Scheef & Stone Partner T. Chase Garrett recently presented to fence company and supply company owners and members of the Texas Section of the American Fence Association on procedures surrounding bill collection and payment for completed work.

The program, titled “I Built the Fence, Now How Do I Get Paid?”, addressed a practical issue faced by contractors and other businesses throughout the construction industry: what happens when work has been completed but payment has not been received.

The presentation brought together members of the Texas fencing industry for an interactive discussion of collection procedures and related considerations for businesses seeking payment.

According to Scheef & Stone Director of Operations Andrea Scott, attendees were highly engaged throughout the program, asked numerous questions, and shared positive feedback following Chase’s presentation.

Practical Legal Perspective for Business Owners

Garrett has practiced primarily in real estate and business litigation since 2009, representing business owners, real estate investors, brokers, developers, property owners, and high-net-worth individuals in complex disputes.

His practice includes matters involving construction litigation, contract disputes, real estate matters, partnership and shareholder disputes, employment issues, and other business-related litigation.

Garrett also serves clients in an outside general counsel capacity, advising businesses on legal strategy, risk management, operations, compliance, employment matters, and other legal issues affecting their organizations.

That combination of litigation and business experience provided a practical foundation for his presentation to fence company owners, suppliers, and other industry professionals navigating payment and collection issues.

The active participation throughout the program reflected the value of bringing legal perspectives directly to business owners and creating opportunities to discuss questions arising from their day-to-day operations.

About Chase Garrett

Garrett is a Partner in Scheef & Stone’s Frisco office. His practice spans construction, corporate and business matters, labor and employment, and litigation, including construction litigation, shareholder disputes, real estate litigation, employment litigation, trade secret litigation, and trademark litigation.

He earned his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Midwestern State University. He is admitted to practice in Texas and before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas.

Scheef & Stone is pleased to support opportunities for its attorneys to connect directly with business owners, trade associations, and industry professionals throughout Texas.

The firm thanks the Texas Section of the American Fence Association and everyone who participated in the program and congratulates Chase on a well-received presentation.

Scheef & Stone, LLP welcomed Ashley Yablon, attorney, whistleblower, and author of Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country, to the firm on September 30, 2026, for a Lunch & Learn with members of the Scheef & Stone team.

During the program, Yablon shared the story behind his memoir and discussed his experience navigating complex questions involving corporate ethics, professional responsibility, international business, and whistleblowing.

The Story Behind Standing Up to China

Published by Brown Books Publishing Group in April 2022, Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country recounts Yablon’s experience while serving as general counsel for the U.S. operations of Chinese telecommunications company ZTE. The book follows his discovery of information concerning the company’s business with sanctioned countries and his subsequent decision to provide information to U.S. authorities. 

Yablon has described becoming an FBI informant after learning of conduct involving the shipment and re-export of U.S.-origin technology to countries subject to U.S. sanctions. His memoir examines both the professional and personal consequences of that decision. 

The underlying enforcement matter ultimately became a significant U.S. sanctions case. In 2017, ZTE pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by illegally shipping U.S.-origin items to Iran, as well as obstruction of justice and making a material false statement. The company agreed to pay approximately $892 million, with an additional $300 million penalty suspended subject to compliance with its settlement agreement.

A Conversation About Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Yablon’s presentation gave the Scheef & Stone team an opportunity to hear firsthand about the legal and ethical considerations that can arise when attorneys encounter potential misconduct within an organization.

The discussion touched on issues central to the legal profession, including corporate compliance, professional judgment, whistleblower decisions, ethical responsibility, and the challenges of advising organizations operating across international jurisdictions.

Yablon now speaks about his experience and corporate ethics in addition to his legal work. His official biography describes his work today as that of a lawyer, leader, educator, and speaker focused in part on lessons from his experience as a whistleblower. 

Scheef & Stone thanks Ashley Yablon for spending time with the firm and sharing the story behind Standing Up to China with its attorneys and team members.

About the Book: Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country was published April 5, 2022, by Brown Books Publishing Group.

Scheef & Stone Partner Michael Smith moderated a fireside chat with U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale of the Sherman Division on September 29, 2026, as part of a meeting and program hosted by the Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court.

Held at the U.S. District Courthouse in Plano, Texas, the evening brought members of the legal community together for substantive conversation, professional development, and connection.

