Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to serve as a Hole Sponsor for the 58th Grand Boulé Golf Championship, taking place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano, Texas.

Held in conjunction with the 58th Grand Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the Championship is one of the organization’s signature fellowship events, bringing together accomplished leaders from across the United States for a day of competition, networking, and community engagement.

The event features golf, tennis, and pickleball competitions. It is expected to welcome nearly 300 golfers, as well as hundreds of participants, sponsors, and guests representing business, law, medicine, education, public service, and other professions.

Scheef & Stone’s sponsorship is led by Partner Peter Lewis, whose involvement reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to supporting organizations that foster leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful community connections

As an Individual Hole Sponsor, Scheef & Stone is proud to contribute to an event that emphasizes fellowship, service, and collaboration among professionals from across the country. The firm’s participation aligns with its broader commitment to investing in organizations and initiatives that strengthen relationships within both the legal profession and the communities it serves.

Founded in 1904, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is recognized as the nation’s oldest African American Greek-letter fraternity. Throughout its history, the organization has brought together distinguished leaders dedicated to advancing excellence through leadership, service, and civic engagement. The annual Grand Boulé serves as the fraternity’s national gathering, with the Golf Championship providing fellowship opportunities and relationship-building among members, sponsors, and community partners.

Scheef & Stone is honored to support this year’s Championship and looks forward to joining fellow sponsors, participants, and community leaders in celebrating the spirit of leadership, fellowship, and service that has defined the Grand Boulé tradition for generations

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to once again sponsor Local Profile’s 25th Annual Women in Business Summit, taking place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Hilton Granite Park Hotel in Plano, Texas.

Presented by Bank of America, the Women in Business Summit has become one of North Texas’ premier leadership events, bringing together approximately 500 executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals for a day of thought-provoking discussions, meaningful networking, and leadership development.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this year’s Summit embraces the theme “Dream. Dare. Deliver.”, recognizing the innovation, resilience, and leadership of women making an impact across industries.

As a returning sponsor, Scheef & Stone is honored to support an event that celebrates professional excellence while fostering collaboration and advancing women in business throughout North Texas.

Leading up to the Summit, representatives from Scheef & Stone will also attend the event’s exclusive VIP Pre-Party on Thursday, September 10, hosted by Eddie V’s Plano. The invitation-only reception brings together sponsors, speakers, and VIP guests for an evening of networking and relationship-building ahead of the Summit, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow leaders from across the region.

Scheef & Stone’s sponsorship reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women, strengthen leadership, and build meaningful connections within the legal profession and the broader business community.

The firm looks forward to participating in this milestone event, reconnecting with colleagues and community leaders, and celebrating the remarkable women who continue to shape the future of North Texas.

Scheef & Stone Partner Matt Bracy recently joined host Craig Andrews on the Leaders & Legacies podcast for an in-depth conversation exploring how businesses can maximize the value of legal counsel, approach risk strategically, and build stronger organizations through thoughtful decision-making.

Throughout the discussion, Matt shares insights drawn from decades of advising businesses across a wide range of industries. Rather than viewing legal counsel solely as a resource for resolving disputes, he explains how attorneys can serve as long-term strategic advisors—helping companies identify risks early, make informed business decisions, and create lasting value.

The conversation also explores several topics that business owners and executives frequently encounter, including:

• Why many companies overpaying for legal services?
• Why do business owners often hesitate to contact their attorney before important decisions are made?
• How can strategic legal counsel help businesses proactively manage risk?
• The importance of learning how to think rather than simply memorizing answers when solving complex business challenges.
• Matt’s journey as a first-generation college graduate and how that perspective has influenced his approach to practicing law.

One of the most personal moments of the episode centers on Matt’s father, whose military service during World War II left a lasting impression on Matt’s philosophy of leadership, integrity, humility, and objective risk assessment. Those lessons continue to shape the way he advises clients today, emphasizing careful analysis, practical solutions, and trusted long-term relationships.

