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Finalists Announced for 2017 Immigrant Journey Awards

By News & Events

Presenting sponsor Scheef & Stone law firm announces finalists for annual program highlighting positive immigrant achievements

Dallas, TX – May 15, 2017 – The annual Immigrant Journey Awards (IJA) have gained momentum over the last six years, as the program highlights DFW’s most influential professional immigrants. With numerous award nomination submissions for 2017, presenting sponsor and Dallas law firm Scheef & Stone is excited to announce the program finalists.

“Each year is a pleasant surprise and a rewarding outcome for everyone involved in the Immigrant Journey Awards,” said Ann Badmus, IJA Chair. “Immigrants continue to strongly impact the community, business, and the future of this country, so we are pleased to see the list of finalists for this year’s ceremony. We are honored to make their achievements and value known to the world.”

With past honorees who have emigrated from far away places like China, Mexico, Nigeria, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Taiwan, Singapore, El Salvador, and other countries, this year is bound to continue the lengthy list, spanning all corners of the map. Past and present nominees have been recognized for their significant achievements and contributions in business, education, medicine, athletics, community service, and politics.

Finalists have been nominated for the categories of Immigrant Entrepreneur, Immigrant Professional Excellence, Immigrant Spirit and Immigrant Advocate. They represent a broad scope of immigrants living in North Texas communities with roots in places like Italy, Argentina, Greece, Australia, Ethiopia, Cambodia, and India.

This year’s finalists include leaders and influencers Angela Miner, CJ Comu, Etalemahu Taddesse, Gabriela Smith, Gauthami Vemula, Giuseppe (JP) Piccinini, Juan Williams, Madan Goyal, Pithou Nuth, Ruby Bhandari, Shanthi Rajaram, and Sudhir Pai. These spirited and excellent advocates and entrepreneurs will be honored June 16, 2017, at the Immigrant Journey Awards Gala from 6:30 to 9pm at the Crowne Plaza Dallas.

“We are blessed to have made it here in this amazing country that is still today the greatest country in the world to live in,” said JP Piccinini, Founder-CEO of JP & Associates Realtors and Immigrant Entrepreneur Award finalist. “If your journey here was anything like mine, you can appreciate and understand that anything worthwhile doesn’t come easy. Take pride in your achievement. You are living the American dream, the dream we hoped to live out as children.”

The awards serve as a great opportunity to meet notable immigrant individuals who have demonstrated leadership in business or in the civic arena, as well as individuals and organizations that advocate for immigrant communities. Attendees also have the chance to network with business owners, professionals, representatives of members of Congress, international dignitaries, local civic leaders and representatives, and the media. Take this opportunity to hear keynote inspirational speaker Beatrix “Betty” Manetta, CEO of Argent and Asociar, two of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in North Texas.

Contact:
Ann Massey Badmus
Partner
Immigration Section
2600 Network Blvd., Suite 400
Frisco, Texas 75034
214.472.2161 (Direct)
214.472.2100 (Main)
214.472.2150 (Facsimile)
ann.badmus@solidcounsel.com
www.solidcounsel.com
Blogs: www.badmuslaw.com, www.physicianimmigration.com

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and dedicate themselves to going beyond the extra mile for their clients. These standards have led to strategic growth with nearly 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service commercial firm including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Scheef & Stone, L.L.P. Announces Eleven Attorneys Recognized As 2017 Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine

By News & Events

 

DALLAS – Scheef & Stone, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Partners Ann Badmus, Robert Bolton, Rebekah Steely Brooker, Byron Henry, Charlene Koonce, Tom Kulik, Mitch Little, John Scheef, Bill Stone, Shawn Tuma, and Brad Whitlock, have been selected as D Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2017. The Best Lawyers list is featured in the magazine’s May issue.

“Our attorneys strive to forge innovative solutions to build lasting relationships for our clients so I am pleased their hard work is recognized”, said Bill Stone, one of the Firm’s co-founding partners. “I’m grateful our peers and D Magazine’s editors have acknowledged our attorneys among the best lawyers in Dallas.”

The 2017 listing of the top attorneys in Dallas was determined through an extensive peer-review voting process, with ballots submitted by approximately 9,000 local lawyers. The final list of attorneys was determined by an independent panel of distinguished lawyers and the magazine’s editors. The complete list is included in the May 2017 edition of D Magazine and available online at www.dmagazine.com.

