Ruel W. Smith

A seasoned commercial litigator, Ruel focuses his practice on life, health, and disability benefits litigation, business and partnership disputes, and representation of creditors in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts. His clients include insurers, managed care organizations, commercial property owners, consumer financial services providers, and third-party debt collectors, as well as attorneys and other licensed professionals.

In his bankruptcy and creditors' rights practice, Ruel advocates for lenders, landlords, and other creditors in bankruptcy court and in state and federal post-judgment proceedings. He also defends the targets of adversary proceedings and trustee avoidance actions. Ruel also has served as Chapter 7 trustee special counsel. His employee benefits practice includes life, health, and disability litigation involving ERISA and Medicare Advantage benefit plans, with a particular emphasis on provider-payor disputes.