Scheef & Stone is pleased to recognize Partner Kelly Crawford for his contributions to a recently published article in DailyDAC and the National Law Review, following his participation in a panel series on federal equity receiverships.

Over the past three months, Kelly served as a panelist in three webinars addressing the legal and operational nuances of federal receivership cases — particularly those involving allegations of fraud or regulatory action. These panels were organized in part by Financial Poise, a leading resource in business law education. The resulting articles, now live on two major platforms, outlines the core provisions of a receivership order, the role of the appointed receiver, and the importance of asset protection during court-supervised proceedings.

With deep experience in handling receiverships and enforcement actions, Scheef & Stone continues to be a trusted advisor in matters involving complex financial disputes and regulatory oversight.

Read the full article:
DailyDAC: https://www.dailydac.com/the-nuts-and-bolts-of-a-federal-equity-receivership-understanding-the-order-appointing-the-receiver/
National Law Review: https://natlawreview.com/article/nuts-and-bolts-federal-equity-receivership-understanding-order-appointing-receiver

Scheef & Stone is proud to share that firm partner and State Representative Mitch Little (R–Lewisville) has been named Outstanding Freshman Legislator by the Texas House Republican Caucus for his work during the 88th Legislative Session.

This distinction recognizes Rep. Little’s leadership on key legislation, particularly House Bill 4623, which addresses a growing crisis of educator misconduct in Texas public schools. The bill removes sovereign immunity protections for school districts in civil cases involving sexual abuse by school employees—giving survivors and their families long-overdue access to the courts.

HB 4623 establishes joint and several liability between an individual school employee and the district in cases of proven negligence, introducing a new legal pathway for victims to pursue justice. While the initial bill proposed strict liability, the final version adopted a negligence standard and included a $500,000 cap on actual damages—bringing it in line with existing civil protections under the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Rep. Little introduced the bill in response to alarming data from the state’s educator misconduct reporting portal. Thousands of allegations were reported but never investigated, and many more remained unresolved. Throughout the legislative process, he emphasized the need for courts to play a greater role in addressing institutional failures and ensuring that Texas students are better protected.

The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, receiving 127 votes in favor and just 6 opposed, and has since been cited as a model for similar reforms in other states.

This legislative milestone underscores Mitch Little’s commitment to justice, accountability, and public service. His approach—grounded in real-world legal experience and a willingness to lead on difficult issues—reflects the values that Scheef & Stone is proud to champion.

In addition to his legislative role, Rep. Little practices law at Scheef & Stone, where he represents clients in complex litigation and business disputes. He serves House District 65, representing part of Denton County, and maintains an office at the Texas Capitol in Austin.

Learn more about HB 4623 and Rep. Little’s legislative work: Texas To Remove School Immunity In Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits

At Scheef & Stone, we are proud to spotlight attorneys who not only deliver exceptional legal work but also serve their communities with integrity and leadership.

This month, we recognize Mitch Little, a seasoned trial attorney known for navigating high-stakes, high-profile litigation with precision and confidence. Mitch represents businesses and individuals in complex disputes where outcomes matter—and he delivers.

Beyond the courtroom, Mitch brings that same commitment to public service as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He currently serves on the House Committees for Criminal Jurisprudence, Transportation, and the Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties, applying his legal knowledge to shape meaningful legislative change.

“Mitch embodies what it means to be a servant leader,” said fellow partner and Executive Committee Member Matt Bracy. “Whether he’s in the courtroom or at the Capitol, he shows up with integrity, grit, and a deep commitment to his clients and his community.”

Stay tuned each month as we continue highlighting the attorneys who make Scheef & Stone a standout firm across Texas.

Learn more about Mitch Little

Scheef & Stone is pleased to announce that the firm was selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms.

The firm achieved 14 metropolitan rankings in the tiers and practice areas listed below.

Tier 1:

Dallas/Fort Worth

• Appellate Practice
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Employment Law – Management
• Litigation – Construction

Tier 2:

Dallas/Fort Worth

• Construction Law
• Corporate Law
• Litigation – Real Estate
• Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• Trademark Law

Tier 3:

Dallas/Fort Worth

• Arbitration
• Litigation – Insurance
• Litigation – Intellectual Property

Tyler

• Litigation – Intellectual Property
• Litigation – Patent

Best Law Firms rankings are based on reference evaluations, peer reviews from leading attorneys, interviews with industry leaders, and firm submissions. Firms are recognized by practice areas, with rankings presented in tiers on a national and/or metropolitan scale. This is the 14^th edition of the Best Law Firms list, published by Best Lawyers^®.

The full methodology for the Best Law Firms list is available here.

Scheef & Stone is proud to host the 11th Women To Women Business Series Luncheon in Dallas. This exclusive event is designed to offer a meaningful networking opportunity to the leading local businesswomen and to provide an hour of inspirational business conversation amidst a plethora of professional demands.

