Direct (214) 472-2139
Fax (214) 472-2150
shirley.rose@solidcounsel.com

500 North Akard Street
Suite 2700
Dallas, Texas 75201

Shirley Berlinda Rose is a seasoned accomplished litigator and former Judge with more than two decades of experience in complex litigation and appellate advocacy. She was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 2000, becoming the youngest individual to be called to the Bar at that time. From the outset of her career, she distinguished herself through her ability to guide her clients through high-pressure disputes, and navigate cases from inception through final appellate review.

As a barrister operating independently, Shirley cultivated a practice focused on high-value and high-profile matters. She has represented prominent institutional and private clients, including in large-scale complex commercial and energy disputes, and fraud recovery litigation. Notably, she has played a central role in cases that secured the recovery of billions of dollars for defrauded pension funds, establishing her reputation for meticulous advocacy in matters that demand both strategic vision and courtroom precision.

Shirley’s excellence at the Bar has been formally recognized on multiple occasions. In 2008, she was awarded the prestigious Red Bag, a traditional honor conferred by peers upon advocates who have demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism. That same year, she was appointed by the Bar Council to establish new High Court Chambers, an undertaking entrusted only to advocates of the highest standing, reflecting her leadership within the profession.

In 2017, Shirley was appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court of South Africa, where she presided over a diverse range of civil matters, requiring clarity under pressure. This judicial role highlighted her depth of legal knowledge, impartiality, and ability to balance competing principles of justice in complex proceedings. She also gained invaluable insight into anticipating risk, mitigating exposure and protecting her clients’ reputation.

Building on her international experience, Shirley expanded her reach and
perspective, establishing her practice in the United States. She is a key member of Scheef & Stone’s Corporate Litigation group, bringing a wealth of international knowledge and litigation experience, which she combines with a pragmatic understanding of American business and provides clients with unparalleled legal support in a globalized world. Shirley successfully represents multinational corporations and individuals in complex business litigation across jurisdictions.

Shirley has obtained million dollar verdicts for her clients, reflecting her ability to adapt her extensive international advocacy experience to the U.S. legal system, and bring strategic insight and courtroom skill to commercial disputes.

Her contributions extend beyond litigation and judicial service. Shirley co-founded the Human Rights Committee of the Bar in South Africa and is a member of the International Human Rights Committee of the State Bar of Texas, underscoring her commitment to law and integrity. Her work in this capacity reflects a broader professional ethos that values rigorous advocacy, integrity and a steady focus on results.

Shirley comes from a distinguished legal lineage. Her great-grandfather, General Jan Smuts, served as Prime Minister of South Africa, was a member of the Imperial War Cabinet during World War I, and was instrumental in drafting the Covenant of the League of Nations. He later contributed to the founding of the United Nations following his involvement in the Treaty of Versailles, leaving an enduring legacy of international law, diplomacy and strategy. This heritage has informed Shirley’s own approach to law. She embodies that same blend of intellect and resolve that has guided global leaders and top corporations alike.

Throughout her career, Shirley has exemplified the qualities of a true advocate:
independence, intellectual rigor, and a deep respect for the rule of law. Her body of work as litigator and judge continues to serve as a model of professional excellence in both the courtroom and the wider legal community. In Shirley, you will find not just a litigator, but a strategist, who understands the intersection of law, business, and human judgment – someone who can help her clients navigate complexity with confidence, protect what matters, and see every case through to its best possible outcome.

Shirley’s legal practice is diverse, encompassing complex corporate, construction, insolvency, banking, contractual dispute, and securities fraud litigation. Her experience extends beyond the courtroom, as she advises C-suite executives on corporate matters, commercial transactions, and compliance, showcasing her versatility in the legal realm. Her impact extends globally, with pivotal work in joint ventures between Fortune 500 companies and prominent African based companies and major agreements in the renewable energy sector spanning multiple continents.

As an educator and mentor, Shirley has shared her knowledge and experience, shaping the future of the legal field by mentoring aspiring legal professionals.

As an attorney at Scheef & Stone, her global perspective and exceptional legal prowess enhance the firm’s litigation department, benefiting clients across various industries. Her dedication, knowledge and commitment to justice make her a valuable asset to the team and the legal community as a whole.

Banking

Construction

Corporate & Business

Litigation

Real Estate

Renewable Energy

Retail and Manufacturing

Securities Fraud