Nicholas J. Smeltz
Nicholas J. Smeltz
Associate
He/Him
"I strive to guide my clients through the unique challenges they face with clear, effective solutions designed to bring them closer to their goals."
Nicholas J. Smeltz
Associate
He/Him
"I strive to guide my clients through the unique challenges they face with clear, effective solutions designed to bring them closer to their goals."
About Nicholas
Nicholas helps guide lenders through the challenges of managing distressed debt and insolvency matters, including complex Chapter 11 restructurings. He draws on a deep knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code to help clients maximize outcomes in insolvency matters.
His prior experience representing Chapter 11 debtors, Chapter 7 trustees, unsecured creditors' committees, and post-confirmation trustees provides a unique perspective that allows him to anticipate and proactively address the issues lenders face.
Nicholas also assists lenders with workouts and enforcement matters.
Areas of Focus
Experience
-
Prevailed on summary judgment on behalf of a buyer of a Chapter 11 debtor’s assets, securing a ruling that certain covenants were personal in nature and not binding on the buyer.
-
Successfully confirmed a default judgment as counsel to a trust created through confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan against a guarantor of the debtor’s obligations.
Recognition
- American Bankruptcy Institute, Medal of Excellence, 2019
- Louisiana State Bar Association, Civil Code Award, 2019
- American Bar Association, Section of State and Local Government Law Award, 2019
Credentials
Education
- Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, JD, cum laude, 2019
- Spring Hill College, BA, cum laude, 2016
Bar Admissions
- Louisiana
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
- US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Thought Leadership
Publications
- "Mapping the Outskirts of the Employment and Compensation Crucible for Chapter 11 Debtors-in-Possession," Ethics and Professional Compensation Committee, American Bankruptcy Institute, March 14, 2025
Interests
Outside of the office, Nicholas enjoys spending time with his family. He likes the challenge of offshore fishing and trying (key word) to fine-tune his golf swing.
Thought Leadership
Publications
- "Mapping the Outskirts of the Employment and Compensation Crucible for Chapter 11 Debtors-in-Possession," Ethics and Professional Compensation Committee, American Bankruptcy Institute, March 14, 2025