Ann Badmus’ practice consists primarily of employment and business related immigration matters, representing employers and their employees before various state and federal agencies with immigration oversight. Badmus appears frequently on national and local radio and television as a guest commentator on immigration law.

Robert Bolton has experience in the area of tax law, including estate planning and asset protection strategies to protect business and investment assets from unwarranted claims and the federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes. His practice also includes tax and business planning for partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations.

Rebekah Steely Brooker focuses her practice on estate planning and administration, probate matters, trust and asset protection planning, guardianship matters, and probate litigation. Rebekah helps her clients administer trusts and estates, and counsels clients on estate planning, charitable planning, and estate and trust management.

Byron Henry is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and centers his practice on the areas of business litigation and civil appeals. He provides advice to clients and attorneys on legal and business strategies, as well as trial support in complex civil cases in the area of experts, summary judgment, jury charge practice, and post-judgment motion practice.

Charlene Koonce prosecutes and defends commercial disputes on behalf of large and small clients. She has obtained favorable results through bench and jury trials, summary judgment, and settlement in cases involving complex international contract disputes, CGL insurance defense matters, commercial tenancy, and consumer disputes. Her practice emphasis is in federal litigation, and her experience includes extensive service as a representative of equity receivers in government enforcement cases.

Tom Kulik strategically counsels clients as outside general counsel on matters involving the evaluation, acquisition, development and protection of intellectual property rights, with an emphasis on creatively leveraging such assets both domestically and internationally. His practice focuses on intellectual property within the context of the IT transactions and computer software development/licensing.

Mitch Little counsels individuals and business organizations in state and federal courts in Texas and beyond, with an emphasis on cases involving securities fraud. Having a variety of experience dealing with victims of oil and gas promotional fraud, Ponzi schemes, and all types of investment theft, he has represented investors from all over the United States.

John Scheef’s practice is centered on commercial litigation, construction law and construction litigation. As a primary advisor and outside general counsel, he assist clients with business decisions regarding development projects, dispute resolution, and business negotiations. His impressive technical background in the construction industry assists John in evaluating his client’s needs and remedies under the law.

Bill Stone assists clients with all types of business transactions, including business acquisitions and dispositions, complex debt, and equity financings. He also counsels his clients on securities issuance transactions and compliance issues, contract disputes, employment contracts, executive compensation, shareholder disputes, and a broad variety of other types of legal arrangements and agreements.

Shawn Tuma focuses his practice on issues involving digital information law such as computer fraud, cybercrimes, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and the Texas Computer Crimes statute. He also assists clients with matters involving misappropriation of trade secrets; data and information security, and compliance; data privacy; and data breach response.

Brad Whitlock’s practice focuses on representing small and midsized business clients on corporate law matters such as business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity securities financings, company formation, contracts, employment matters, corporate governance issues, and a broad variety of other legal arrangements and agreements.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build treasured and lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the firm recognize their services are not about them and hold themselves to the highest standards, by embracing the art of going above and beyond the extra mile. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and business law firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, intellectual property, healthcare, and employment law.

Scheef & Stone Announces Two Texas Rising Stars Recognized in 2017 List

By News & Events

 

Dallas, Texas – Scheef & Stone, LLP congratulates its two attorneys recognized as 2017 Texas Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters as published in Texas Monthly magazine. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the State are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. The complete list of honorees is featured in the magazine’s April 2017 issue.

Scheef & Stone attorneys named to the 2017 Texas Rising Stars list are:

  • Rebekah Brooker, Estate Planning & Probate
  • Eric Wood, Business Litigation

“We are thrilled to have two of our attorneys recognized in this prestigious list” said Kelly Crawford, one of the Firm’s co-founding partners. “Rebekah and Eric are dedicated and work extremely hard. It is great to see their peers recognize them for the exceptional legal service they provide to their clients.”

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and dedicate themselves to going beyond the extra mile for their clients. These standards have led to strategic growth with nearly 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service commercial firm including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Immigrant Journey Awards Accepting Nominations To Honor Outstanding Immigrants In North Texas

By News & Events

 

Awards program opens nominations to highlight positive immigrant achievements

Dallas, TX – March 14, 2017 – For the sixth year in a row, the Immigrant Journey Awards (IJA) is ready to spotlight DFW’s most influential professional immigrants. Presenting sponsor Scheef & Stone law firm is announcing that nominations are now open and will be accepted until April 28, 2017.