The episode reflects Scheef & Stone’s commitment to providing practical, business-focused legal counsel that extends beyond resolving legal issues. By helping clients think strategically about risk and opportunity, the firm’s attorneys strive to become trusted advisors who support informed decision-making at every stage of a company’s growth.

Scheef & Stone is proud to see Matt share his experience and perspective with the broader business community through the Leaders & Legacies podcast.

The firm will also be highlighting several key takeaways from the conversation across its social media channels in the coming weeks. Those interested in hearing the complete discussion can listen to Episode #279: Stop Treating Your Business Lawyer Like a Vending Machine with Matt Bracy, featuring Matt Bracy on the Leaders & Legacies podcast.

Scheef & Stone, LLP recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Marshall office with a commemorative ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, marking an important milestone in the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients throughout East Texas.

Founded by attorneys with large-firm experience, Scheef & Stone was built on the principle of providing sophisticated legal representation with a more personal, client-focused approach. Since opening its Marshall office in 2021, the firm has continued to expand its presence in one of the nation’s most significant venues for complex commercial and patent litigation while strengthening its relationships throughout the local business and legal communities.

The Marshall office is led by Michael C. Smith, whose practice focuses on complex commercial and patent litigation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. His strategic advocacy and longstanding commitment to clients have helped establish the office as a trusted legal resource for businesses both locally and nationwide.

The anniversary celebration brought together firm leadership, attorneys, community members, and representatives of the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce to recognize the office’s continued impact and growth. Attending on behalf of Scheef & Stone were Founding Partners Kelly Crawford and Bill Stone, Executive Committee Member Matt Bracy, Director of Operations Andrea Scott, Information Technology Manager Fredy Giron, and members of the Marshall office team.

During their visit, firm leadership also toured the historic federal courthouse in Marshall, reflecting on the city’s longstanding role in the nation’s patent litigation landscape and the office’s continued work in the Eastern District of Texas.

Scheef & Stone extends its sincere appreciation to the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce for hosting the celebration and to the clients, colleagues, and community partners who have supported the Marshall office over the past five years.

As the firm celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to continuing its tradition of providing practical legal solutions, exceptional client service, and meaningful engagement throughout Marshall, East Texas, and beyond.

Scheef & Stone Founding Partner C. John Scheef III recently volunteered during Healthcare Appreciation Week at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennialin Frisco, where he helped serve food to physicians, nurses, clinicians, and hospital staff during the hospital’s annual appreciation cookout.

Healthcare Appreciation Week provides an opportunity to recognize the dedication of healthcare professionals whose work supports patients, families, and communities every day. From direct patient care to the many individuals working behind the scenes, these professionals play an essential role in delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare.

As part of the Baylor Scott & White Health system, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial serves residents throughout Frisco and the surrounding Collin and Denton County communities by providing comprehensive medical services across a wide range of specialties.

For Scheef & Stone, participating in events like Healthcare Appreciation Week reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves and recognizing the organizations and professionals whose work makes a lasting impact.

The firm is proud to celebrate the dedication of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial team and extends its gratitude to all healthcare professionals for their continued service.

Scheef & Stone is pleased to share that Michael Smith was recently published in IAM with an article titled, “What EDTX’s Judge Reshuffle Means for Sherman and Marshall Patent Dockets.”

In the article, Michael examines a recent administrative reassignment within the Eastern District of Texas that redistributes patent cases among judges in the Sherman and Marshall Divisions. Although the changes do not affect substantive patent law, they may influence litigation strategy by impacting case assignments, docket balance, and the progression of patent matters depending on the assigned judge.

As one of the busiest patent litigation venues in the United States, the Eastern District of Texas remains a focal point for businesses involved in intellectual property disputes. Michael’s analysis provides practical insight into how these administrative changes may shape future patent litigation and what practitioners should consider.

Read Michael’s full article in IAM:
www.iam-media.com/article/what-edtxs-judge-reshuffle-means-sherman-and-marshall-patent-dockets

Scheef & Stone, LLP recently hosted a firm happy hour bringing together attorneys and team members to welcome the firm’s 2026 Summer Law Clerks.

