Mackrell International Secures 14th Consecutive Band 1 Ranking in Chambers Global Guide

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone is proud to announce that Mackrell International (MI), the global legal network of which the firm is a member, has once again been ranked Band 1 in the Chambers and Partners Global Guide for 2026. This marks the fourteenth consecutive year MI has earned this top-tier distinction.

Chambers rankings are based on extensive independent research and in-depth client and peer feedback across more than 190 jurisdictions worldwide. Maintaining a Band 1 ranking for over a decade reflects the strength, consistency, and collaborative relationships across the MI network.

Mackrell International comprises 93 member firms, representing more than 4,500 lawyers across over 60 countries. More than 30% of MI firms and over 230 individual lawyers are also ranked within Chambers directories, underscoring the depth of expertise available across the network.

As a member of Mackrell International, Scheef & Stone is able to provide clients with seamless access to trusted legal counsel across key global markets. The network’s structure ensures that when clients require cross-border support, they are connected with carefully vetted firms known for quality, responsiveness, and professional integrity.

We value our membership in Mackrell International and the relationships we have built across the network. This recognition reinforces the strength of the platform available to our clients when their matters extend beyond U.S. borders.

For more information about Mackrell International, visit www.mackrell.net.

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.

Scheef & Stone Names Keith Rawlins and Mark Nielsen as Equity Partners

By Attorney Spotlight

The good news continues at Scheef & Stone.

Following the firm’s recent announcement elevating three associates to Member, we are pleased to share another milestone that reflects Scheef & Stone’s continued growth and commitment to developing talent at every stage.

Keith Rawlins and Mark Nielsen have been elevated to Equity Partners, effective January 2026.

Both attorneys have played integral roles in the firm’s intellectual property practice, advising clients across a wide range of industries on the protection, enforcement, and defense of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and related intellectual property assets.

Keith Rawlins works closely with clients to develop and protect domestic and international intellectual property portfolios, with experience spanning chemical engineering, energy, software, medical devices, AI-related technologies, and advanced manufacturing. His practice includes patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and intellectual property litigation.

Mark Nielsen is an experienced intellectual property litigator whose practice focuses on patent, trademark, and copyright disputes in state and federal courts across the nation. He is known for his practical, client-focused approach and regularly represents clients in complex matters involving emerging technologies, consumer products, and brand enforcement.

Together with the firm’s recent Member elevations, these advancements reflect Scheef & Stone’s ongoing investment in its people—both by expanding its leadership ranks and by creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth from within.

Please join us in congratulating Keith Rawlins and Mark Nielsen on this well-earned milestone.

Scheef & Stone Joined the CCBA Christmas Gala, Where Partner Mitch Little Was Honored With the 2025 Legacy Award

By Attorney Spotlight

Scheef & Stone, LLP was honored to attend the 2025 Collin County Bar Association Christmas Gala held on December 6 at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star. The annual celebration brought together members of the North Texas legal community for an evening featuring a VIP Cocktail Hour, live music by The Manhattan Band, a silent auction, and views of the Dallas Cowboys Holiday Extravaganza.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 CCBA Legacy Award to Partner Mitch Little. As confirmed by the Collin County Bar Association, the Legacy Award is presented annually to one recipient for their contribution to the CCBA and the bar as a whole. Mitch was presented with the award during the gala by Partner Chase Garrett.

Selected by the CCBA Board of Directors, the Legacy Award recognizes attorneys whose careers reflect years of service, dedication, and impactful contributions to the Collin County legal community. Mitch’s long-standing commitment to his clients, mentorship within the profession, and active involvement in the legal community have earned him deep respect across North Texas. In addition to his distinguished legal career, Mitch also serves as a Texas State Representative, where he applies his background as a business attorney and advocate for private property rights, entrepreneurship, and constitutional principles in service to the broader community. The firm is proud to celebrate this meaningful milestone with him.

