Frances Smith

Practice Areas

Frances Smith brings more than 20 years of experience guiding businesses, creditors, and stakeholders through the challenges of bankruptcy, restructuring, and related disputes. Known for her ability to build consensus in complex matters, she advises clients in bankruptcy courts across the United States and in out-of-court restructurings.

Her work spans a wide range of industries, including energy, hospitality, retail, franchise, and agriculture. Frances has experience with bankruptcy appellate matters and has frequently written and spoken on the subject, drawing on this background as a mediator to help clients navigate complex disputes. Clients value her depth of knowledge, steady judgment, and ability to provide solutions that preserve value in high-pressure situations.

Frances began her career as a judicial law clerk before joining a national law firm where she worked on some of the country’s most significant bankruptcy cases. She later led the bankruptcy practice at a Dallas-based firm before forming her own boutique restructuring practice. Throughout her career, she has represented debtors, creditors, landlords, asset purchasers, and trustees in bankruptcy proceedings and related litigation.

In addition to her practice, Frances is actively involved in the professional bankruptcy community. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Bankruptcy Section of the State Bar of Texas. She serves on the Executive Committee of the John C. Ford Bankruptcy Inn of Court, an organization dedicated to advancing the practice through education and mentorship. A frequent speaker on bankruptcy and restructuring topics, she is recognized as a valuable resource for both colleagues and clients.

Frances’ practice is defined by her collaborative approach and her commitment to helping clients navigate financial challenges with clarity and confidence.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association - New Developments Task Force, Member

State Bar of Texas - Bankruptcy Section, Member and Past Chair

John C. Ford American Inn of Court, President

Dallas Bar Association - Bankruptcy Section Member, Past Chair

DFW Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers (DAYBL) - Sustaining Member and Past President

Clients

Defend claimant owed $49 million from fraudulent transfer litigation in In re Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC

Represent former employees and claimants in In re Highland Capital Management, LP bankruptcy case and related adversary proceeding

Represent The Huntington National Bank as Bond Trustee in In re BSPV-Plano, LLC

Represented largest mineral interest owner in the Chesapeake Energy bankruptcy case resulting in payment and determination that claim was fully secured

Represented large QSE provider in the Brazos Energy case

Represented fast food franchises in bankruptcy cases

Represented low-income housing provider in its Chapter 11 case

Represents secured lender in the bankruptcy of assisted living centers

Represents national equipment lessors in bankruptcy cases and out of court restructurings, including the reorganization of a trucking, healthcare, printing, and construction businesses

Represents national car dealership owner in successful contested purchase of assets in Chapter 11

Represented chemical company in purchase of assets in out-of-court restructuring

Represented medical equipment lessor in Chapter 11 reorganization of multi-unit emergency center

Represented car dealership in out of court restructuring

Represented owner of 264 fast-casual restaurants in its Chapter 11 reorganization

Represented franchisee of 26-unit restaurants in its Chapter 11 reorganization

Represented a regional railroad in its Chapter 11 restructuring

Reorganized a medical device development company is its Chapter 11 pre-packaged bankruptcy case

Represented unsecured creditors committee in the Chapter 7 case of a printing company

Represented real estate development company in its Chapter 11 reorganization

Represented aircraft management companies in their Chapter 11 reorganizations

Represented unsecured creditors group in the out-of-court restructuring of a printing company

Represented Eagle Drilling as a creditor in the Blast Energy bankruptcy case. Responsible for drafting substantive pleadings, witness preparation, deposition preparation, trial preparation, and acting second chair at trial

Represented purchaser in the acquisition of Pittsburgh Brewing Company, Inc. through a Chapter 11 plan. Responsible for managing case, drafting the plan and disclosure statement, working with local counsel, and negotiating claims with various creditors

Represented Americas Mining Corporation and Asarco Incorporated in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of their subsidiary. Responsible for drafting several substantive pleadings on executory contract issues in the both the main bankruptcy case and an adversary proceeding

Represented Mirant Corporation and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries in their Chapter 11 cases in Fort Worth. Mirant was an international company whose core business is the production and sale of electricity and electrical capacity

Represented of Link Energy f/k/a EOTT Energy Partners, LP in its pre-negotiated Chapter 11 proceedings, Lead Associate in post-confirmation matters. Responsible for settling, litigating and negotiating over 12,000 claims including successfully arguing at hearings on the claims

Defended oilfield services provider in preference litigation

Defended Wellspring Capital Management LLC in preference litigation in the Brook Mays Music Company bankruptcy case. Resulted in the dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice with no damages awarded to plaintiff