“The women of Scheef & Stone are always delighted to welcome such a prestigious and successful group of women business leaders committed to cultivating a true sense of community in the North Texas area,” said Jane Taber, partner of the firm and chair of its Diversity & Inclusion Committee. “The fact that nearly every industry is represented in the audience, and every attendee embraces the goal of elevating one another is a particular point of pride for our firm and the planning committee.”

In addition to the one of a kind networking opportunities and Park City Club views overlooking the Dallas skyline, this year’s program will feature a deep dive into The Evolution of Conscious Leadership and Culture with our featured speakers Faith Geiger (founder, TULLA) and Cami Miller (VP, Satori Capital).

Joining Jane in officiating the program is Rebekah Steely Brooker, who will introduce the featured speakers. Table hosts include Robin Barnes, Priya Jesani, Heather Kay, Kelly Kleist, LaDawn Nandrasy, Brenda Barton Neuwirt, Margaret Ricchi, Shirley Rose, Leslie Sanderson, Becca Skupin, Kate Valent, and Jennifer Withrow.

If you have any questions or need further information, please email us at rsvp@solidcounsel.com.

We are pleased to announce that thirteen of our esteemed partners at Scheef & Stone have been recognized among the top legal professionals in Texas, earning a well-deserved place on the prestigious 2023 Texas Super Lawyers list. This achievement is a testament to their resolute commitment to excellence and their exceptional contributions to our clients and the legal community.

Please join us in congratulating:

Joe Baker

Matt Bracy

Rebekah Steely Brooker

Kelly Crawford

John Fischer

Byron Henry

Mark Hill

Mitch Little

LaDawn Nandrasy

John Scheef

Michael Smith

Bill Stone

Kate Valent

Their determined dedication to delivering outstanding legal counsel, combined with their deep-rooted passion for our community, has made them trusted advisors to our clients. Each of these partners embodies the core values of Scheef & Stone, consistently delivering excellence in every aspect of their legal practice.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of them for their exceptional contributions, and we look forward to their continued success in providing the #solidcounsel that defines Scheef & Stone’s reputation in the legal industry.

In an exciting move that marks a transformative chapter in Scheef & Stone’s history, Founding members, John Scheef, Bill Stone, and Kelly Crawford have announced their decision to step down from the firm’s Executive Committee – each rolling off at different intervals over the next several months. This strategic transition, meticulously planned over the course of several years, comes as a visionary step forward, positioning the firm for unparalleled growth and expansion while fostering an environment of proactive leadership opportunities for the next generation.

John, Bill, and Kelly have been the driving force behind Scheef & Stone’s success since its inception. Leaving behind illustrious careers in Big Law, they took a bold step to establish this firm with a mission to challenge the status quo, offer innovative legal solutions, and advocate for their clients. Now, as they stand on the precipice of another exciting phase, they are determined not to rest on past accomplishments but to embrace the future with open arms. While they are relinquishing their formal positions on the committee, their commitment to the firm remains resolute. The founding partners will continue to play an active and influential role within the organization, channeling their experience and expertise toward the advancement of the firm’s goals.

“We began this journey with a vision of creating a firm that stands for integrity, inclusivity, and dynamic legal representation,” John Scheef stated. “As we step down from the Executive Committee, our commitment to these values remains steadfast. We have always believed in empowering the next generation to lead, and now it’s time to turn that belief into action.”

Bill Stone added, “We want to avoid being stagnant or resistant to change, like some of the old guard we fought against in Big Law. Our departure from the Executive Committee is an opportunity to foster fresh perspectives and ideas, ensuring our firm remains at the forefront of the legal landscape.”

Emphasizing their confidence in the incoming Executive Committee, Kelly Crawford expressed, “The next generation of leaders within our firm has proven their capabilities time and again. They have exhibited unwavering dedication and a passion for client service. We are excited to witness the growth and success they will undoubtedly bring to the table.”

Remaining steadfast in alignment with the firm’s vision and mission, the continued service of Matt Bracy, Rebekah Brooker, Mitch Little, and Richard Wallace on the Executive Committee stands as a testament to their commitment to the firm. They will carry on the legacy of their predecessors while charting new paths to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing legal landscape.

The transition to the next Executive Committee comes with an optimism that aligns with the firm’s core values. It represents a devotion to excellence, innovation, and maintaining an advanced approach to the practice of law.

As Scheef & Stone looks to the future, it reaffirms its mission to provide exceptional legal counsel, powered by fresh perspectives and staunch dedication to both their clients and staff. It remains committed to being a beacon of positive change in the legal community and to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those it serves.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to John Scheef, Bill Stone, and Kelly Crawford for their visionary leadership and dedication to our firm,” said Rebekah Steely Brooker. Matt Bracy added, “They have been instrumental in shaping our growth, success, and culture over the past three decades.”

“As we look toward the future, we are excited about the opportunities that this transition presents,” said Richard Wallace. “The founding partners will continue to collaborate with our team, contributing their insights to pivotal projects and providing mentorship to guide our evolving strategies.” Mitch Little agreed and added, “The future ahead is bright at Scheef & Stone!”