Lanice L. Smolar focuses her practice on civil defense litigation and creditors’ rights, with particular emphasis on banking, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, first-party insurance, health care law, insurance defense, and medical malpractice. Known for her strategic mindset, meticulous case preparation, and dedication to delivering practical, cost-effective outcomes for her clients, she brings over a decade of diverse legal experience to Elam & Burke.
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Lanice earned her Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 2012, after completing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Faulkner University. She began her legal career in Florida, where she gained early experience in civil litigation. In 2015, she returned to Mobile and expanded her practice, focusing on insurance defense, workers compensation defense, bankruptcy and family law matters. In 2024, Lanice relocated to Boise, Idaho, where she continues to grow her practice.
Her litigation practice includes defending clients in a wide range of liability claims, including trucking accidents, premises liability, motor vehicle collisions, and UM/UIM coverage disputes. Lanice also represents health care professionals and institutions in medical malpractice and professional liability claims, bringing a focused, defense-driven approach to high-risk litigation in the health care sector. She has managed all phases of litigation—developing case strategy, drafting motions and briefs, conducting and defending depositions, participating in mediations and trial.
In addition to her defense litigation practice, Lanice regularly represents secured and unsecured creditors in both bankruptcy and state courts. She has handled adversary proceedings, collections, and complex Chapter 11 matters, often serving as local counsel for national clients. Her work in banking law and creditors’ rights is informed by a deep understanding of both litigation dynamics and the regulatory landscape. Lanice’s ability to integrate a defense-oriented approach across civil and commercial disputes makes her a valuable asset to Elam’s litigation and bankruptcy teams.
Outside of her legal career, Lanice enjoys spending time with her husband, Chad, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, their children, and two dogs. Together, they love hiking, camping, and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Idaho.
