkedIn, though the certification itself stands as an independent validation of professional competence. The creation of this certification program represents a significant advancement in professional standards for paralegals working in truck accident litigation, potentially influencing hiring practices and client expectations across the legal industry.

The implications of this development extend beyond individual career advancement to potentially raise the overall standard of representation in truck accident cases nationwide. As more paralegals pursue this certification, clients may increasingly expect this level of verified expertise when selecting legal representation for complex trucking litigation matters. The program's establishment also acknowledges the critical role paralegals play in managing the intricate details of truck accident cases, from regulatory compliance issues to evidence management and case preparation. This formal recognition through board certification provides a measurable standard that distinguishes qualified professionals in a field where specialized knowledge can significantly impact case outcomes. The achievement by Swalls and Hinds at Craig, Kelley & Faultless demonstrates how law firms are investing in specialized training to enhance their service to clients involved in commercial vehicle accidents, where the stakes are often exceptionally high due to the severe injuries and substantial damages typically involved in these cases.