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Natalie Guevara

Scheef & Stone Hosts Author and Whistleblower Ashley Yablon for Lunch & Learn on “Standing Up to China”

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone, LLP welcomed Ashley Yablon, attorney, whistleblower, and author of Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country, to the firm on September 30, 2026, for a Lunch & Learn with members of the Scheef & Stone team.

During the program, Yablon shared the story behind his memoir and discussed his experience navigating complex questions involving corporate ethics, professional responsibility, international business, and whistleblowing.

The Story Behind Standing Up to China

Published by Brown Books Publishing Group in April 2022, Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country recounts Yablon’s experience while serving as general counsel for the U.S. operations of Chinese telecommunications company ZTE. The book follows his discovery of information concerning the company’s business with sanctioned countries and his subsequent decision to provide information to U.S. authorities. 

Yablon has described becoming an FBI informant after learning of conduct involving the shipment and re-export of U.S.-origin technology to countries subject to U.S. sanctions. His memoir examines both the professional and personal consequences of that decision. 

The underlying enforcement matter ultimately became a significant U.S. sanctions case. In 2017, ZTE pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by illegally shipping U.S.-origin items to Iran, as well as obstruction of justice and making a material false statement. The company agreed to pay approximately $892 million, with an additional $300 million penalty suspended subject to compliance with its settlement agreement.

A Conversation About Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Yablon’s presentation gave the Scheef & Stone team an opportunity to hear firsthand about the legal and ethical considerations that can arise when attorneys encounter potential misconduct within an organization.

The discussion touched on issues central to the legal profession, including corporate compliance, professional judgment, whistleblower decisions, ethical responsibility, and the challenges of advising organizations operating across international jurisdictions.

Yablon now speaks about his experience and corporate ethics in addition to his legal work. His official biography describes his work today as that of a lawyer, leader, educator, and speaker focused in part on lessons from his experience as a whistleblower. 

Scheef & Stone thanks Ashley Yablon for spending time with the firm and sharing the story behind Standing Up to China with its attorneys and team members.

About the Book: Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country was published April 5, 2022, by Brown Books Publishing Group.

             

Michael Smith Moderates Fireside Chat with U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale at Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone Partner Michael Smith moderated a fireside chat with U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale of the Sherman Division on September 29, 2026, as part of a meeting and program hosted by the Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court.

 

Held at the U.S. District Courthouse in Plano, Texas, the evening brought members of the legal community together for substantive conversation, professional development, and connection.

 

The program included a fireside discussion between Judge Truncale and Smith, as well as 0.50 hours of continuing legal education credit for attendees.

 

Scheef & Stone Team Joins the Legal Community in Plano

Scheef & Stone was well represented at the program, with team members attending from across the firm.

Attendees included:

Jessica Chapa, Abbye West, Caroline Hardy, Austin Hatton, Patrick Schurr, Michael Schofield, Jon Strain, Shirley Rose, Kate Valent, Lindie Harper, Andrea Scott, and Michael Smith.

 

The gathering provided an opportunity for attorneys and members of the legal community to engage with Judge Truncale and one another in the collegial setting fostered by the American Inns of Court.

 

The American Inns of Court bring judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals together with an emphasis on professionalism, education, mentoring, ethics, and civility within the legal profession.

 

Scheef & Stone appreciates the Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court for hosting the evening and thanks Judge Truncale for participating in the fireside conversation.

The firm is pleased to support opportunities that encourage substantive discussion, professional development, and continued connection among members of the North Texas legal community.

             

John Scheef to Chair Mackrell International Construction Law Call on Construction Damages

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone Founding Partner C. John Scheef III will chair Mackrell International’s upcoming Construction Law Practice Group Call on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, bringing together attorneys from across the international network for a comparative discussion of construction damages.

The virtual session, titled “Construction Damages: Liquidated and Remedial,” will begin at 10:00 a.m. Dallas time and will feature Christophe Shammas, Partner at Mackrell International member firm Loopstra Nixon LLP in Toronto.

Shammas will lead two principal discussion topics, followed by an open exchange of experiences and perspectives among Mackrell International members from different jurisdictions.

