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 standard for professional recognition in this legal niche. This credential was recently earned by two paralegals at the law firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless, Carissa Swalls and Holly Hinds, who attended the ATAA Symposium in Austin, Texas, from September 18 to 20, 2025, where they sat for the certification exam. As of October 16, 2025, both are officially Board-Certified by the ATAA in Trucking Litigation, marking a significant milestone in their professional development and the field's specialization.

This certification serves as formal proof of a paralegal's experience and comprehensive knowledge of truck accident law, providing tangible evidence of their expertise to clients seeking representation in complex commercial vehicle cases. The rigorous certification process requires candidates to document substantial experience handling truck accident cases and pass a comprehensive examination covering information an advanced paralegal in this specialized field should know. The establishment of this certification program addresses the growing need for standardized qualifications in an area of law that involves complex regulations, multiple liable parties, and significant potential damages.

Craig, Kelley & Faultless is now 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 commercial vehicle litigation. This dual certification status positions the firm uniquely in the legal marketplace, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to handling cases involving semi-trucks, heavy trucks, buses, and other commercial motor vehicles. The firm's investment in certification aligns with broader industry trends toward specialization and credential verification in legal services.

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 supports the firm's mission to offer the best possible representation to victims of commercial motor vehicle accidents, who often face well-resourced corporate defendants and insurance companies. Additional information about the firm's approach to specialized representation can be found on Facebook or on LinkedIn, though these platforms primarily serve informational purposes rather than direct client communication channels.

The creation of this paralegal certification program by ATAA represents an important development in professional standards for legal support staff in the trucking litigation field. By establishing clear criteria for expertise verification, the program enhances client confidence in legal teams handling these technically complex cases while providing paralegals with recognized credentials that validate their specialized knowledge. As more paralegals pursue this certification, it may influence hiring practices, case assignment protocols, and ultimately the quality of representation available to clients involved in commercial vehicle accident litigation nationwide.