Buchalter is pleased to announce that Bill Smelko has joined the firm as Partner in its San Diego office as a member of the Insolvency and Financial Law Practice Group.
“San Diego continues to be an incredibly important market for Buchalter and a key part of our long-term growth strategy,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Bill’s arrival reflects our continued investment in bringing premier talent to the office and expanding the sophisticated advise we provide to clients facing complex financial, restructuring, and litigation challenges.”
Under Bass’s leadership, Buchalter has become one of the fastest-growing law firms in San Diego. Since opening its downtown San Diego office in 2018 with just two attorneys, the office has grown organically to approximately 60 lawyers, helping drive the firm’s continued growth and strengthening its position as a leading law firm in the region.
Smelko focuses on business bankruptcy, restructuring, and corporate governance disputes, representing financial institutions, creditors, debtors, and businesses in complex insolvency matters. He advises clients on plan confirmation disputes, asset disposition issues, stay relief litigation, lease disputes, and discharge-related proceedings.
In addition to his bankruptcy and restructuring practice, Bill is an accomplished state and federal court litigator whose practice spans defending and prosecuting writs, due process claims, and constitutional and statutory rights issues. He has represented clients in insolvency matters from both creditor and debtor perspectives and has extensive experience in significant Chapter 11 proceedings nationwide. His recent representative matters include advising the stalking horse and eventual asset purchaser in the ICON Airways Chapter 11 case in Delaware and representing commercial landlords in the Saks Fifth Avenue and Sleep Number Chapter 11 proceedings.
“Buchalter’s collaborative culture, and highly-respected insolvency practice make it a natural fit for my practice,” said Bill Smelko. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to help clients address restructuring challenges and achieve practical business solutions.”
Smelko has been named among San Diego Magazine’s Top Lawyers and received a 2025 M&A Advisor Turnaround Award. Beyond his practice, he is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the San Diego Bankruptcy Forum, Lawyers Club of San Diego, and several educational and civic initiatives throughout the San Diego community.
“Bill has earned a strong reputation for helping clients navigate complex restructuring and insolvency matters and he brings a combination of experience and seasoned courtroom advocacy to our team,” said Bernard “Bo” Bollinger, Chair of the firm’s Insolvency and Financial Law Group. “We are pleased to have him on board.”
