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As part of Scheef & Stone’s Women’s Equality Day Spotlight Series, we asked our women attorneys to reflect on the people, experiences, and perspectives that have shaped their careers. Heather Kay shared insight into the women who have influenced her professional journey, what women bring to the practice of law, and the importance of appreciating each stage of a legal career.

For Heather, inspiration can be found close to home.

Heather credits the women attorneys at Scheef & Stone as an ongoing source of inspiration and, for Heather, being a woman in law brings a valuable perspective to the profession.

“Being a woman lawyer is advantageous because we naturally know how to juggle the various facets of life,” she says. “We also bring a varied mindset to the practice of law.”

Her family initially influenced Heather’s path to practicing law. Growing up in a family of service members, she was drawn to the public-service aspect of the legal profession. Although she ultimately pursued private practice, she found a different way to serve others through her work.

Today, Heather practices in banking and real estate law, helping businesses grow through the transactions she handles. She also finds satisfaction in seeing the results of that work come to life.

“It is also enjoyable to see a client’s or a client’s customer’s project come to fruition,” she says.

For Heather, a successful career also means recognizing that professional life comes in seasons.

“The practice of law is never consistent, so take time to enjoy the slow times and truly appreciate the little things that life has to offer.”

Her advice speaks to the importance of perspective, not only in building a legal career, but also in making time to appreciate the people and experiences along the way.

Heather’s story reflects the value of mentorship, collaboration, and bringing different perspectives to the legal profession. As Scheef & Stone recognizes Women’s Equality Day, her perspective offers another look at the many ways women contribute to the practice of law and to the communities they serve.

As part of Scheef & Stone’s Women’s Equality Day Spotlight Series, we asked our women attorneys to reflect on the experiences, challenges, and lessons that have shaped their careers. Shirley Rose shared a remarkable journey that spans continents, historic achievements, and decades of perseverance.

Her story is one of determination, resilience, and remaining authentic in the face of obstacles.

On April 12, 2000, Shirley became the youngest person ever admitted as a Barrister of the High Court of South Africa—a distinction she believes she still holds today. Years later, in 2017, she was appointed as an Acting Judge of the High Court of South Africa, becoming one of the youngest women to serve in that role.

While those accomplishments are significant milestones, Shirley’s path was not without challenges.

“When I began my career, I was one of the first female barristers,” Shirley recalls. “I was outright told that women were never meant to be at the bar.”

Rather than allowing those attitudes to define her future, Shirley used them as motivation.

“I always knew I would have to work harder and smarter to get ahead, and through unyielding determination and hard work, I soon outpaced the males that looked down on me and became an opponent they feared.”

For Shirley, one lesson has remained constant throughout her career:

“One advantage you have over anyone is time. If you put in the time and the effort, you can do anything.”

Throughout her professional journey, Shirley benefited from the guidance of mentors who helped shape her development as an advocate and leader. She credits Judge Allan Horwitz, Judge Brian Spilg, and Lucas van Tonder S.C. as influential figures during her years practicing in South Africa. After relocating and beginning her legal career in Texas, she found support from Scheef & Stone attorneys Kate Valent and Brent Kugler.

“When I started practicing in Texas, Kate Valent and Brent Kugler took me under their wings and showed me the local ropes. I will forever be grateful to them.”

When asked what advice she would give to young women entering the legal profession today, Shirley’s answer is both practical and empowering.

“Embrace who you are and play to your strengths. Do not try to be like a man. Stand in your feminine power and support the women around you.”

Her perspective on work-life balance is equally candid.

“Balance? What is that?” she jokes.

Shirley acknowledges that her career required significant commitment and that her path may not look like everyone else’s.

“I married very late in life and never had children because I was always too focused on my career. In hindsight, I would not change a thing.”

For Shirley, success is not about following someone else’s definition of fulfillment.

“Not all of us have to follow the same path, and that’s okay, as long as it is what you choose. Do not feel pressured to do anything that is not authentic to you simply because everyone else is doing it.”