Liquidated Damages in Complex Construction Projects

The first discussion will examine the role of liquidated damages as a risk-allocation mechanism in construction contracts, particularly on large and complex projects involving multiple prime contracts, tiers of subcontractors, and overlapping scopes of work.

Participants will compare how different jurisdictions approach the drafting, enforceability, and flow-through of liquidated damages provisions, including considerations around allocating upstream exposure throughout the contracting chain.

Damages for Defective Work and Delayed Remediation

The second discussion will focus on the calculation of damages when defective work is identified, but remedial work is not undertaken immediately.

The conversation will compare approaches across jurisdictions to issues including repair costs, diminution in value, mitigation obligations, pre-judgment interest, and the effect of delays between discovery of a defect and completion of remedial work.

The session will conclude with an open forum, allowing members to raise additional construction law issues and suggest topics for future Practice Group meetings.

The call is open to attorneys and professionals at Mackrell International member firms and is part of the network’s ongoing Practice Group programming designed to encourage knowledge sharing and cross-border discussion among member firms.

John’s role as chair of the Construction Law Practice Group reflects Scheef & Stone’s continued involvement with Mackrell International and its global community of independent law firms.

That involvement will continue later this fall, when John Scheef and Scheef & Stone Partner Kate Valentrepresent the firm at the 2026 Mackrell International Americas Business Meeting, taking place November 13–15 in St. Louis, Missouri. The meeting will bring together Mackrell International member firms from across the Americas for business development discussions, networking, and collaboration.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to continuing its participation in Mackrell International programs that create opportunities for attorneys to exchange perspectives, strengthen professional relationships, and engage with legal and business issues across jurisdictions.

Scheef & Stone Presents Melody of Hope’s Free Music on Main in Downtown Frisco

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of Melody of Hope’s special-edition Music on Main, taking place Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the Rail District of Downtown Frisco, Texas.

The free community event follows Melody of Hope’s North Texas Giving Day campaign and offers an opportunity to celebrate the support received from donors, sponsors, and community members while bringing live music to the heart of Frisco.

Celebrating Community Through Music

Melody of Hope is a North Texas nonprofit dedicated to supporting local musicians, partnering with nonprofit organizations, and bringing communities together through live music.

 Building on the partnership previously announced in connection with North Texas Giving Day, Scheef & Stone’s presenting sponsorship of Music on Main supports the organization’s efforts to create meaningful connections through music.

 The October 17 event will feature live acoustic sets and musical performances hosted by local shops and venues throughout the Frisco Rail District.

 Attendees will have an opportunity to explore Downtown Frisco, discover local musicians, and support participating merchants while enjoying live performances throughout the district.

 The event reflects Melody of Hope’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for North Texas artists while strengthening connections among local businesses, nonprofits, and the communities they serve.

Event Details: Music on Main in Downtown Frisco

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: The Rail District, Downtown Frisco, Texas

Admission: Free and open to the public

Performances: Live music featuring local North Texas artists at participating Downtown Frisco businesses

Melody of Hope is currently finalizing the artist lineup, participating merchant locations, stage locations, and performance schedule. Additional details will be announced as the event approaches.

 Free public parking is available at the Downtown Parking Garage on 4th Street, with additional street parking throughout the Rail District. 

Continuing Scheef & Stone’s Support of Melody of Hope

Scheef & Stone’s presenting sponsorship of Music on Main builds on the firm’s relationship with Melody of Hope and its mission to bring communities together through music.

The firm’s involvement, supported by Founding Partner C. John Scheef III, reflects its continued engagement with organizations and initiatives that contribute to the North Texas community.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to joining Melody of Hope, participating musicians, local businesses, and community members for this special celebration in Downtown Frisco.

 

For additional event information, including the upcoming artist lineup, performance schedule, and participating merchants, visit Melody of Hope’s official Music on Main announcement.

Scheef & Stone Partner Michael Smith to Moderate Fireside Chat with U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone Partner Michael Smith will moderate a fireside chat with U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale of the Sherman Divisionon Tuesday, September 29, 2026, as part of a meeting and program hosted by the Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court.

