Today, we welcome Brendan Bell back to the firm as a Law Clerk in its Dallas office. Brendan will join the firm on August 17 while awaiting the results of the Texas Bar Exam later this fall.
Brendan previously served as a Law Clerk with Scheef & Stone, where he gained valuable experience working alongside the firm’s attorneys and developing a strong understanding of the firm’s collaborative and client-focused approach to legal services.
A graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law, Brendan returns to the firm as he prepares to begin the next stage of his legal career. The firm looks forward to supporting him as he continues his professional development and contributes to the Dallas office.
Please join us in welcoming Brendan Bell back to Scheef & Stone and wishing him success on the Texas Bar Exam.
Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to host the inaugural Mackrell International Marketing & Business Development Summit, taking place September 1–2, 2026, in Frisco, Texas.
The Summit will bring together legal marketing professionals, business development leaders, and attorneys from Mackrell International member firms for two days of collaboration, peer learning, and relationship building. Designed specifically for professionals responsible for advancing their firms’ marketing and business development initiatives, the event will provide a forum for participants to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and explore practical approaches to supporting client growth across an international legal network.
Mackrell International is a global network of independent law firms committed to providing clients with trusted legal counsel across jurisdictions while maintaining the personal relationships and responsiveness that characterize independent firms. As businesses increasingly operate across state and international borders, collaboration among member firms has become an important component of delivering seamless client service.
Recognizing the evolving role of legal marketing and business development professionals, the Summit was created to encourage meaningful conversations among those responsible for helping firms strengthen client relationships, develop strategic initiatives, and support attorneys in an increasingly competitive legal marketplace.
Over the course of two days, attendees will participate in networking opportunities, facilitated discussions, expert presentations, and collaborative sessions focused on topics including marketing strategy, business development, client experience, cross-firm collaboration, and emerging trends affecting the legal industry. The program has been intentionally designed as a smaller, discussion-oriented gathering that encourages active participation, practical knowledge sharing, and meaningful professional connections.
Rather than a traditional conference format, the Summit emphasizes conversation and collaboration among peers. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss successful initiatives within their own firms, and learn from colleagues who face many of the same opportunities and challenges across different markets and jurisdictions.
As a member of Mackrell International, Scheef & Stone values the relationships that strengthen the network and support clients with legal needs extending beyond a single jurisdiction. Hosting the inaugural Marketing & Business Development Summit reflects the firm’s commitment to fostering collaboration among member firms and supporting the professionals who help drive client service, strategic growth, and long-term business development.
Scheef & Stone is honored to welcome colleagues from across the Mackrell International network to Frisco and looks forward to hosting conversations that strengthen professional relationships, encourage the exchange of ideas, and support continued collaboration among member firms long after the Summit concludes.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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, 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 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.
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.
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