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News & Events

Feb 16 2026
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Scheef & Stone Partner Matt Bracy Named Finalist in D CEO’s 2026 Mergers & Acquisitions Awards

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone is pleased to announce that Partner Matt Bracy has been selected as a finalist in D CEO’s 2026 Mergers & Acquisitions Awards, presented in partnership with the Association for Corporate Growth Dallas-Fort Worth.

Matt is recognized for his role in Aquatic Features’ acquisition by Jones Lake Management, a finalist in the $25–$49 million “Deals of the Year” category. The annual awards program honors the most impactful North Texas transactions of 2025 and the dealmakers who made them possible.

With more than three decades of experience, Matt represents U.S. and foreign businesses in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, finance, contract negotiations, and strategic transactions. His background includes serving as a commercial litigator, founding his own law firm, and later acting as General Counsel and Director of Government Relations for multi-million-dollar companies. He has also served in national leadership roles, including President of the DFW Chapter of the General Counsel Forum.

Today, Matt is frequently called upon to act as outside general counsel for his clients, guiding companies through complex business decisions and transformative transactions.

We are proud to see Matt’s work recognized among the top transactions in North Texas. His experience and strategic approach continue to deliver meaningful results for our clients.

Please join us in congratulating Matt on this outstanding achievement.

Feb 05 2026
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Scheef & Stone Engages in UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball, Frisco Chamber Awards Gala, and Collin County GOP Lincoln Day Gala

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone will participate in a series of community and civic events across North Texas throughout February 2026, reflecting the firm’s continued commitment to engagement with local organizations, business leaders, and community partners.

On February 7, 2026, the firm will take part in the UNCF North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball, an annual fundraising event supporting the United Negro College Fund’s mission to expand access to higher education through scholarships and educational programs for students attending historically Black colleges and universities. Peter Lewis is leading Scheef & Stone’s participation in this year’s Mayors’ Masked Ball, which brings together civic leaders, business professionals, and community advocates from across the Dallas–Fort Worth region in support of educational opportunity.

On February 20, 2026, Scheef & Stone will be represented at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala, held at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. The gala convenes more than 600 business and community leaders to recognize outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who have contributed to Frisco’s business community and regional economic growth.

The firm will also attend the Collin County Republican Party’s 2026 Lincoln Day Gala on February 21, 2026, at Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas. The annual event will feature Scott Jennings, CNN Senior Political Contributor, as keynote speaker, with Chris Salcedo serving as master of ceremonies, and a performance by award-winning recording artist Natasha Owens. The evening brings together community members and local leaders for dialogue and engagement on issues impacting the region.

Scheef & Stone values opportunities to participate in events that support education, economic development, and civic engagement across North Texas and looks forward to connecting with clients, colleagues, and community partners throughout the month.

Jan 16 2026
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Founding Partner C. John Scheef III Secures $1.9 Million Judgment in Collin County Trial

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone recently secured two trial court victories within a three-week span, including a $1.9 million judgment following a bench trial in Collin County, Texas.

In the most recent matter, tried on January 6, 2026, Founding Partner C. John Scheef III, working in collaboration with Jon Velie, Lead Counsel of Velie Global Law Firm, represented plaintiffs in an action involving the fraudulent transfer of a residential property. Prior to trial, the improper transfer was voided, and the clients’ title was restored. The case proceeded to trial on the issues of damages and attorney’s fees. Following the bench trial, the court awarded $827,738.14 in actual damages, $1,000,000 in exemplary damages, and $71,982 in attorney’s fees.

Earlier, on December 19, 2025, Mr. Scheef also obtained a defense verdict in a breach of contract and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act matter. The court ruled entirely in favor of Scheef & Stone’s client, denied the plaintiff’s claims, awarded judgment on the client’s counterclaim for unpaid services, and granted a portion of attorney’s fees after finding the DTPA claim groundless and brought in bad faith.

Mr. Scheef regularly represents clients in complex commercial, construction, and real estate disputes in state and federal courts throughout Texas.