The Immigrant Journey Awards shine a spotlight on immigrant achievements and contributions to North Texas and the nation. The program honors and recognizes the most important contributions from the immigrant community to the civic and economic vitality of North Texas. In years past, candidate nominations have spanned all areas of business, including nonprofits, big corporations, and startups.

“Every year we are blown away by the impact immigrants have on the community, and we can’t wait to see who will be highlighted this year,” said Ann Badmus, Chair of the Immigrant Journey Awards.

IJA nominees never cease to meet the elite expectations within each category. Applicants include entrepreneurs, advocates, civic leaders and individuals who have made substantial professional achievements in their field. Award categories include Immigrant Entrepreneur, Immigrant Professional Excellence, Immigrant Advocate and Immigrant Spirit.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award is granted to an individual who has built a highly successful North Texas business, and who sets a great example for other motivated entrepreneurs around the state and nation. Immigrants who have made remarkable strides in a professional field are eligible for the Immigrant Professional Excellence Award, while the Immigrant Spirit Award recognizes an elected official or other civic leader who has contributed substantially to the well being of the entire community or region. Lastly, the Immigrant Advocate Award goes to an individual, organization, business or government entity that has made a powerful and positive impact on the welfare of immigrants via public advocacy.

“I think the awards are timely. There’s a lot of negativity going on, especially with immigration and immigrants,” said Ali Samana, winner of last year’s Entrepreneur Award. “People need to hear these stories. They need to hear that immigrants are lawyers. Immigrants are doctors. Entrepreneurs. They’re not here to harm this country.”

Past honorees have emigrated from India, China, Mexico, Nigeria, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Taiwan, Singapore, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Honduras, and other countries, and have been recognized for their significant achievements in business, education, medicine, athletics, community service, and politics.

The Immigrant Journey Awards will be presented at the annual Gala on Friday, June 16, 2017 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Nominations are now open until April 28, and award finalists will be notified by May 1, 2017 and expected to attend the gala.

Contact:
Ann Massey Badmus
Partner
Immigration Section
2600 Network Blvd., Suite 400
Frisco, Texas 75034
214.472.2161 (Direct)
214.472.2100 (Main)
214.472.2150 (Facsimile)
ann.badmus@solidcounsel.com
www.solidcounsel.com
Blogs: www.badmuslaw.com, www.physicianimmigration.com

Scheef & Stone Partner Matt Bracy Receives Corp INTL Business Transactional Lawyer of the Year in Texas Award

By News & Events

Dallas, Texas – Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to announce Partner Matt Bracy’s selection as a 2017 Business Transaction Lawyer of the Year in Texas by Corporate INTL Legal Awards.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized, especially in the transactions arena,” Bracy said. “I take pride and enjoyment in helping businesses grow.”

Since 2008, the Corp INTL’s Global Awards recognize those who have been successful over the past 12 months demonstrating excellence and experience in service. Corp INTL uses detailed independent research obtained by their editorial team in order to shortlist up to 5 potential winners in each category. Shortlisted parties are carefully scrutinized with a focus on service type, geographical location, business operations, and experience available for trade.

Bracy represents domestic and international companies in the areas of corporate and business law in Scheef & Stone’s Frisco office. He previously served as the General Counsel of a specialty finance company located in Dallas, prior to returning to private practice. Bracy was recently unanimously elected to the Steering Committee of non-profit, Dallas-based general counsel networking group, GC Netweavers.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going above and beyond the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Scheef & Stone Milestone: Celebrating 25 Years of Providing Innovative Legal Solutions

By News & Events

Dallas, Texas – This year marks the 25th anniversary for Scheef & Stone, LLP, a leading provider of legal services whose mission is to forge innovative legal solutions with the purpose of building lasting relationships with its clients.

“Our values of going the extra mile, realizing it’s not about us and embracing the Golden Rule, all supporting our mission statement, have allowed us to grow organically from two attorneys to our current level of 61 lawyers,” said co-founding partner Bill Stone. “Our Frisco Hall Park office expanded its footprint by 40% over the last year fueled by client demand. We have expanded from our core strengths in transactional law and litigation to more than fourteen practice areas today with a group of like-minded attorneys committed to giving back to our community.”