As a Chairlift Sponsor, Scheef & Stone hosted four VIP tables at the event and was honored to be joined by the following guests:

Judicial Guests
Judge Ben Smith and Rebecca Smith
Judge Jennifer Edgeworth and Chris Edgeworth
Judge Andrea Bouressa and Chris Bouressa

Scheef & Stone Members and Guests
Mitch, Kelly and Matthew Little
Patrick and Kelly Schurr
Logan and Casey Miller
Taylor and Lauren Harris
Steven Coffin
Chase Garrett
Haley Jones
Austin and Rachel Hatton
Jessica Chapa
Matt Bracy
Jim and Joanie Pikl
Jon and Meagan Strain
Shirley Rose & Mike Smith
Andrea Scott

Scheef & Stone appreciates the opportunity to support the CCBA and to celebrate this year’s achievements alongside colleagues and friends across the North Texas legal community. The firm extends its warmest congratulations to Mitch on receiving the 2025 Legacy Award and thanks the CCBA for recognizing his contributions.

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.

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.

 

 

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.

Scheef & Stone Secures $1.56M Judgment for Investors in Multilevel Marketing Venture

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone secured a significant trial victory in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada arising from a dispute involving an investment in a MLM video streaming venture.

After a three-day bench trial in Las Vegas, the Court entered judgment for the firm’s investor clients totaling $810,445.47 in damages and attorney’s fees.

Among other things, the Court found in favor of the Plaintiffs on their claims for common-law fraud and securities fraud.
The Court further concluded that the multilevel marketing entity was the alter ego of its two principal owners, subjecting the owners to personal liability for the acts of the corporate entity.

Following a subsequent hearing, the Court awarded an additional $750,000 in punitive damages, citing the Defendants’ contradictory testimony, incomplete accounting, and the need to deter similar misconduct.

The case was tried by Partner Brent Kugler with the assistance of local Nevada counsel. Scheef & Stone Associates Haley Jones and Abbye West provided valuable support preparing the case for trial.

For media or client inquiries about Scheef & Stone’s trial and direct selling capabilities, please contact Brent Kugler or our Litigation team.

The Advocate Publishes Michael C. Smith on Proportionality in Complex Discovery (Fall 2025)

By Attorney Spotlight, News & Events

We’re pleased to share that Scheef & Stone Partner Michael C. Smith has been published in the Fall 2025 issue of The Advocate (State Bar of Texas Litigation Section), with an article titled “Proportionality in Discovery for Complex Cases: Understanding the 2015 Federal Amendment and its Real-World Application.”

Michael explains how the 2015 amendment to the Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1) moved proportionality to the center of discovery and what that means in practice for complex matters. He walks through the six proportionality factors and offers practical guidance—planning targeted discovery at Rule 26(f), documenting burden with specifics, leveraging technology-assisted review, cooperating on scope, using staged discovery and sampling, and embedding proportionality alongside relevance in analysis of every request and response.

Based in our Marshall office, Michael focuses on complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He is the editor of O’Connor’s Federal Rules: Civil Trials, a former chair of the Texas Bar Journal Board of Editors and the State Bar of Texas Litigation Section, and currently serves as vice chair of the @State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property Law Section. He also authors EDTexweblog.com and Eastern District & Texas IP Law Blog.

Read the Fall 2025 “Complex Litigation” issue of The Advocate to see the full article: https://texasbar.informz.net/texasbar/data/images/PID25.pdf

Cameron Ace Frysinger to Present 2025 Texas Real Estate Legislative Update to CCBA Real Estate Section

By News & Events

Scheef & Stone is pleased to announce that Cameron Ace Frysinger, an associate whose practice focuses on taxation, banking, corporate and business law, and creditors’ rights, will present a 2025 Texas Real Estate Legislative Update for the Collin County Bar Association Real Estate Section on Friday, September 26, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The program will be held at Kelly’s Craft Tavern, 3191 Preston Road, Frisco.

Cameron advises on business formation, debt financing, and private offerings for operating companies and funds—including traditional real estate development and niche strategies in health and technology—by drafting disclosure documents and party agreements. His background also includes research into IRS regulations and tax litigation strategies, giving him a practical lens on how statutory changes affect transactions, financing structures, and risk allocation. The session will distill key enactments from the 89th Texas Legislature impacting real property practice and outline immediate steps practitioners can take to update forms, diligence checklists, and client guidance.

RSVP: Please register via the CCBA event page by Wednesday, September 24, at 5:00 p.m.

Event link: www.collincountybar.org/events/event/28439

Attendance note: CCBA general and section meetings are open to CCBA members and guests of members. Non-members may join CCBA or attend as a guest of a current member pursuant to CCBA policy.