She also emphasizes the importance of intentionally making time for the people and priorities that matter most.

“The only way I have found to be effective is to block off time in my calendar just as I would for a business meeting. Remember, what you give attention to grows, and the only one who should be deciding where your attention goes is you.”

As Scheef & Stone recognize Women’s Equality Day, Shirley’s story serves as a reminder that meaningful progress is often achieved by those willing to challenge expectations, persevere through adversity, and remain true to themselves along the way.

As part of Scheef & Stone’s Women’s Equality Day Spotlight Series, we asked our women attorneys to reflect on the experiences, perspectives, and lessons that have shaped their careers. For Jane Taber, one of the most important lessons is what separates a good lawyer from a great one.

The legal profession is filled with talented attorneys. Lawyers spend years developing their legal skills, gaining experience, analyzing complex information, and learning how to advocate effectively for their clients. But, as Jane has previously shared, technical ability alone does not make someone a great lawyer.

For Jane, three qualities stand out: compassion, assertiveness, and creativity.

Compassion: Understanding the People Behind the Problem

Jane believes that great legal representation begins with genuinely wanting to help solve a client’s problem.
Compassion, she explains, requires a lawyer to focus on how others feel and to understand perspectives that may differ from their own. That includes not only clients but also opposing counsel and other parties involved in a matter.

By understanding the positions of everyone at the table, Jane believes a lawyer can better anticipate what each person may do next and take steps that serve the client’s best interests.

For Jane, compassion is not separate from effective advocacy. It is part of it.

Assertiveness Without Aggression

Jane also emphasizes the difference between being assertive and being aggressive.

An assertive lawyer can clearly express an opinion, advocate for a position, and make herself heard while remaining professional and respectful of others. An aggressive approach, by contrast, can undermine trust and make it more difficult to understand opposing perspectives or find workable solutions.

For Jane, effective advocacy does not require disregarding other viewpoints. Instead, it requires listening carefully while confidently advocating for the client.

Creativity in Finding Solutions

The third quality Jane identifies is creativity.

No two clients, legal matters, or sets of circumstances are exactly alike. A strategy that works for one client may not be appropriate for another. Great lawyers, Jane believes, must be willing to look at a problem from multiple angles, understand what their clients want, consider the interests of others involved, and develop solutions that address the circumstances at hand.

That kind of creative problem-solving requires all three qualities to work together: compassion to understand the people involved, assertiveness to advocate effectively, and creativity to develop a practical path forward.

Jane’s perspective offers a broader view of what it means to practice law well. Legal knowledge and experience are essential, but great advocacy also requires understanding people, listening with intention, respecting different perspectives, and approaching each challenge with a willingness to think creatively.

As Scheef & Stone recognizes Women’s Equality Day, Jane’s perspective serves as a reminder that the qualities that define strong leadership in the legal profession extend well beyond technical skill. They are also reflected in how lawyers listen, advocate, solve problems, and work with others.

As part of Scheef & Stone’s Women’s Equality Day Spotlight Series, we asked our women attorneys to reflect on the experiences, relationships, and lessons that have shaped their careers. For Partner Kate Valent, one theme stood above the rest: gratitude.

As Kate reflects on her journey from associate to equity partner at Scheef & Stone, she credits the many mentors, colleagues, and friends who invested in her growth along the way.

“I am grateful to my partners and colleagues at Scheef & Stone for supporting my growth from associate to equity partner. There are so many people to thank that it is hard to know where to begin.”

She is especially thankful for the mentorship, friendship, and patience of Scheef & Stone attorneys C. John Scheef III, Jim Pikl, and Mitch Little, whose guidance played an instrumental role in her professional development.

Beyond the firm, Kate found encouragement from accomplished women throughout the construction bar who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and support as she developed her practice. She credits Cathy Altman, Colbie Brazell, Michelle Rieger, Kristen Sherwin, and Jennifer Edgeworth for helping her navigate the profession with confidence.

