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, 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 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, 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.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to serve as a Hole Sponsor for the 58th Grand Boulé Golf Championship, taking place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano, Texas.

Held in conjunction with the 58th Grand Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the Championship is one of the organization’s signature fellowship events, bringing together accomplished leaders from across the United States for a day of competition, networking, and community engagement.

The event features golf, tennis, and pickleball competitions. It is expected to welcome nearly 300 golfers, as well as hundreds of participants, sponsors, and guests representing business, law, medicine, education, public service, and other professions.

Scheef & Stone’s sponsorship is led by Partner Peter Lewis, whose involvement reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to supporting organizations that foster leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful community connections

As an Individual Hole Sponsor, Scheef & Stone is proud to contribute to an event that emphasizes fellowship, service, and collaboration among professionals from across the country. The firm’s participation aligns with its broader commitment to investing in organizations and initiatives that strengthen relationships within both the legal profession and the communities it serves.

Founded in 1904, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is recognized as the nation’s oldest African American Greek-letter fraternity. Throughout its history, the organization has brought together distinguished leaders dedicated to advancing excellence through leadership, service, and civic engagement. The annual Grand Boulé serves as the fraternity’s national gathering, with the Golf Championship providing fellowship opportunities and relationship-building among members, sponsors, and community partners.

Scheef & Stone is honored to support this year’s Championship and looks forward to joining fellow sponsors, participants, and community leaders in celebrating the spirit of leadership, fellowship, and service that has defined the Grand Boulé tradition for generations

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to once again sponsor Local Profile’s 25th Annual Women in Business Summit, taking place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Hilton Granite Park Hotel in Plano, Texas.

Presented by Bank of America, the Women in Business Summit has become one of North Texas’ premier leadership events, bringing together approximately 500 executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals for a day of thought-provoking discussions, meaningful networking, and leadership development.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this year’s Summit embraces the theme “Dream. Dare. Deliver.”, recognizing the innovation, resilience, and leadership of women making an impact across industries.

As a returning sponsor, Scheef & Stone is honored to support an event that celebrates professional excellence while fostering collaboration and advancing women in business throughout North Texas.

Leading up to the Summit, representatives from Scheef & Stone will also attend the event’s exclusive VIP Pre-Party on Thursday, September 10, hosted by Eddie V’s Plano. The invitation-only reception brings together sponsors, speakers, and VIP guests for an evening of networking and relationship-building ahead of the Summit, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow leaders from across the region.

Scheef & Stone’s sponsorship reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women, strengthen leadership, and build meaningful connections within the legal profession and the broader business community.

The firm looks forward to participating in this milestone event, reconnecting with colleagues and community leaders, and celebrating the remarkable women who continue to shape the future of North Texas.

Scheef & Stone Partner Matt Bracy recently joined host Craig Andrews on the Leaders & Legacies podcast for an in-depth conversation exploring how businesses can maximize the value of legal counsel, approach risk strategically, and build stronger organizations through thoughtful decision-making.

Throughout the discussion, Matt shares insights drawn from decades of advising businesses across a wide range of industries. Rather than viewing legal counsel solely as a resource for resolving disputes, he explains how attorneys can serve as long-term strategic advisors—helping companies identify risks early, make informed business decisions, and create lasting value.

The conversation also explores several topics that business owners and executives frequently encounter, including:

• Why many companies overpaying for legal services?
• Why do business owners often hesitate to contact their attorney before important decisions are made?
• How can strategic legal counsel help businesses proactively manage risk?
• The importance of learning how to think rather than simply memorizing answers when solving complex business challenges.
• Matt’s journey as a first-generation college graduate and how that perspective has influenced his approach to practicing law.

One of the most personal moments of the episode centers on Matt’s father, whose military service during World War II left a lasting impression on Matt’s philosophy of leadership, integrity, humility, and objective risk assessment. Those lessons continue to shape the way he advises clients today, emphasizing careful analysis, practical solutions, and trusted long-term relationships.

The episode reflects Scheef & Stone’s commitment to providing practical, business-focused legal counsel that extends beyond resolving legal issues. By helping clients think strategically about risk and opportunity, the firm’s attorneys strive to become trusted advisors who support informed decision-making at every stage of a company’s growth.

Scheef & Stone is proud to see Matt share his experience and perspective with the broader business community through the Leaders & Legacies podcast.

The firm will also be highlighting several key takeaways from the conversation across its social media channels in the coming weeks. Those interested in hearing the complete discussion can listen to Episode #279: Stop Treating Your Business Lawyer Like a Vending Machine with Matt Bracy, featuring Matt Bracy on the Leaders & Legacies podcast.

Scheef & Stone, LLP recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Marshall office with a commemorative ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, marking an important milestone in the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients throughout East Texas.

Founded by attorneys with large-firm experience, Scheef & Stone was built on the principle of providing sophisticated legal representation with a more personal, client-focused approach. Since opening its Marshall office in 2021, the firm has continued to expand its presence in one of the nation’s most significant venues for complex commercial and patent litigation while strengthening its relationships throughout the local business and legal communities.

The Marshall office is led by Michael C. Smith, whose practice focuses on complex commercial and patent litigation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. His strategic advocacy and longstanding commitment to clients have helped establish the office as a trusted legal resource for businesses both locally and nationwide.

The anniversary celebration brought together firm leadership, attorneys, community members, and representatives of the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce to recognize the office’s continued impact and growth. Attending on behalf of Scheef & Stone were Founding Partners Kelly Crawford and Bill Stone, Executive Committee Member Matt Bracy, Director of Operations Andrea Scott, Information Technology Manager Fredy Giron, and members of the Marshall office team.

During their visit, firm leadership also toured the historic federal courthouse in Marshall, reflecting on the city’s longstanding role in the nation’s patent litigation landscape and the office’s continued work in the Eastern District of Texas.

Scheef & Stone extends its sincere appreciation to the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce for hosting the celebration and to the clients, colleagues, and community partners who have supported the Marshall office over the past five years.

As the firm celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to continuing its tradition of providing practical legal solutions, exceptional client service, and meaningful engagement throughout Marshall, East Texas, and beyond.

Scheef & Stone Founding Partner C. John Scheef III recently volunteered during Healthcare Appreciation Week at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennialin Frisco, where he helped serve food to physicians, nurses, clinicians, and hospital staff during the hospital’s annual appreciation cookout.

Healthcare Appreciation Week provides an opportunity to recognize the dedication of healthcare professionals whose work supports patients, families, and communities every day. From direct patient care to the many individuals working behind the scenes, these professionals play an essential role in delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare.

As part of the Baylor Scott & White Health system, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial serves residents throughout Frisco and the surrounding Collin and Denton County communities by providing comprehensive medical services across a wide range of specialties.

For Scheef & Stone, participating in events like Healthcare Appreciation Week reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves and recognizing the organizations and professionals whose work makes a lasting impact.

The firm is proud to celebrate the dedication of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial team and extends its gratitude to all healthcare professionals for their continued service.