#United States #Dallas #Shipman Goodwin #Rachael Smiley

Shipman & Goodwin LLP Expands into Dallas, Texas

Shipman & Goodwin LLP, a prominent full-service law firm known for its expertise in restructuring and bankruptcy, has made significant strides in expanding its operations by opening a new office in Dallas, Texas. This expansion is marked by the strategic addition of two renowned attorneys specializing in restructuring—Rachael L. Smiley and Megan F. Clontz.

With this recent move, the firm aims to bolster its national presence and further establish itself as a leading advocate for creditors and lenders in one of the most active bankruptcy markets in the country. The Dallas office will serve as an integral base for the firm’s Workout, Restructure and Bankruptcy Practice Group, reflecting its commitment to providing exceptional legal counsel in complex restructuring and insolvency matters.

Significant Milestone in Growth

The Dallas location represents yet another milestone in Shipman's geographic growth, following its recent expansion into Boston. Leander A. Dolphin, the Managing Partner at Shipman, expressed confidence in this development, stating, “This expansion reflects our firm's ongoing commitment to strategic, thoughtful growth.” The firm is poised to provide enhanced services to clients navigating the challenges of bankruptcy proceedings, thanks to the addition of Smiley and Clontz, who bring extensive experience and regional knowledge to the table.

Profiles of the New Partners

Rachael L. Smiley

Rachael L. Smiley comes to Shipman with nearly two decades of experience in Chapter 11 reorganization work. Her background includes representing a diverse clientele involving debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, and other stakeholders in bankruptcy litigation and out-of-court restructurings. At Shipman, she will serve as the Partner-in-Charge of the Dallas office, overseeing its operations and strategic direction.

In her own words, Smiley remarked, “Shipman has been a valuable co-counsel and referral source for me in Texas restructuring matters for many years. I am excited to join this nationally recognized practice alongside fantastic lawyers I deeply respect.”

Megan F. Clontz

Megan F. Clontz focuses on business reorganizations and debtor and creditor rights litigation, offering her expertise across Chapters 7, 11, and 13 as well as non-bankruptcy insolvency issues. Clontz also joins the firm from Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC, where she had built a solid practice. Being a key component of the bankruptcy landscape in Dallas, her experience further strengthens Shipman’s capabilities in handling the intricacies of bankruptcy law.

Eric S. Goldstein, Chair of the Workout, Restructure and Bankruptcy Practice Group, praised both attorneys, stating, “Rachael and Megan are exceptional additions to our team. Their deep experience representing creditors and debtors alike will immediately enhance the depth and reach of our national practice. As distressed-asset activity continues to grow, having trusted advisors on the ground in Texas is a real advantage for our clients.”

Commitment to Client and Community

Shipman & Goodwin LLP prides itself on its dedication to clients in different sectors, including national and international public and private companies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. With the opening of the new office in Dallas, the firm is not only expanding its boundaries but is also reinforcing its mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession and the broader community.

As the firm navigates this exciting chapter of growth, it remains focused on delivering the highest level of service and achieving favorable outcomes for its clients in Dallas and beyond. For more details about their services, clients can visit Shipman & Goodwin's official website.