Jan 16 2026
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Scheef & Stone Founding Partner C. John Scheef III Sworn in to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone is proud to announce that Founding Partner C. John Scheef III was sworn in to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States during a formal, in-court ceremony held on November 21 in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Scheef’s admission occurred in court, a ceremonial process in which attorneys are presented to the Justices on an argument day. Admission to the Supreme Court Bar permits qualified attorneys to file briefs and argue cases before the nation’s highest court.
The ceremony included a group of Texas A&M University School of Law alumni and faculty members, including:

Megan Cloud ’19
Brandon John Derric Cofield, Sr. ’20
Michael M. Guerra ’88
Sarah Elizabeth Hlvalinka ’86
Shakita Monique Johnson ’14
Sharon Johnson ’02
Edward Brian Marvin ’00
Timothy A. Newman ’05
C. John Scheef III ’81
Howard Horton Singleton ’86
Lauren Catherine Thomson ’19
Craig A. Woodcook ’05

Also attending from Texas A&M University School of Law were Dean Bobby Ahdieh, Professor Meg Penrose, Myke Holt, and Stephanie Thompson.

Mr. Scheef regularly represents clients in complex commercial, construction, and appellate matters and has long maintained an active appellate practice in state and federal courts. His admission to the Supreme Court Bar reflects a continued commitment to high-level advocacy and service within the legal profession.

Jan 02 2026
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Scheef & Stone Expands Firm Leadership with Elevation of Three Attorneys to Member

By Attorney Spotlight, News & Events

Scheef & Stone is pleased to announce the elevation of Taylor L. Harris, Margaret Ricchi, and Jon Strain to Members of the firm, effective January 1, 2026. All three attorneys are based in the firm’s Frisco office.

Taylor L. Harris is a trial attorney whose practice focuses on resolving complex disputes involving construction, banking, real estate, transportation, product liability, and breach of contract, as well as matters arising under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In addition to litigation, Taylor advises clients on a range of corporate and transactional matters, including business formation, contracts, and trademark preparation.

Margaret Ricchi concentrates her practice on corporate and business matters, advising startups and established companies on mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, contracts, and restructuring. She brings a litigation-informed perspective to transactional work and regularly assists both domestic and international businesses through all stages of growth.

Jon Strain is an experienced litigator with first-chair trial and arbitration experience across Texas. His practice includes employment, business, real estate, and probate litigation, including disputes involving wills, estates, and fiduciary matters.

The elevation of Taylor Harris, Margaret Ricchi, and Jon Strain reflects Scheef & Stone’s commitment to recognizing attorneys who demonstrate strong leadership, professional achievement, and dedication to serving clients and the firm.

Scheef & Stone congratulates each of them on this well-earned achievement and looks forward to their continued contributions as Members of the firm.

Dec 02 2025
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Scheef & Stone Partner Matt Bracy Featured on Resilient Minds Podcast to Discuss Emotional Intelligence in Business Leadership

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone is pleased to share that partner Matt Bracy was recently featured on the Resilient Minds podcast with host Dr. Jacqueline Campbell, LPC-S, for an in-depth conversation exploring the intersection of emotional intelligence, business leadership, and strategic decision-making.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Bracy reflects on more than three decades of advising business owners, sharing how emotional regulation influences high-stakes business outcomes—from contract negotiations to litigation strategy. He also highlights how trust, clear communication, and authenticity shape successful professional relationships.

Throughout the episode, Bracy and Dr. Campbell discuss:

  • How emotional decision-making can lead to costly business outcomes
  • Why regulated, long-view thinking leads to stronger strategic choices
  • The challenges business owners face in high-pressure situations
  • The role of self-awareness in developing leadership clarity
  • The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in building trust
  • How therapy and personal reflection contribute to resilient leadership

Bracy also speaks openly about his own personal development work and the value of maintaining emotional balance when serving clients facing stressful or deeply personal business challenges.

Watch or listen to the full episode:

For more insights on Bracy’s practice, visit solidcounsel.com/attorneys/matt-bracy.

Nov 13 2025
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Scheef & Stone Sponsors 2025 CCBA Christmas Gala as Chairlift Sponsor

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone is pleased to serve as a Chairlift Sponsor of the Collin County Bar Association Christmas Gala, taking place Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at Omni Frisco at The Star (11 Cowboys Way, Frisco, Texas).

The gala is CCBA’s premier year-end event, bringing together attorneys, judges, and colleagues for an evening of networking and celebration. Guests will enjoy a VIP Cocktail Hour, live music by The Manhattan Band, and a silent auction, with a picturesque view of the Dallas Cowboys Holiday Extravaganza during the cocktail hour.

As a Chairlift Sponsor, Scheef & Stone will host two reserved tables with VIP access, supporting CCBA’s continued efforts to build a strong, engaged legal community in Collin County.

The firm appreciates the opportunity to support CCBA and looks forward to celebrating with peers and partners across North Texas.

