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, marking a significant milestone in professional standards for legal support staff handling commercial vehicle accident cases. Carissa Swalls and Holly Hinds attended the ATAA Symposium in Austin, Texas, from September 18 to 20, 2025, where they sat for the rigorous certification examination. As of October 16, 2025, both are officially Board-Certified by the ATAA in Trucking Litigation, becoming among the first paralegals nationwide to hold this distinction.
This certification serves as concrete proof of a paralegal's extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of truck accident law, providing clients with visible assurance of specialized expertise. The certification process requires thorough documentation of substantial experience handling truck accident cases, followed by passing a comprehensive exam covering information an advanced paralegal in this specialized field should master. 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 complex truck accident cases from both attorney and paralegal perspectives.
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 aligns directly with its mission to offer the best possible representation to victims of semi-truck, heavy truck, bus, and other commercial motor vehicle accidents. The establishment of this certification program by ATAA represents a significant advancement in professional standards for paralegal services in trucking litigation, potentially influencing hiring practices, client expectations, and quality standards across the legal industry. As more paralegals pursue this certification, it may become an industry benchmark for expertise in handling the complex regulations, investigation requirements, and litigation strategies unique to commercial vehicle accidents. Additional information about the firm can be found on Facebook or on LinkedIn.
