The Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) has established the first board-certification program specifically for paralegals specializing in trucking litigation, creating a formal process for these legal professionals to validate their expertise in this complex area of law. Carissa Swalls and Holly Hinds, paralegals at the law firm Craig, Kelley & Faultless, successfully completed this rigorous certification process, which culminated in passing the board-certification exam during the ATAA Symposium held in Austin, Texas, from September 18 to 20, 2025. Their official certification was confirmed on October 16, 2025, making them Board-Certified by the ATAA in Trucking Litigation.
This certification process is designed as a two-part system that requires candidates to first document substantial, hands-on experience in handling truck accident cases. Following this documentation, candidates must sit for a comprehensive board-certification exam that tests the advanced knowledge expected of a paralegal specializing in this field. The achievement serves as concrete proof of a paralegal's experience and deep understanding of truck accident law, directly showcasing the value of their specialized skills to the clients they assist. For more information on the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and its certification programs, visit https://www.truckaccidentattorneys.org.
Craig, Kelley & Faultless emphasizes continuing education for its legal team, actively supporting paralegals and staff in building upon their expertise in truck accident law. The firm's commitment to professional development is reflected in its status as one of the few law firms in the country to employ both board-certified truck accident attorneys and paralegals. This dual certification within a single firm is significant, as it creates a legal team with validated, specialized knowledge at multiple levels. The firm's primary focus is on representing victims of accidents involving semi-trucks, heavy trucks, buses, and other commercial motor vehicles, aiming to provide the highest quality legal representation for these complex cases.
The broader implication of this certification is the establishment of a higher standard for paralegal specialization within the niche field of trucking litigation. By creating a formal credential, the ATAA provides a benchmark for expertise that clients, law firms, and the legal community can recognize. For a firm like Craig, Kelley & Faultless, having board-certified paralegals strengthens its overall service offering, potentially leading to more thorough case preparation, a deeper understanding of regulatory frameworks like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, and ultimately, more effective advocacy for clients navigating the aftermath of serious commercial vehicle accidents. This development matters because it professionalizes a critical support role in personal injury law, where detailed knowledge of trucking industry regulations, accident reconstruction, and evidence handling can significantly impact case outcomes for victims seeking compensation.