Held as an opportunity for attorneys and clerks to connect ahead of the summer program, the event brought together members of the firm from multiple offices and practice areas in a relaxed and collaborative setting.

Attorneys in attendance to welcome the incoming class included Michael Smith, Matt Bracy, Alexis Cantu, Jessica Chapa, Steven Coffin, Chase Garret, Logan Miller, Austin Hatton, Margaret Ricchi, Michael Schofield, Patrick Schurr, and Melinda Sims.

This year’s summer law clerks — Gillian West, Madison Barnes, Lindie Harper, and Ashley Souza — are all students at SMU Dedman School of Law and will spend the summer gaining hands-on legal experience while working alongside attorneys across the firm.

The event reflects Scheef & Stone’s ongoing commitment to mentorship, professional development, and investing in the next generation of legal professionals. Throughout the summer, the law clerks will have opportunities to gain exposure to a broad range of practice areas, collaborate with attorneys, and further develop their legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.

Scheef & Stone appreciates everyone who attended the event and helped make the evening a memorable welcome for this year’s summer clerk class.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Melinda Sims has been elected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, one of the most respected honors within the Texas legal profession.

The Texas Bar Foundation recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and a commitment to improving the legal profession and their communities. Each year, only one-third of one percent of Texas attorneys are invited to become Fellows, making membership highly selective and distinguished.

Melinda’s election reflects her dedication to client service, professionalism, and leadership within the legal community. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for thoughtful counsel, strong advocacy, and meaningful contributions to the profession.

Founded in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation is the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the nation. Through grants and charitable initiatives, the Foundation has awarded more than $30 million to nonprofit organizations across Texas that promote access to justice, legal education, and public service programs. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone, the Foundation awarded a record-breaking $1.7 million in grant funding to organizations serving communities throughout the state.

Melinda’s election as a Fellow connects her to a distinguished group of attorneys committed not only to excellence in the practice of law, but also to supporting initiatives that strengthen the justice system and expand legal resources for Texans.

Scheef & Stone congratulates Melinda on this distinguished recognition and her election as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to welcome four law clerks to the firm this summer: Gillian West and Madison Barnes in the firm’s Dallas office, and Lindie Harper and Ashley Souza in the Frisco office.

All four clerks are second-year law students at SMU Dedman School of Law, one of the nation’s leading legal institutions and a longstanding part of the Dallas legal community. As SMU Dedman Law celebrates its 100th anniversary, the school continues its legacy of preparing future legal leaders through academic excellence, practical experience, and public service.

The incoming clerks each bring strong academic credentials and diverse professional experience to the firm.

Gillian West currently serves as Secretary of the Student Bar Association at SMU Dedman Law and previously worked as a summer associate in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Prior to law school, she spent nearly three years working in a law firm environment as an administrative assistant.

Madison Barnes recently completed internships with both Parkland Health and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. She graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University with a degree in political science and a minor in criminal justice.

Lindie Harper graduated magna cum laude from Rhodes College, where she served as a research fellow and editor of the Rhodes Historical Review. Her background also includes appellate-focused internship experience with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office.

Ashley Souza brings prior legal and administrative experience from both private industry and higher education, including work with Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and Tabani Group, Inc.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to supporting these talented students as they continue developing their legal skills and gaining hands-on experience within the firm.

Please join us in welcoming Gillian, Madison, Lindie, and Ashley to Scheef & Stone.

Scheef & Stone is proud to mark the fifth anniversary of its Marshall, Texas office, a milestone that reflects the firm’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients throughout East Texas.

The Marshall office officially opened in 2021, expanding the firm’s footprint and strengthening its presence in the region. A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the occasion, attended by founding partners Bill Stone, Kelly Crawford, and John Scheef, as well as partner Michael Smith.

Located in a historic downtown building, once home to a neighborhood shoe store, the Marshall office blends local character with the firm’s forward-looking vision. The thoughtfully restored space reflects Scheef & Stone’s dedication not only to legal excellence, but also to becoming part of the fabric of the communities it serves.

Over the past five years, the Marshall office has provided strategic legal counsel to businesses and individuals across East Texas, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results-driven advocacy.