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Sep 22 2016
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Partner Mark L. Hill Elected to Board of Frisco Education Foundation

By News & Events

Frisco, Texas – Scheef & Stone LLP is pleased to announce Partner Mark L. Hill has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Frisco Education Foundation effective August 1, 2016 for a three-year term.

The Frisco Education Foundation (FEF) is a not-for-profit organization working in partnership with the Frisco Independent School District (FISD) to enhance the educational opportunities of its students. The FEF Board is comprised of North Texas business and community leaders.

The FEF has awarded approximately $5 Million in Scholarships to graduating FISD Seniors, and over $550,000 in Grants to FISD Educators. Through the FEF, funds are generated for college scholarships and innovative teacher programs that enhance the strengths of the outstanding FISD learning environment. The FEF is also active in the Frisco community and organizes several events each year, including the Mindbender Academy and Gary Burns Annual Fun Run.

“Frisco is growing at an unprecedented pace, and some of the primary drivers of this growth are the top-notch schools throughout the Frisco Independent School District,” Hill said. “Both companies and individuals are relocating to Frisco, in large part, because of its outstanding schools. It’s an honor to be elected to the Board of the Frisco Education Foundation, and I will do everything I can to support the Foundation in making sure the FISD remains without equal.” Hill offices in the firm’s Hall Park location in Frisco, Texas where his practice involves handling complex business disputes and commercial real estate matters. He represents both corporate and individual clients in state and federal courts throughout Texas.

Scheef & Stone LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going above and beyond the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Aug 16 2016
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Scheef & Stone Announces Eight Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America 2017 List

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Dallas, Texas – Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to announce eight of the Firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2017 edition of Best Lawyers in America. This publication, in existence for three decades, is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

“Having eight Scheef & Stone attorneys recognized on the Best Lawyers 2017 list provides proof that our dedication to providing innovative, exemplary services to our clients is recognized by our peers,” said John Scheef, one of the Firm’s co-founding partners. “We are both humbled and honored to receive this recognition.”

Scheef & Stone attorneys named to the 2017 Best Lawyers in America list are:

Robert Banta, Real Estate Law

Roger Crabb, Employment Law – Management

Byron Henry, Appellate Practice

Mitch Little, Arbitration

John Scheef, Construction Law; Litigation – Construction

Mark Simon, Employment Law – Management

Bill Stone, Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisition Law

Brad Whitlock, Corporate Law

Since its first publication in 1983, Best Lawyers has become known as the definitive guide to legal excellence. More than 79,000 leading attorneys globally are eligible to vote. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed so that inclusion in Best Lawyers continues to be considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and dedicate themselves to going beyond the extra mile for their clients. These standards have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service commercial firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Jul 20 2016
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Scheef & Stone Partner Mark L. Hill Elected President of Collin County Bar

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Frisco, Texas – Scheef & Stone LLP is pleased to announce Partner Mark L. Hill has been elected as the president of the Collin County Bar Association (CCBA) effective July 1, 2016 for a one-year term.
Hill has served on the CCBA Board of Directors for several years, most recently as the association’s Vice-President. He was previously a founding member and Chair of the Civil Litigation Section of the CCBA.

The CCBA is the largest bar association serving the legal community practicing or residing in and around Collin County, Texas; which includes Frisco, McKinney, Allen and Plano, among numerous other smaller communities. It works closely with the judiciary and local leaders in Collin County to create a professional, cordial, and efficient relationship with the court system for all practitioners.

“Collin County, including its legal community, is growing at an unprecedented pace and I am extremely proud to lead the Collin County Bar Association during this particular time.” Hill said. “Looking forward, my intention is for the CCBA to provide services that will not only materially benefit its members, but also contribute in a meaningful way to the local community. We have countless talented attorneys practicing in Collin County, and are blessed with a great group of judges and elected officials; this year the CCBA and its members will be at the forefront of many great developments happening in North Texas.”