The program included a fireside discussion between Judge Truncale and Smith, as well as 0.50 hours of continuing legal education credit for attendees.

Scheef & Stone Team Joins the Legal Community in Plano

Scheef & Stone was well represented at the program, with team members attending from across the firm.

Attendees included:

Jessica Chapa, Abbye West, Caroline Hardy, Austin Hatton, Patrick Schurr, Michael Schofield, Jon Strain, Shirley Rose, Kate Valent, Lindie Harper, Andrea Scott, and Michael Smith.

The gathering provided an opportunity for attorneys and members of the legal community to engage with Judge Truncale and one another in the collegial setting fostered by the American Inns of Court.

The American Inns of Court bring judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals together with an emphasis on professionalism, education, mentoring, ethics, and civility within the legal profession.

Scheef & Stone appreciates the Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court for hosting the evening and thanks Judge Truncale for participating in the fireside conversation.

The firm is pleased to support opportunities that encourage substantive discussion, professional development, and continued connection among members of the North Texas legal community.

Scheef & Stone Founding Partner C. John Scheef III will chair Mackrell International’s upcoming Construction Law Practice Group Call on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, bringing together attorneys from across the international network for a comparative discussion of construction damages.

The virtual session, titled “Construction Damages: Liquidated and Remedial,” will begin at 10:00 a.m. Dallas time and will feature Christophe Shammas, Partner at Mackrell International member firm Loopstra Nixon LLP in Toronto.

Shammas will lead two principal discussion topics, followed by an open exchange of experiences and perspectives among Mackrell International members from different jurisdictions.

Liquidated Damages in Complex Construction Projects

The first discussion will examine the role of liquidated damages as a risk-allocation mechanism in construction contracts, particularly on large and complex projects involving multiple prime contracts, tiers of subcontractors, and overlapping scopes of work.

Participants will compare how different jurisdictions approach the drafting, enforceability, and flow-through of liquidated damages provisions, including considerations around allocating upstream exposure throughout the contracting chain.

Damages for Defective Work and Delayed Remediation

The second discussion will focus on the calculation of damages when defective work is identified, but remedial work is not undertaken immediately.

The conversation will compare approaches across jurisdictions to issues including repair costs, diminution in value, mitigation obligations, pre-judgment interest, and the effect of delays between discovery of a defect and completion of remedial work.

The session will conclude with an open forum, allowing members to raise additional construction law issues and suggest topics for future Practice Group meetings.

The call is open to attorneys and professionals at Mackrell International member firms and is part of the network’s ongoing Practice Group programming designed to encourage knowledge sharing and cross-border discussion among member firms.

John’s role as chair of the Construction Law Practice Group reflects Scheef & Stone’s continued involvement with Mackrell International and its global community of independent law firms.

That involvement will continue later this fall, when John Scheef and Scheef & Stone Partner Kate Valentrepresent the firm at the 2026 Mackrell International Americas Business Meeting, taking place November 13–15 in St. Louis, Missouri. The meeting will bring together Mackrell International member firms from across the Americas for business development discussions, networking, and collaboration.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to continuing its participation in Mackrell International programs that create opportunities for attorneys to exchange perspectives, strengthen professional relationships, and engage with legal and business issues across jurisdictions.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of Melody of Hope’s special-edition Music on Main, taking place Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the Rail District of Downtown Frisco, Texas.

The free community event follows Melody of Hope’s North Texas Giving Day campaign and offers an opportunity to celebrate the support received from donors, sponsors, and community members while bringing live music to the heart of Frisco.

Celebrating Community Through Music

Melody of Hope is a North Texas nonprofit dedicated to supporting local musicians, partnering with nonprofit organizations, and bringing communities together through live music.

 Building on the partnership previously announced in connection with North Texas Giving Day, Scheef & Stone’s presenting sponsorship of Music on Main supports the organization’s efforts to create meaningful connections through music.

 The October 17 event will feature live acoustic sets and musical performances hosted by local shops and venues throughout the Frisco Rail District.

 Attendees will have an opportunity to explore Downtown Frisco, discover local musicians, and support participating merchants while enjoying live performances throughout the district.

 The event reflects Melody of Hope’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for North Texas artists while strengthening connections among local businesses, nonprofits, and the communities they serve.