The event will be held at the U.S. District Courthouse, 7940 Preston Road in Plano, Texas, and will bring members of the Inn together for an evening of conversation, professional connection, and continuing legal education.

The evening’s schedule includes a social gathering at the courthouse beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the meeting and program at 6:00 p.m. The program includes 0.50 CLE credit and will feature the fireside chat between Judge Truncale and Michael Smith.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to supporting opportunities that bring members of the legal community together for substantive discussion and professional development.

Scheef & Stone Welcomes Caleb Shetler as Law Clerk in the Frisco Office

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to welcome Caleb Shetler as a Law Clerk in the firm’s Frisco office. Caleb joins the firm on August 3, 2026, and will primarily support the firm’s Intellectual Property practice while contributing to other practice areas as needed.

Caleb recently earned his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he served as Treasurer of the Intellectual Property Student Association and contributed as a writer for The Texas Bank Lawyer. Prior to law school graduation, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics, from Texas Tech University, bringing a unique combination of legal and technical knowledge to his work.

In April 2025, Caleb became a registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), enabling him to represent inventors and businesses in patent matters before the USPTO. His experience includes patent prosecution, intellectual property research, and drafting legal documents across various stages of litigation and arbitration.

Before joining Scheef & Stone, Caleb gained experience working with the Law Offices of James E. Walton, PLLC, where he drafted and amended patent claims and specifications and responded to USPTO Office Actions involving patentability issues. He also served as an intern with Texas Tech University’s Office of Research Commercialization, evaluating invention disclosures and conducting prior art research to support patent-related decision-making. Additionally, Caleb completed an internship with the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, where he observed courtroom proceedings and assisted with legal research in support of trial preparation.

At Scheef & Stone, Caleb will primarily assist the firm’s Intellectual Property group and provide support on litigation-related matters as opportunities arise. He will sit for the July 2026 Texas Bar Examination and will actively contribute to the firm while awaiting his bar results later this year.

Please join us in welcoming Caleb Shetler to Scheef & Stone and wishing him success as he begins his legal career with the firm.

Kate Valent Officially Appointed to Leadership of the Mackrell International Women’s Group

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to announce that Kate Valent has been officially appointed to the leadership of the Mackrell International Women’s Group alongside Denisa Mikulasova of MKA Mosko in Prague. Together, they will help lead the group’s efforts to strengthen professional relationships, encourage collaboration, and support women attorneys across the global Mackrell International network.

The Mackrell International Women’s Group provides opportunities for women attorneys from member firms around the world to connect, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions on leadership, professional development, and the evolving practice of law. Through both virtual and in-person gatherings, the group continues to foster relationships that strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions and support the broader Mackrell International community.

Kate and Denisa succeed Alison Green of Mackrell LLP, who has led the Women’s Group since the pandemic. During her tenure, Alison played an instrumental role in supporting and expanding opportunities for women attorneys to connect through both online and international meetings. Scheef & Stone joins Mackrell International in thanking Alison for her dedication and leadership and wishes her all the best in her retirement.

Reflecting on their new roles, Kate and Denisa shared, “We are grateful to Alison for her dedication and the strong foundations she has built for the Women’s Group. We are looking forward to facilitating personal and professional connections for women attorneys across the Mackrell International network and encouraging greater participation in the group.”

Kate’s appointment reflects Scheef & Stone’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional leadership and meaningful collaboration within the legal community. Working alongside Denisa, she looks forward to helping create opportunities for women attorneys across the Mackrell International network to build lasting relationships, exchange ideas, and further strengthen connections across member firms around the world.

Please join us in congratulating Kate Valent and Denisa Mikulasova on their appointments and wishing them continued success in their leadership of the Mackrell International Women’s Group.

Scheef & Stone Member Mike Schofield Receives USPTO Patent Pro Bono Certificate for Volunteer Service

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to recognize Member Mike Schofield for receiving the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) 2025 Patent Pro Bono Certificate in acknowledgment of his commitment to providing pro bono intellectual property legal services.

