August 3, 2026
Willkie partner Allyson Smith has been named to Global Restructuring Review's 2026 "40 under 40," a list of the top cross-border restructuring and insolvency practitioners worldwide who are under the age of 40.
Allyson was recognized as one of the leading restructuring lawyers of her generation. She represents debtors, sponsors, official committees and other sophisticated parties in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, out-of-court restructurings and international and cross-border insolvency matters. In a Q&A profile, Allyson discussed her career path, the importance of mentoring, and the keys to success in cross-border restructurings, among other topics.
Allyson was initially drawn to the "combination of sophisticated transaction, litigation strategy, and business problem solving" when she was first introduced to restructuring during her summer associate program. "I realized early on that it was the kind of intellectually challenging, collaborative practice upon which I wanted to build a career," she said.
Allyson noted that creativity and flexibility are essential given the dynamism and complexity of cross-border restructurings: "success requires the ability to think creatively, adapt quickly, and develop value-maximizing solutions that work across jurisdictions."
She also emphasized the impact that mentors have had on her career, highlighting the ways that Ryan Blaine Bennett, Chair of Willkie’s Restructuring Group, helped her develop her skillset and leadership style.
Allyson also discussed emerging issues in the field, including how evolving capital structures and innovative liability management transactions will continue to reshape how companies address financial distress.
“At its best, restructuring is a solutions-oriented practices that helps companies navigate financial distress while achieving the best possible outcome for all stakeholders,” Allyson told GRR.
Read her full profile here (subscription required).
Allyson was recognized as one of the leading restructuring lawyers of her generation. She represents debtors, sponsors, official committees and other sophisticated parties in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, out-of-court restructurings and international and cross-border insolvency matters. In a Q&A profile, Allyson discussed her career path, the importance of mentoring, and the keys to success in cross-border restructurings, among other topics.
Allyson was initially drawn to the "combination of sophisticated transaction, litigation strategy, and business problem solving" when she was first introduced to restructuring during her summer associate program. "I realized early on that it was the kind of intellectually challenging, collaborative practice upon which I wanted to build a career," she said.
Allyson noted that creativity and flexibility are essential given the dynamism and complexity of cross-border restructurings: "success requires the ability to think creatively, adapt quickly, and develop value-maximizing solutions that work across jurisdictions."
She also emphasized the impact that mentors have had on her career, highlighting the ways that Ryan Blaine Bennett, Chair of Willkie’s Restructuring Group, helped her develop her skillset and leadership style.
Allyson also discussed emerging issues in the field, including how evolving capital structures and innovative liability management transactions will continue to reshape how companies address financial distress.
“At its best, restructuring is a solutions-oriented practices that helps companies navigate financial distress while achieving the best possible outcome for all stakeholders,” Allyson told GRR.
Read her full profile here (subscription required).