Event Details: Music on Main in Downtown Frisco

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: The Rail District, Downtown Frisco, Texas

Admission: Free and open to the public

Performances: Live music featuring local North Texas artists at participating Downtown Frisco businesses

Melody of Hope is currently finalizing the artist lineup, participating merchant locations, stage locations, and performance schedule. Additional details will be announced as the event approaches.

 Free public parking is available at the Downtown Parking Garage on 4th Street, with additional street parking throughout the Rail District. 

Continuing Scheef & Stone’s Support of Melody of Hope

Scheef & Stone’s presenting sponsorship of Music on Main builds on the firm’s relationship with Melody of Hope and its mission to bring communities together through music.

The firm’s involvement, supported by Founding Partner C. John Scheef III, reflects its continued engagement with organizations and initiatives that contribute to the North Texas community.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to joining Melody of Hope, participating musicians, local businesses, and community members for this special celebration in Downtown Frisco.

For additional event information, including the upcoming artist lineup, performance schedule, and participating merchants, visit Melody of Hope’s official Music on Main announcement.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to announce that 14 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, reflecting a broad range of practices across the firm’s Dallas, Frisco, and Marshall offices.

Nine Scheef & Stone attorneys were named to the 2026 Texas Super Lawyers list, while five were named to the 2026 Texas Rising Stars list.

2026 Texas Super Lawyers

The Scheef & Stone attorneys named to the 2026 Texas Super Lawyers list are:

• Matt Bracy — Corporate & Business (2019-2026)
• John G. Fischer, P.E. — Intellectual Property and Litigation (2012-2026)
• J. Mitchell Little — Litigation and Securities & Finance (2015-2026)
• Keith Rawlins — Intellectual Property (2024-2026)
• C. John Scheef III — Construction and Litigation (2003-2026)
• Michael Smith — Intellectual Property and Litigation (2008-2026)
• Kate Valent — Construction and Litigation (2022-2026)
• Rebekah Steely Brooker — Estate Planning & Probate and Litigation (2019-2026)
• William “Bill” E. Stone — Corporate & Business and Securities & Finance (2006-2026)

This year’s honorees include attorneys whose work spans business transactions, complex commercial litigation, construction, intellectual property, securities, estate planning and probate, and related areas.

Several members of the group also have longstanding histories of recognition by Super Lawyers. C. John Scheef III’s selection history dates to 2003, Bill Stone’s to 2006, Michael Smith’s to 2008, John Fischer’s to 2012, and J. Mitchell Little’s to 2015. Matt Bracy and Rebekah Steely Brooker were first recognized on the Super Lawyers list in 2019, Kate Valent in 2022, and Keith Rawlins in 2024.

2026 Texas Rising Stars

Scheef & Stone also congratulates five attorneys named to the 2026 Texas Rising Stars list:

• Margaret Ricchi — Corporate & Business (Rising Stars: 2026)
• Taylor L. Harris — Litigation, Corporate & Business, and Intellectual Property (Rising Stars: 2019-2026)
• Logan C. Miller — Litigation, Corporate & Business, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, and Energy (Rising Stars: 2026)
• Steven Coffin — Litigation, Corporate & Business, Energy, and Real Estate (Rising Stars: 2026)
• Justin Masoner — Property Tax Litigation and General Litigation (Rising Stars: 2026)

For Taylor Harris, 2026 marks another year of recognition following his first selection to the Texas Rising Stars list in 2019.

Logan Miller, Steven Coffin, Justin Masoner, and Margaret Ricchi are first-time Texas Rising Stars selectees in 2026, bringing recognition to attorneys whose practices span complex commercial litigation, corporate and transactional matters, intellectual property, real estate, energy, and property tax litigation.

About the Super Lawyers Selection Process

Super Lawyers uses a patented multiphase selection process that combines peer nominations and evaluations with independent research. Candidates are evaluated on indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, with selections made annually on a state-by-state basis.

Five percent of lawyers in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers list. The Rising Stars selection process follows the same general methodology, with eligibility limited to attorneys who are either 40 years old or younger or have been in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in a state are selected to the Rising Stars list.

The 2026 Texas Super Lawyers magazine was published on September 18, 2026.

Scheef & Stone congratulates each of this year’s honorees on their recognition and their continued contributions to their clients, the firm, and the legal community.