Event details provided by the Collin County Bar Association. For CCBA membership or event information, please visit the CCBA website.

 

 

Nov 06 2025
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Scheef & Stone Partner Michael C. Smith Serves on Texas Bar Foundation Board; $974K in Fall Grants Awarded

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone congratulates partner Michael C. Smith on his service as a member of the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees, following his election to the board in June 2025.

At its Fall 2025 board meeting in Austin, the Foundation awarded $974,275 in grants to 91 nonprofit organizations across Texas. Trustees reviewed more than 130 applications seeking $3.3 million in support before finalizing grants that will fund programs expanding access to justice and strengthening the rule of law throughout the state.

With this most recent round of awards, the Texas Bar Foundation has now distributed more than $30 million in grants since its founding in 1965—advancing justice initiatives, legal education, and community programs that serve Texans in need.

A Sustaining Life Fellow of the Foundation, Smith brings decades of leadership and service to his three-year term. He previously served on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors (2005–08), where he was recognized as Outstanding Third-Year Director and received a Presidential Citation. A past president of the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association and a past chair of both the State Bar Litigation Section and the Texas Bar Journal Board of Editors, Smith has long supported the profession’s commitment to excellence and integrity.

The Texas Bar Foundation, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, remains the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the country. Its Fellows’ contributions continue to strengthen the justice system and ensure legal resources reach communities across Texas.

For more information about the Foundation and upcoming grant opportunities, visit txbf.org.

Oct 30 2025
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Scheef & Stone Partner Michael C. Smith Co-Moderates “Leadership from the Bench” Panel at the Eastern District of Texas Bench Bar Conference

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone partner Michael C. Smith co-moderated the panel “Leadership from the Bench: Perspectives from the Texas Chiefs” at the 2025 Eastern District of Texas (EDTX) Bench Bar Conference, held October 23–24.

The session brought together the Chief Judges from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the four Texas federal judicial districts—a rare and distinguished panel offering unified insights on leadership, court administration, and the evolving challenges facing the judiciary.

Panelists included:
• Chief Judge Jennifer Elrod, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Chief Judge Randy Crane, Southern District of Texas
• Chief Judge David Godbey, Northern District of Texas
• Chief Judge Alia Moses, Western District of Texas
• Chief Judge Amos Mazzant, Eastern District of Texas

Co-Moderators: Michael C. Smith (Scheef & Stone, LLP) and Eric Findlay (Findlay Craft, LLP)

The panel explored how judicial leadership impacts docket management, administrative efficiency, and the public’s trust in the courts. According to the official program description, the discussion offered “an invaluable opportunity for attorneys, judges, and court professionals to gain a deeper understanding of leadership from the bench and the direction of the courts across the state.”

Scheef & Stone’s Caroline Brown and Keith Rawlins also represented the firm at the conference. Brown took detailed notes from sessions on litigation management and AI ethics—including Mark Lanier’s “Ten Commandments of AI Use”—while Rawlins connected with colleagues and members of the judiciary on current trends and emerging issues.

The EDTX Bench Bar Conference remains one of Texas’s premier forums for collaboration among judges, attorneys, and in-house counsel, advancing excellence in advocacy and understanding between the bench and bar.

Oct 24 2025
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Scheef & Stone’s Matt Bracy Presented at the CCBA Civil Litigation/Appellate Meeting and NASP 2025 Conference in Hollywood, FL

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone partner Matt Bracy recently shared practical insights at two October programs focused on litigation strategy and the structured-settlement marketplace.

Last Thursday, October 16th, Matt joined Josh Wahl for a virtual Civil Litigation/Appellate Section program hosted by the Collin County Bar Association. Titled “In-House Counsel Perspectives on Litigation,” the session examined how corporate legal teams assess risk, manage preservation and discovery, align outside-counsel strategy, and measure outcomes from intake through appeal. The program was offered to CCBA members and guests.

On October 23, Matt served as moderator and speaker at the National Association of Settlement Purchasers (NASP) Annual Conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. His session, “The Early History of the Secondary Market for Structured Settlements,” featured panelists Earl Nesbitt (Rogge Dunn Group, PC), Patricia LaBorde (General Counsel, Blackstreet Capital Holdings), and Jason Sutherland (COO & General Counsel, Alpha Growth PLC). The NASP conference (October 22–23) included a full day of programming with networking receptions.

For additional information about CCBA programming, visit the Collin County Bar Association; for NASP conference details, see NASP’s event page.