Expanding Nationally Recognized Workout Bench
in One of the Busiest Jurisdictions in the Country for Bankruptcy Filings

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shipman & Goodwin LLP (Shipman), a full-service law firm, today announced the firm’s expansion into Dallas, Texas, with the addition of two accomplished restructuring attorneys, Rachael L. Smiley and Megan F. Clontz. Both join Shipman’s Workout, Restructure and Bankruptcy Practice Group, further strengthening the firm’s national creditors’ rights and insolvency capabilities.

The new Dallas office marks a significant milestone in Shipman’s continued geographic growth, building on the firm’s recent expansion into Boston and reinforcing its position as a go-to firm for creditors, lenders, and financial institutions navigating complex workouts, restructurings, and bankruptcy proceedings nationwide.

“Bringing Rachael and Megan on board, and establishing our presence in Dallas, reflects our firm’s ongoing commitment to strategic, thoughtful growth,” said Leander A. Dolphin, Shipman’s Managing Partner. “Their arrival allows us to better serve clients in one of the country’s most active markets for restructuring and insolvency work, while extending our national footprint in a way that stays true to who we are as a firm.”

Smiley and Clontz join Shipman from Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC in Dallas, where both built substantial practices representing debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, and other stakeholders in Chapter 11 proceedings and related litigation, as well as out-of-court workouts and restructurings. “Shipman has been a valuable co-counsel and referral source for me in Texas restructuring matters for many years,” said Smiley. “I am honored to join this nationally renowned practice and to have the opportunity to work with fantastic lawyers I have immense respect for.”

Smiley, who will serve as the Partner-in-Charge of the Dallas office, brings nearly twenty years of experience across the full spectrum of Chapter 11 reorganization work.

Clontz is focused on business reorganizations, restructurings, and debtor and creditor rights litigation, representing clients across Chapters 7, 11, and 13 as well as non-bankruptcy insolvency matters.

“Rachael and Megan are exceptional additions to our team,” said Eric S. Goldstein, Chair of Shipman’s Workout, Restructure and Bankruptcy Practice Group. “Their deep experience representing creditors and debtors alike, combined with their standing in the Dallas legal and restructuring community, 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.”

Shipman’s value lies in its commitment to its clients, the profession, and the community. With offices throughout the Northeast region, and now in Dallas, Texas, the full-service law firm serves the needs of national and international public and private companies, educational institutions, governmental entities, non-profit organizations, and individuals. Shipman is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the firm, legal profession, and community. For more information, visit www.shipmangoodwin.com.

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SOURCE Shipman & Goodwin LLP