Omar Alaniz is the Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s Dallas office. Omar represents distressed companies in out of court workouts and chapter 11 restructurings and regularly advises boards of directors in developing liability management solutions. He also represents other key stakeholders in distressed situations. His industry experience includes energy, industrial, real estate, financial services, utilities, aviation, and health care. He has appeared in bankruptcy and appellate courts throughout the country, including the Texas and U.S. Supreme Courts.
Omar was recognized by Chambers USA in 2015-2022. He is described as “one of the smartest and most experienced bankruptcy lawyers.” His peers commented that “[h]e can run a case so well. He is thoughtful and creative.” He is “an excellent lawyer – incredibly intellectual and charismatic” and “a problem solver who is very practical.” A client remarked that Omar’s strengths are “excellent client focus, deep understanding of materials, attention to detail and cost-conscious mindset.”
Omar’s work and experience has garnered national attention. He was invited to join the American College of Bankruptcy and the National Bankruptcy Conference, a prestigious sixty-member group whose primary purpose is to advise Congress on bankruptcy law. He received the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Excellence at a ceremony held in the U.S. Supreme Court. He is the former Chair the Texas State Bar’s Bankruptcy Section.
Omar is passionate about mentoring the next generation of lawyers. Omar was an adjunct faculty member at SMU Dedman School of Law for several years and currently teaches a 12-week Chapter 11 course to young insolvency professionals. He coached the SMU Duberstein moot court team to 5 national championships—the most in the competition’s history.
Omar has made significant contributions to DEI matters, serving in leadership roles in DEI Committees of the American College of Bankruptcy and American Bankruptcy Institute. He is the U.S. Co-Chair of Reed Smith’s PRISM Group. He is on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation and the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. He received the Texas Lawyers’ first “Diversity and Inclusion Champion” award in 2022.