People

Ben Smith is the Chair of the Firm’s Foreclosure and Receivership Department and the co-chair of the Firm’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Creditors’ Rights Department. In that role, Ben represents all types of lenders, investors, and creditors in the recovery of special and defaulted assets across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. His practice covers foreclosures, receiverships, workouts, debt restructuring, bankruptcy, collections, litigation, title resolution, and tax sale defense, and he has a consistent track record of producing results for clients, often achieving full recovery. 

Ben has been at the leading edge of foreclosure law as it has evolved across all three jurisdictions, constantly adapting the firm’s Foreclosure and Receivership Department’s practices to changes in the law. He represents commercial and consumer lenders holding portfolio and government-related loans, independent investors, individual noteholders, and hard money lenders in both judicial and non-judicial foreclosures. He also has a strong track record in receiverships, working to preserve commercial and industrial property value and protect tenant and account relationships while clients determine the best path forward. 

In debt restructuring, Ben has negotiated favorable settlements, forbearance agreements, and deeds in lieu, and has used other tools that create meaningful savings and equity retention for clients. Clients also rely on him for post-recovery value maximization, including REO transactions, condo conversions, and zoning changes that have helped revitalize areas of Washington, D.C. 

Ben earned his J.D. from the Appalachian School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Natural Resources Law Journal and received the Willard Owens Award for Excellence in Community Service. Before joining Shulman Rogers, he represented large lending institutions in D.C. and Maryland and clerked for the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Community service is a priority for Ben. He volunteers with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless and serves as a counselor for the Friendship Club and Access Ministry at McLean Bible Church.