Mr. Hill offices in the firm’s Hall Park location in Frisco, Texas where his practice involves handling complex business disputes and commercial real estate matters. He represents both corporate and individual clients in state and federal courts throughout Texas.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going above and beyond the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, bankruptcy, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Jul 13 2016
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Scheef & Stone Receiver Settles Securities Fraud Claim for $2.25 Million

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DALLAS – Scheef & Stone LLP is pleased to announce a $2.25 million settlement of claims brought by a federal court appointed Receiver against Forex Capital Markets LLC. The aiding and abetting securities fraud claims were filed against FXCM in the 429th District Court of Collin County, Texas in Cause No. 429-75-2014. The claims alleged that Forex aided and abetted Kevin White, a Plano, Texas man earlier convicted of fraud in operating the Revelation Forex Fund, a $7 million Ponzi scheme. Kelly Crawford, a co-founding partner with Scheef & Stone, was appointed as Receiver for the Revelation Forex Fund by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Cases Nos. 4:13-cv-383 and 382 brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission and U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission against White.

Court records indicate that more than two years ago, Crawford filed claims against FXCM for its alleged role as the broker who opened and serviced the Revelation Forex Fund account for White.

Prior to the settlement, FXCM made motion to have the case arbitrated in New York. FXCM argued Crawford, as the Receiver, had stepped into the shoes of its customer, the Revelation Forex Fund, and was required to arbitrate the claims in New York. The Collin County District Court ruled against FXCM. The company appealed the decision to the Dallas Court of Appeals. The Dallas Court of Appeals agreed that the Receiver was not bound by the arbitration agreement of Revelation Forex Fund. FXCM appealed the appellate decision to the Texas Supreme Court, but it declined to hear the case.

After losing the battle for venue, FXCM paid the Receiver $2.25 million in settlement of the claims. As a result of this settlement and other recoveries in the receivership, Crawford will be returning more than 78% of the misappropriated funds to the investors. “Through the hard work of my excellent attorneys, we were able to recover substantial funds from FXCM to return to the investors,” Crawford said.

In the battles to determine venue, Crawford was represented by Mitch Little and Charlene Koonce, Scheef & Stone partners with significant experience in federal court receiverships. “This was a hard fought battle that lasted for more than two and a half years,” Little said.

“The Dallas Court of Appeals’ opinion requiring FXCM to go to trial in Collin County was a pivotal moment in allowing for a settlement in the case,” Koonce said.

Former U.S. Magistrate Jeff Kaplan, now with JAMS, served as the mediator in the dispute.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going above and beyond the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing its attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Jul 06 2016
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Scheef & Stone Announces Frisco Office Expansion

By News & Events

DALLAS – Scheef & Stone LLP is pleased to announce the addition of more than 6,400 square feet to its Frisco Office in Hall Park at 2600 Network Blvd, Suite 400, Frisco, Texas. A Hall Park tenant since 2004, the firm leased 12,357 square feet in its current location in November 2014 on a 10-year lease. The additional space will provide the firm with a total of 18,828 square feet – an increase of 41.5 percent. The expansions are scheduled to occur in two phases, with 2,085 square feet added July 1, 2016 and an additional 3,776 square feet to be added on Feb. 1, 2017.

“We are so thankful to be in this position where we need to expand our footprint in this office due to growing client demand in Frisco, Collin County and North Dallas,” said John Scheef, one of the firm’s founding partners. “Hall Park is the perfect location to serve our expanding client base. We find the Frisco area to be a booming business community and we are very glad to be a part of that growth.”

In addition to increasing its physical space, Scheef & Stone also continues to expand its attorneys and practice areas. Since it moved into its current Frisco space, the firm has added eight attorneys, and immigration and cybersecurity practice areas. The firm intends to continue to aggressively add new attorneys and practice areas to both its Frisco and Dallas offices, Scheef said.

The firm’s Frisco office space is owned by Hall Financial Group. Hall Park is an award-winning, 162-acre development, currently containing 16 buildings with three million square feet of Class A office space, located near the intersection of Dallas North Tollway and Gaylord Parkway. The firm was assisted in its negotiation by Brooke Armstrong of Jones, Lang LaSalle, IP, Inc.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the law firm hold themselves to the highest standards, and embrace the art of going above and beyond the extra mile for their clients. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing its attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and litigation firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, intellectual property, healthcare, litigation and employment law.

Jun 17 2016
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Partner Tom Kulik Elected as State Bar of Texas District 1 Grievance Committee Chairman

By News & Events

We are honored to announce that partner Tom Kulik has been elected as State Bar of Texas District 1 Grievance Committee Chairman, effective July 1, 2016. Elected by members of the District Grievance Committee panels located in District 1, he will now oversee the case allocation for four separate panels that address grievances filed by individuals who believe they have been a witness to attorney misconduct. These panels hear cases in McKinney, Sherman, Marshall and Texarkana. Currently, 387 volunteer Grievance Committee members serve on 17 committees throughout the state. Members are nominated by State Bar directors and are appointed by the State Bar president. Congratulations to Tom on this achievement!

