News & Events

Mar 26 2026
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Scheef & Stone Partner Kate Valent Attends Mackrell International Women’s Group Meeting in San Jose

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Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to share that Partner Kate Valent attended the Mackrell International Women’s Group Meeting held March 19–20, 2026, in San Jose, California.

Hosted by Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel, Inc., the Americas meeting brought together women lawyers and business professionals from across the Mackrell International network. Set in Silicon Valley, the program featured a wide range of discussions, including leadership, evolving career paths, and the changing expectations of the legal profession, with particular focus on developments such as artificial intelligence and increased scrutiny within the courts.

In addition to the formal agenda, the meeting provided opportunities for meaningful connection among attendees, with conversations continuing throughout the event and reinforcing the collaborative nature of the network.

The gathering followed International Women’s Day on March 8 and took place during Women’s History Month, underscoring the importance of recognizing and supporting the contributions of women across the legal profession.

Scheef & Stone is proud to be a member of Mackrell International and to support initiatives like the MI Women’s Group, which create space for connection, professional development, and shared leadership among women across jurisdictions.

The firm extends its thanks to Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel, Inc., and to the organizers and speakers whose contributions made the event a success.

Mar 25 2026
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Scheef & Stone is Once Again Recognized in Chambers Spotlight 2026 Texas Guide for Real Estate

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Scheef & Stone, LLP has been recognized in the Chambers Spotlight 2026 Texas Guide for its Real Estate practice, placing the firm among a select group of 251 small and mid-sized law firms highlighted across the state.

With 251 firms ranked across 33 practice areas and 18 regions, this year’s guide reflects both the depth and continued evolution of Texas’ legal market. Scheef & Stone is proud to be in strong company among firms helping shape this dynamic and rapidly growing landscape.

The Chambers Spotlight Texas Guide identifies firms demonstrating strong legal ability, client service, and consistent performance, based on independent research, market analysis, and client and peer feedback.

This year’s research highlights a shifting legal landscape in which clients increasingly seek boutique and mid-sized firms for their agility, specialized expertise, and cost-effective service models. With demand driven by sectors such as real estate development, energy, technology, and complex commercial litigation, firms recognized in the guide are noted for their ability to deliver sophisticated legal work while maintaining a highly personalized approach.

Scheef & Stone’s inclusion reflects the firm’s continued focus on providing practical, results-driven counsel to clients navigating complex real estate matters across Texas.

As a member of Mackrell International, which is ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global Guide for the 14th consecutive year, Scheef & Stone can also provide clients with seamless access to trusted legal counsel across more than 60 countries, combining local experience with global capability.

The firm appreciates the continued trust of its clients and colleagues, whose support contributes to this recognition.

To learn more about the 2026 Chambers Spotlight Texas rankings, visit chambers.com.

Mar 25 2026
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John Scheef to Lead Mackrell International Session on Growing Construction Law Practices

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John Scheef, shareholder at Scheef & Stone, LLP, will lead the upcoming Mackrell International Construction Law Practice Group (PG) call on April 1, 2026, focused on marketing strategies for construction law practices.

The quarterly session will convene construction law attorneys from Mackrell International member firms worldwide to discuss approaches to positioning, client targeting, and the effective use of both digital and traditional marketing channels. The discussion aims to provide practical insights into building visibility and generating new business in an increasingly competitive legal landscape.

Participants will also explore emerging trends shaping marketing within the construction sector, followed by an open forum designed to encourage collaboration, idea-sharing, and discussion of future topics relevant to the group.

Scheef & Stone is a proud member of Mackrell International, a global network of independent law firms, and continues to contribute to international thought leadership within the legal community. The firm has also received recognition from Chambers and Partners, reflecting its standing within the industry.

The session is scheduled for 8:00 AM (Los Angeles), 10:00 AM (Dallas), and 4:00 PM (UK BST). Mackrell International members may register once to attend all 2026 Construction Law Practice Group calls.

Mar 06 2026
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Scheef & Stone Supported 2026 UNCF North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball

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Scheef & Stone was proud to support the 2026 UNCF North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball, held in Dallas and hosted by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The annual event brought together civic leaders, business executives, and community partners in support of expanding access to higher education across North Texas.

The Mayors’ Masked Ball is a signature UNCF fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting scholarships and educational programs that help students pursue college degrees and long-term success. The evening highlighted the importance of collaboration among community and business leaders in strengthening educational pathways for future generations.

The event also held personal significance for Scheef & Stone Partner Peter Lewis, who attended with his wife, Willow Sanchez. Lewis shared that his parents met as professors at Prairie View A&M University (formerly Prairie View A&M College), and that he and his brother spent their early childhood on campus. That early experience fostered a lifelong appreciation for the role historically Black colleges and universities play in creating opportunity, community, and access to higher education.

Scheef & Stone joined fellow supporters and distinguished guests at the event, including Nico Harrison and his wife, Darlise Harrison; Texas State Senator Royce West; former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who delivered a video presentation; and key honoree Lynn McBee.

The firm is honored to stand alongside UNCF and its community partners in supporting educational access and opportunity. Scheef & Stone remains committed to initiatives that reflect the personal commitments of its attorneys and the firm’s values of service, leadership, and community engagement.

Mar 05 2026
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Scheef & Stone Supported Record-Breaking Third Annual Law Rocks Dallas

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Scheef & Stone proudly supported the Third Annual Law Rocks Dallas, which took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Trees in Deep Ellum. The event set a new record, raising nearly $94,000 to benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Law Rocks Dallas brought together members of the legal community for a live band competition featuring seven groups composed of legal professionals. Newcomers Ignorantia Legis and Vinyl Siren joined returning bands Just South of Nowhere, No Recourse, Ring the Bell Nunnally, Suburban Crime Spree, and T.R.O., delivering an evening of dynamic performances.

The event recognized several standout performances. Just South of Nowhere was named Overall Winner in support of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. Ignorantia Legis received the Hustle & Heart Award benefiting The Jensen Project, and No Recourse earned the Judges’ Choice Award in support of Cannenta Foundation. The Music Matters Grant was awarded to the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Advisory Board.

Scheef & Stone attorneys and team members who attended included Matt Bracy, Rebekah Brooker, Kevin Flynn, Haley Jones, Caroline Brown, Abbye West, Cynthia Morris, LeRey Coker, and Candace Mitchell.

The firm was honored to serve as a sponsor alongside other members of the Dallas legal community, supporting an event that celebrates creativity while generating meaningful funding for nonprofit organizations across North Texas.

Scheef & Stone remains committed to initiatives that strengthen the communities where its attorneys and staff live and work.

Feb 25 2026
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Mackrell International Secures 14th Consecutive Band 1 Ranking in Chambers Global Guide

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.