Rachael L. Smiley

Rachael L. Smiley is a partner in Shipman’s Workout, Restructure and Bankruptcy practice and partner in charge of the firm's Dallas office. She represents debtors, creditors, and other parties in interest across all phases of the Chapter 11 reorganization process, including asset sales, plan confirmation, and post-confirmation plan administration. Clients value her practical approach to restructuring challenges and her ability to navigate complex insolvency matters with efficiency and clarity.

Rachael has nearly twenty years of legal experience and concentrates her practice on bankruptcy litigation and reorganization matters. She has significant experience litigating contested matters and adversary proceedings, including valuation disputes, claim objections, and avoidance actions. Her comprehensive understanding of the bankruptcy process allows her to guide clients through high-stakes restructuring situations while protecting their interests at every stage.

Before joining Shipman, Rachael served as Chair of the Restructuring practice at FBFK Law and previously held positions at boutique and large law firms, and an in-house position with a university hospital system.

Rachael is deeply involved in the restructuring community, serving as the current Chair and former President of the Turnaround Management Association at the global level. She is also a past Chapter President of TMA's Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter and past Chair of the Dallas-Fort Worth Network of the International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation.