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.

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.

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.

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’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.

Scheef & Stone’s John G. Fischer, P.E., Recognized with Martindale-Hubbell® Platinum Client Champion

By Attorney Spotlight, News & Events

Scheef & Stone congratulates Shareholder John G. Fischer, P.E. on receiving the Platinum Client Champion designation from Martindale-Hubbell®. The recognition is based on verified client feedback collected through Lawyers.com and Martindale.com and reflects consistently high overall ratings for client service.

The Platinum level is the highest tier within the Client Champion program and is designed to highlight attorneys who demonstrate responsiveness, communication, and dependable results in day-to-day practice.

John G. Fischer, P.E., is a registered U.S. patent attorney and licensed professional engineer with more than two decades of experience representing clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. He tries and defends patent and trade secret matters in federal courts nationwide and builds and prosecutes complex patent portfolios with enforcement and commercialization in mind. A named inventor on 20+ U.S. patents and a former manufacturing executive, he blends hands-on engineering (mechanical, electronics, oil & gas) with business acumen to negotiate licenses and technology agreements that have generated more than $100 million in client value. His honors include AV Preeminent® (Martindale-Hubbell), Texas Super Lawyers (2012–2025), The Best Lawyers in America©, and D Magazine’s Best Lawyers® in Dallas.

About the distinction: Martindale-Hubbell® Client Champion awards recognize attorneys whose profiles reflect a high volume of positively reviewed client experiences and a strong average rating on the Martindale/Lawyers.com platforms.