The certificate recognizes Mike’s volunteer work through Oklahoma City University, where he provided at least 50 hours of legal services to financially under-resourced independent inventors and small businesses seeking patent-related assistance. The certificate was signed on April 24, 2026, by Kimberly C. Kelleher, Deputy General Counsel for Enrollment and Discipline and Director of the Office of Enrollment and Discipline at the USPTO.

The USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program connects volunteer patent professionals with inventors and small businesses that may not otherwise have access to legal assistance. By helping innovators navigate the patent process, participating attorneys play an important role in supporting entrepreneurship, protecting new ideas, and fostering economic growth within their communities.

Mike’s volunteer service reflects his commitment to both the legal profession and public service. Through his pro bono work, he has helped make intellectual property protections more accessible to individuals and small businesses developing new technologies, products, and innovations. His service exemplifies the meaningful role attorneys can play in expanding access to legal resources that support creativity, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.

At Scheef & Stone, we are proud to celebrate attorneys whose contributions extend beyond their legal practices and into the communities they serve. Mike’s recognition highlights the meaningful impact pro bono service can have—not only for individual clients, but also for the continued advancement of innovation and opportunity.

Please join us in congratulating Mike Schofield on this well-deserved honor and thanking him for his dedication to serving others through the practice of law.

Scheef & Stone Attorneys and Families Gather for Annual Retreat at Lost Pines

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone recently welcomed attorneys, their families, and the firm’s law clerks to Lost Pines for its annual Attorney and Family Retreat, an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen relationships, and spend time together outside the day-to-day practice of law.

The retreat featured a variety of activities designed to encourage teamwork and build connections across the firm. One of the weekend’s highlights was an Amazing Race-inspired team-building challenge, where participants worked together to complete activities that emphasized communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while enjoying some friendly competition.

While Scheef & Stone’s attorneys collaborate regularly across practice areas and offices, the annual retreat provides a unique opportunity to strengthen the personal relationships that support that collaboration throughout the year. Bringing together attorneys, their families, and the firm’s law clerks reflects the firm’s commitment to cultivating a collegial environment built on mutual respect, teamwork, and shared experiences.

The annual retreat also recognizes the important role that family support plays in the legal profession. By creating opportunities for attorneys and their loved ones to connect outside the office, the firm continues to foster a culture that values both professional excellence and meaningful relationships.

Scheef & Stone appreciates everyone who participated in this year’s retreat and helped make the weekend a success. The firm looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.

Scheef & Stone Welcomes Litigation Associate Jarred Davis to the Frisco Office

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to welcome Jarred Davis as an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Frisco office, where he will represent clients in a variety of litigation matters throughout Texas.

Jarred brings experience handling complex legal disputes across multiple practice areas, including commercial, construction, eminent domain, family, and civil litigation. His diverse background enables him to approach each matter with a practical understanding of the legal and business considerations involved while advocating for solutions that align with his clients’ objectives.

 Throughout his legal career, Jarred has managed litigation matters from initial filing through trial preparation and resolution. His experience includes conducting discovery, taking and defending depositions, appearing at hearings, negotiating settlements, and representing both businesses and individuals in a wide range of disputes.

In his professional experience, Jarred has assisted in obtaining favorable outcomes in complex litigation, including representing landowners in condemnation proceedings, defending high-value commercial claims, securing summary judgment on multiple contractual disputes, and negotiating significant settlements on behalf of clients. His litigation experience spans matters involving business disputes, real estate, construction, and infrastructure projects, providing him with a well-rounded perspective when advising clients through every stage of the legal process.

Jarred earned his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he was a recipient of the Dean’s Law Scholarship and an active member of the Business Law Society. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in History, from Siena College.

He is licensed to practice law in Texas and is a member of the State Bar of Texas Business Law, Consumer and Commercial Law, and Litigation Sections, as well as the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers.

At Scheef & Stone, Jarred’s practice focuses on litigation matters involving real estate, energy, corporate and business law, and construction disputes. His broad litigation experience and client-focused approach strengthen the firm’s ability to help businesses and individuals navigate complex legal disputes across Texas.

Please join us in welcoming Jarred Davis to Scheef & Stone.