Scheef & Stone Partner Michael Smith will moderate a fireside chat with U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale of the Sherman Divisionon Tuesday, September 29, 2026, as part of a meeting and program hosted by the Judge Paul Brown American Inn of Court.

The event will be held at the U.S. District Courthouse, 7940 Preston Road in Plano, Texas, and will bring members of the Inn together for an evening of conversation, professional connection, and continuing legal education.

The evening’s schedule includes a social gathering at the courthouse beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the meeting and program at 6:00 p.m. The program includes 0.50 CLE credit and will feature the fireside chat between Judge Truncale and Michael Smith.

Scheef & Stone looks forward to supporting opportunities that bring members of the legal community together for substantive discussion and professional development.

Scheef & Stone, LLP is proud to support Melody of Hope as part of the organization’s 2026 North Texas Giving Day campaign and upcoming Music on Main Street event in October.

C. John Scheef III, on behalf of Scheef & Stone, helped connect the firm with Melody of Hope to support the organization’s mission of bringing hope to North Texas communities through the power of music.

Melody of Hope supports and advocates for nonprofit organizations throughout North Texas through live music programs and showcases featuring up-and-coming artists. The organization works to bring people together through music while helping strengthen the nonprofit and artistic communities across the region.

In 2026, Melody of Hope is supporting 32 local nonprofits and providing more than 100 musical performances at their events free of charge. Through these efforts, the organization also creates opportunities for local artists while helping participating nonprofits expand their reach, fundraising efforts, and volunteer networks.

Supporting North Texas Giving Day

North Texas Giving Day will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Presented by Communities Foundation of Texas, the annual giving event brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the region to support local nonprofits and the causes important to their communities.

Scheef & Stone is proud to support Melody of Hope as part of its North Texas Giving Day efforts and to contribute to an organization using music to connect people and strengthen local communities.

“We’re proud to support Melody of Hope and its work to bring people together through music while strengthening nonprofits and the communities they serve.” — C. John Scheef III

Supporting Music on Main Street

The partnership also connects Scheef & Stone with Melody of Hope’s upcoming Music on Main Street event in October. Through the sponsorship, the firm will support an event that brings together music, community organizations, and local artists in support of nonprofit causes across North Texas.

For C. John Scheef III and Scheef & Stone, the partnership represents an opportunity to support an organization working to strengthen local nonprofits, create opportunities for North Texas artists, and use music to bring people together.

Scheef & Stone is proud to support Melody of Hope and its continued work to make a meaningful impact throughout North Texas.

Scheef & Stone, LLP was proud to have Partner Kate Valent serve as a speaker at TexasBarCLE’s 25th Annual Advanced In-House Counsel Course, held August 27–28, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas. Scheef & Stone also supported the program as a sponsor.

Kate participated in the course’s Friday program alongside Dena DeNooyer Stroh of the North Texas Tollway Authority, presenting “Construction Law: Top 10 Things to Be Worried About.” The session addressed construction-law issues and risks relevant to in-house counsel and business leaders navigating complex projects and legal obligations.

The two-day Advanced In-House Counsel Course was presented by TexasBarCLE and cosponsored by the Business Law Section and Corporate Counsel Section of the State Bar of Texas. The program provided continuing legal education and opportunities for in-house counsel and other attorneys to examine legal and business issues affecting companies today. The 2026 agenda covered a broad range of topics, including employment law, artificial intelligence, corporate governance, supply chain risk, litigation risks, executive compensation, real estate, contract drafting, financing, and the role of private equity.

Kate’s participation in the construction-law session reflects her experience in matters affecting businesses, property owners, developers, and others in the construction industry. Her work and continued engagement with the legal community also provides opportunities to share practical perspectives on issues that can affect businesses before disputes arise.

The course emphasized the importance of continuing education and professional connection for attorneys serving in-house and business-facing roles. Through presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for professional exchange, the program brought together attorneys and legal professionals addressing many of the issues confronting companies and their legal teams.

Scheef & Stone appreciates the opportunity to support TexasBarCLE and the State Bar of Texas and is proud to have Kate contribute to this year’s program.

For attorneys who were unable to attend the live course, TexasBarCLE has scheduled a webcast replay for October 8–9, 2026.