Jun 15 2016
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Immigrant Journey Awards Awarded to Outstanding North Texas Immigrants

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Scheef & Stone Spotlights Positive Immigrant Achievements

DALLAS – The Immigrant Journey Awards, an awards ceremony aimed at placing a spotlight on immigrant achievements and contributions to North Texas and the nation, held its annual Awards luncheon on Friday June 10, 2016. Awards were given to recognize this year’s most important contributors from the immigrant community to the civic and economic vitality of North Texas. Proceeds from the event are used to benefit the American Dream Scholarship for immigrant or first-generation American high school seniors in North Texas.

Emmy award-winning journalist Rebecca Aguilar served as the master of ceremonies and kept the crowd of approximately 120 attendees entertained. Guests included local dignitaries such as the Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Ecuador, Honorable Ricardo Miguel Bowen and a representative from the congressional office of Marc Veasey. Award finalists also received commendations from the congressional office of Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Now in its fifth year, the Immigrant Journey Awards program has become a staple event in North Texas shining a light on immigrant citizens who have made positive contributions in their respective fields and communities. The program, sponsored by Scheef & Stone LLP, was the brainchild of Ann Massey Badmus, Partner at Scheef & Stone.

“Immigrants make important positive contributions in every facet of life, from the business world to the public square,” said Badmus. “We see these annual awards as a way to celebrate all of those contributions and advocate immigrants throughout North Texas and beyond.”

Award candidate nominations include entrepreneurs, advocates, civic leaders and individuals who have made substantial professional achievements in their field. Finalists are awarded in the categories of Immigrant Entrepreneur, Immigrant Professional Excellence, Immigrant Spirit and Immigrant Advocate; there is typically more than one award winner in each category. Of the many nominations received, nine winners were recognized and they represent a broad scope of immigrants living in North Texas communities with roots in countries including Pakistan, Argentina, Iran, India, and Ethiopia.

2016 Immigrant Journey Award Winners:

2016 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award
Beatriz Manetta, Plano, Texas
President and CEO, Argent Associates, Inc.

2016 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award
Ali Samana, Frisco, Texas
Co-Founder, 1 Solar Solution, LLC

2016 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award
Ami Doshi, Dallas, Texas
Founder of Milaap USA

2016 Immigrant Professional Excellence Award
Dr. Anshul Agarwal Arlington, Texas
Founder & Director Redbird Wellness PLLC

2016 Immigrant Professional Excellence Award
Dr. German Gutierrez, Ft Worth, Texas
Director of Orchestras and Professor of Orchestral
Studies, TCU

2016 Immigrant Advocate Award
Dr. Michele Bobadilla, Dallas, Texas
Founder of University Crossroads, UT Arlington

2016 Immigrant Advocate Award
Leah Seyoum-Tesfa, Irving, Texas
Nurse and Founder of Reaching East African
Children and Families

2016 Immigrant Spirit Award
Ravi Calyanakoti, Plano, Texas
Innovation Coach (AT&T Foundry), Nokia

2016 Immigrant Spirit Award
Sina Sabet Sarvestani, Dallas, Texas
Youth Mentor/Teacher Assistant, Sam Tasby
Middle School

Three high school seniors were awarded American Dream Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. All scholarship applicants were required to submit a writing sample, exhibit leadership qualities, and maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA.

The 2016 American Dream Scholarship Recipients are:

• Samuel Baucom, senior, Duncanville High

• Monica Aguirre, senior, Conrad High

• Suipen Tial, senior, Lake Highlands High

According to the organization Partnership for a New American Economy, more than four million Texas residents – about 16% of the population – were foreign born as of 2013. The annual Immigrant Journey Awards event coincides and partners with Immigrant Heritage Month, an opportunity for everyone to rally around the diversity of the country and celebrate the country’s shared heritage as a nation of immigrants.

Immigrant Journey Award Categories

Immigrant Entrepreneur Award – Honoring an immigrant business owner who has founded a highly successful business in DFW and who serves as a model and inspiration of success.