One lesson has remained with her throughout her career.
Cathy Altman’s belief that “there is plenty of pie for everyone” left a lasting impression on Kate and continues to influence the way she approaches relationships within the legal profession.

“Her mindset of abundance and collaboration—rather than competition—left a lasting impression on me and influenced the way I approach relationships within our profession.”

Kate also reflects on an unexpected mentorship that grew from across the courtroom.
Although Dena Stroh was opposing counsel during Kate’s first deposition nearly 16 years ago, that professional relationship eventually developed into a mentorship and lasting friendship.

“She ultimately became a mentor and, now, a valued client whom I truly enjoy working with.”

Looking back on her career, Kate recognizes that every mentor contributed something meaningful to her professional journey.

“I am deeply thankful for each of these individuals and for the many others who have contributed to my growth, success, and enjoyment of this profession. Their generosity, support, and friendship have made all the difference in my journey.”

As Scheef & Stone recognizes Women’s Equality Day, Kate’s story serves as a reminder that meaningful careers are built not only through hard work and determination, but also through the generosity of mentors who are willing to share their knowledge, encourage others, and create opportunities for the next generation of attorneys.

Today, we welcome Brendan Bell back to the firm as a Law Clerk in its Dallas office. Brendan will join the firm on August 17 while awaiting the results of the Texas Bar Exam later this fall.

Brendan previously served as a Law Clerk with Scheef & Stone, where he gained valuable experience working alongside the firm’s attorneys and developing a strong understanding of the firm’s collaborative and client-focused approach to legal services.

A graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law, Brendan returns to the firm as he prepares to begin the next stage of his legal career. The firm looks forward to supporting him as he continues his professional development and contributes to the Dallas office.

Please join us in welcoming Brendan Bell back to Scheef & Stone and wishing him success on the Texas Bar Exam.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to host the inaugural Mackrell International Marketing & Business Development Summit, taking place September 1–2, 2026, in Frisco, Texas.

The Summit will bring together legal marketing professionals, business development leaders, and attorneys from Mackrell International member firms for two days of collaboration, peer learning, and relationship building. Designed specifically for professionals responsible for advancing their firms’ marketing and business development initiatives, the event will provide a forum for participants to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and explore practical approaches to supporting client growth across an international legal network.

Mackrell International is a global network of independent law firms committed to providing clients with trusted legal counsel across jurisdictions while maintaining the personal relationships and responsiveness that characterize independent firms. As businesses increasingly operate across state and international borders, collaboration among member firms has become an important component of delivering seamless client service.

Recognizing the evolving role of legal marketing and business development professionals, the Summit was created to encourage meaningful conversations among those responsible for helping firms strengthen client relationships, develop strategic initiatives, and support attorneys in an increasingly competitive legal marketplace.

Over the course of two days, attendees will participate in networking opportunities, facilitated discussions, expert presentations, and collaborative sessions focused on topics including marketing strategy, business development, client experience, cross-firm collaboration, and emerging trends affecting the legal industry. The program has been intentionally designed as a smaller, discussion-oriented gathering that encourages active participation, practical knowledge sharing, and meaningful professional connections.

Rather than a traditional conference format, the Summit emphasizes conversation and collaboration among peers. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss successful initiatives within their own firms, and learn from colleagues who face many of the same opportunities and challenges across different markets and jurisdictions.

As a member of Mackrell International, Scheef & Stone values the relationships that strengthen the network and support clients with legal needs extending beyond a single jurisdiction. Hosting the inaugural Marketing & Business Development Summit reflects the firm’s commitment to fostering collaboration among member firms and supporting the professionals who help drive client service, strategic growth, and long-term business development.

Scheef & Stone is honored to welcome colleagues from across the Mackrell International network to Frisco and looks forward to hosting conversations that strengthen professional relationships, encourage the exchange of ideas, and support continued collaboration among member firms long after the Summit concludes.