The involvement of Scheef & Stone attorneys in the community is substantial. Improving the lives of members of the community is one of the firm’s core values. Numerous Scheef & Stone attorneys are extremely active with philanthropic and community organizations, organizations within the legal community, and their local churches. This intimate connection with the community enables Scheef & Stone attorneys the ability to connect with their clients’ business needs on a more personal level in order to provide them with exceptional counsel.

Scheef & Stone and its attorneys are regularly recognized for their excellence in the practice of law by several prestigious organizations. Its most recent honors include its selection as “Large Business of the Year” by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Best for Complex Commercial Litigation in Texas Legal Award by Acquisition International and the “Most Innovative Law Firm of 2016, Texas” by Corporate America magazine.

The firm commemorated this momentous milestone with a firm wide celebration on Thursday, March 2 at the Park Cities Club in Dallas.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and dedicate themselves to going beyond the extra mile for their clients. These standards have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service commercial firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Scheef & Stone Awarded Frisco Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business of the Year

By News & Events

Dallas, Texas – Scheef & Stone, LLP is honored to announce its selection as “Large Business of the Year” by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s annual awards gala, held Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at Embassy Suites Frisco Hotel. This was the Chamber’s 33rd annual awards program, which seeks to recognize those Frisco citizens, both corporate and individuals, who contribute to the city’s positive growth and volunteer within the community.

“We are so pleased to have been recognized as the Frisco Chamber’s Large Business of the Year,” said John Scheef, co-founding partner at Scheef & Stone. “Many of our attorneys are actively involved in several Frisco organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Frisco Education Foundation. In 2016, our growth was substantial. We now have 60 attorneys. We added a new Immigration practice group and welcomed eleven attorneys to the firm in the last year. We are committed to continuing to invest in Frisco’s growth and volunteering to assist its residents. Frisco is a great city, and we are proud to be a part of its exciting future.”

Winners were selected based upon several criteria, including evidence of job and revenue growth, programs to remain stable when facing challenges, initiatives for employee retention and satisfaction, programs aimed at measuring customer satisfaction, Chamber membership, and proof of involvement in/contributions to the community and/or Chamber programs. Companies and individuals were recognized in categories for Home-Based, Small, Medium and Large Businesses of the Year; Developer, Non-Profit, Entrepreneur, Citizen and Silver Citizen of the Year; and the Spirit of Frisco.

Frisco (and Collin County as a whole) is a unique legal community. The growth of the local population, real estate investment and development, and booming business economy has resulted in unprecedented business legal needs that the firm is uniquely positioned to handle. The involvement of Scheef & Stone attorneys in the community is substantial. Improving the lives of members of the community is one of the firm’s core values. Numerous Scheef & Stone attorneys are extremely active with philanthropic and community organizations, organizations within the legal community, and their local churches.

Scheef & Stone LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, the members of the firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, with 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm, including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Scheef & Stone Awarded Best Texas Law Firm For Complex Commercial Litigation by Acquisition International

By News & Events

Dallas, Texas – Scheef & Stone, LLP has been awarded the Best for Complex Commercial Litigation in Texas Legal Award by Acquisition International (AI), a monthly magazine produced by AI Global Media Ltd. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition. AI is widely respected within the legal industry for their in-depth research to determine the winners of their awards.

“We are honored to have received this recognition,” said Kelly Crawford, co-founding partner at Scheef & Stone. “Our litigators work very hard on behalf of our clients to remain ahead of the curve in legal strategies, cutting-edge resolutions tactics and competitive approaches to achieve the results our clients expect. We continuously strive to exceed their expectations.

“With many of our attorneys focusing their practices upon complex commercial litigation, Scheef & Stone’s litigation team is well equipped to meet the demands of its growing client base,” said Bill Stone, another co-founding partner at the firm.

Political and economic issues have also affected the markets globally, and lawyers are increasingly having to adapt to ever evolving legislation and regulation. In addition, as the market becomes increasingly global the rise in cross-border issues means legal professionals are having to constantly update their skills.

Because of these challenges, the 2016 Legal Awards, which are now in their fifth year, act as the ultimate guide to recognizing those talented attorneys who are the very best available within the worldwide legal industry.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to 59 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Scheef & Stone Celebrates Boss’s Day

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We celebrated Boss’s Day in both of our offices today by treating our hard working attorneys to lunch. The Frisco office treated their bosses to a fiesta luncheon and the Dallas office celebrated with a pop up baked potato bar. Both lunches were a huge hit! Thanks for making Scheef & Stone a great place to work!