Immigrant Professional Excellence Award – Honoring an immigrant who has demonstrated significant professional achievements in their field and whose advancements in their field have positively impacted their profession or community.

Immigrant Spirit Award – Recognizing an immigrant civic leader or elected official who has contributed substantially to the community or the region.

Immigrant Advocate Award – Recognizing an individual, organization, business, or governmental entity who has made a positive impact on the lives of immigrants, and who advocates on behalf of immigrants.

For more information, visit immigrantjourney.org

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build treasured and lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the firm recognize their services are not about them and hold themselves to the highest standards, by embracing the art of going above and beyond the extra mile. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and business law firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, intellectual property, healthcare, and employment law.

May 20 2016
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Immigrant Journey Awards Seeks Nominations of Outstanding Immigrants in North Texas

By News & Events

Awards Program Spotlights Positive Immigrant Achievements

DALLAS –Scheef & Stone, LLP is pleased to present the 5th Annual Immigrant Journey Awards. This program recognizes and honor exceptional immigrant individuals who have chosen to make this country their home and who have demonstrated leadership in business by contributing to the civic and economic vitality of North Texas. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Vistasp M. Karbhari, President of the University of Texas at Arlington. The awards luncheon will be held at Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Rd., Dallas, Texas on Friday, June 10, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Immigration is tremendously beneficial to the economic health and cultural wealth of Texas,” says Ann Massey Badmus, immigration attorney and chair of the Immigrant Journey Awards program. “Immigrants make important positive contributions in every facet of life, from the business world to the public square.”

Awards will be handed out in four categories – Immigrant Entrepreneur, Immigrant Professional Excellence, Immigrant Advocate, and Immigrant Spirit. The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award is bestowed on an individual who has built a highly successful business in North Texas, and who sets a great example for other motivated entrepreneurs around the state and the nation. Immigrants who have made remarkable strides in a professional field are eligible for the Immigrant Professional Excellence Award. The Immigrant Spirit Award recognizes an elected official or other civic leader who has contributed substantially to the well-being of the entire community or region. Finally, the Immigrant Advocate Award is reserved for an individual, organization, business, or government entity that has made a powerful and positive impact on the welfare of immigrants via public advocacy.

The Immigrant Journey Summit and Awards coincides and is partnered with Immigrant Heritage Month, an opportunity for everyone to rally around the diversity of the country and celebrate our shared heritage as a nation of immigrants.

Dallas-based Scheef & Stone recognizes the tremendous impact immigrants have had on our nation and is honored to have this opportunity to help celebrate outstanding immigrants and their advocates in the U.S. For more information, to sponsor, attend or submit a nomination, visit immigrantjourney.org.

Scheef & Stone, LLP provides solid counsel to its valued clients by forging innovative legal solutions to build treasured and lasting relationships. From its offices in Dallas and Frisco, members of the firm recognize their services are not about them and hold themselves to the highest standards, by embracing the art of going above and beyond the extra mile. These values have led to strategic growth, bringing our attorney count to approximately 60 lawyers practicing in a full-service transactional and business law firm with services including immigration, corporate, cybersecurity, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, tax, construction law, banking, intellectual property, healthcare, and employment law.

May 16 2016
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Scheef & Stone Donated Entire Law Library of 4,000 Books to Pinkston High School

By News & Events

We are so pleased to be able to donate our entire law library of approximately 4,000 books to Pinkston High School, a DISD law magnet school, earlier this week. Thank you to MoveStar for donating their time, trucks, and carts to assist with the move. We hope these books provide Pinkston students with reliable sources of information to pursue their desired career paths in the field of law. Pictured first row from L to R are: Kendra Armstrong (CATE Department Head/Business Teacher), Loretta Forbey (Scheef & Stone Legal Assistant), Shakoiya Warfield (Pinkston High School Sophomore), Brenda Conine (Scheef & Stone Firm Administrator), Tra’Shannon Green (Pinkston High School Sophomore), Kelsey Johnson (Scheef & Stone Assistant to Firm Administrator), Kenric Narcisse (Campus Law Magnet Lead Teacher), Johnitta Williams (Law Enforcement Teacher). Second row from L to R: Robert Maturey (Owner of MoveStar), J Edwards-Jackson (Scheef & Stone Receptionist), James Stafford (Scheef & Stone Attorney), Michael Fechner (Scheef & Stone Summer Law Clerk).