Business law is one of the most crucial aspects of establishing and functioning business organizations. It focuses on the many regulations governing businesses and organizations, both locally and globally, in areas like contracts, taxation laws, intellectual property rights, and disputes between parties. Business lawyers are well-versed in these aspects due to years of expertise and experience. Entrepreneurs are expected to follow a set standard set by the authorities. Issues such as property purchases and preparing taxes require legal help. Disputes and litigation require legal expertise to prevent serious consequences as well. This is where knowledgeable business lawyers come into the picture. A similar one is John Scheef, founding partner of Scheef & Stone, LLP.

Humble Beginnings

An ardent believer in teamwork, John has played Rugby from age 18 to 59. Unlike American football, the sport allows no pads, every pass has to be lateral, and the games last an arduous 80 minutes. During his college and law school days, he waited tables, which taught him customer treatment. Being on the service provider side, he gained a command over communication and taking feedback from customers. He believes he learned the most about client relations from his early years waiting table.   

John shares, “I am a firm believer that muscle is the best medicine to prevent the effects of old age.”

He hits the gym 5 times a week doing weight training & cardio and considers himself a gym rat.

A Bouquet of Services

Scheef & Stone is a full-service business law firm with offices located in Dallas, Frisco, and Marshall, Texas. As a full-service firm, it is strategically structured to offer comprehensive legal services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses. Approximately 50% of the firm’s attorneys specialize in transactional services, including corporate law, real estate, banking, intellectual property, and tax. The remaining 50% focus on litigation, representing clients in court and in arbitration concerning business disputes. John’s personal practice offers a combined expertise in both transactional and litigation matters, encompassing the negotiation of development, construction, and design contracts, as well as the litigation and arbitration of construction and design-related disputes.

Strategic Firm Growth

The firm initially began with a team of five attorneys, four specializing in litigation and one focused on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). From the outset, the firm’s vision was to evolve into a full-service business law firm, recognizing that to meet the diverse needs of its clients, expansion into additional practice areas would be essential. This foresight led to a strategic growth trajectory, enabling the firm to diversify its expertise and expand its offerings across a broader range of legal services tailored to support businesses in various sectors. As a result, the firm has continually developed its capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive suite of legal services that addresses both transactional and litigation needs.

Learning Through Experience

While law schools provide a strong foundation in legal principles, they do not equip attorneys with the necessary skills to run a business. As such, John’s leadership had to acquire business management expertise through hands-on experience. Throughout this journey, there were occasional missteps, as is common when navigating the complexities of running a growing firm. However, the leadership consistently demonstrated the ability to learn from these experiences, using them as valuable lessons to improve operations. This commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability allowed him to refine his strategies, avoid repeating past errors, and ultimately build a resilient and successful business model.

Innate Innovation

Attorneys, by nature, tend to be highly innovative individuals who are driven by a continual desire for professional growth and learning. This intrinsic motivation for personal and professional development often requires minimal external encouragement or fostering. As a result, John benefits from a culture where attorneys actively seek opportunities to expand their knowledge, stay abreast of legal developments, and refine their expertise. This constant pursuit of innovation not only enhances his capabilities but also contributes to the firm’s overall success, as it ensures that the legal services provided are aligned with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

Evolving Legal Practices

The practice of law has undergone significant transformation over the past 40 years, largely driven by advancements in technology. In particular, many traditional practices have evolved, with a notable shift away from reliance on physical resources. For example, the majority of law firms no longer maintain physical law libraries, which were once integral to legal research. Additionally, the practice of storing paper files has been largely replaced by digital systems, streamlining the management of legal documents and improving overall efficiency. These technological innovations have not only increased the speed and accessibility of legal work but have also allowed practitioners like John to offer more cost-effective solutions to clients while maintaining a high standard of service. This shift underscores the importance of staying adaptable and embracing technological advancements to remain competitive in the ever-evolving legal landscape.

In-Office Collaboration

John does not aim to disrupt the traditional methods of legal practice. Instead, he maintains a strong belief in the value of in-person interaction for fostering professional growth and collaboration. He expects his attorneys to be present in the office regularly, rather than working remotely. This approach is grounded in the belief that direct, in-person learning and the development of strong camaraderie are essential to the growth of young attorneys. By encouraging face-to-face interactions, he ensures that newer team members benefit from mentorship, immediate feedback, and the collaborative environment that is often difficult to replicate in a remote setting. This commitment to in-office presence not only facilitates the development of technical legal skills but also promotes a cohesive and supportive workplace culture that strengthens the firm’s overall performance and client service.

Technology-Driven Efficiency

John places significant emphasis on the quality and reliability of the computer services provided by its vendors, recognizing the critical role these services play in enhancing the delivery of legal solutions. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships with trusted service providers, the firm can offer its clients legal services that are not only faster but also more efficient and precise. This focus on technology-driven solutions enables the firm to streamline internal processes, improve communication, and stay ahead of the competitive curve. Ultimately, his commitment to utilizing cutting-edge tools and resources ensures a high standard of service, allowing him to meet the evolving needs of clients in an increasingly fast-paced legal environment.

Faith-Oriented Success

The shared Christian faith of the founding partners has played a fundamental role in the success of the firm. Bill Stone, Kelly Crawford, and their colleague have consistently relied on their faith as a guiding principle in making important and, at times, challenging decisions. Their commitment to prayer and seeking divine guidance has been integral in shaping the firm’s strategic direction. Furthermore, the founding partners view it as their responsibility to foster an environment where Scheef & Stone is not only a great place to work but also a firm that attracts top-tier attorneys dedicated to providing high-quality legal counsel. This strong sense of purpose, rooted in their values, has contributed significantly to the firm’s culture and its ongoing success in delivering exceptional service to clients.

Strategic Expansion

In June 2021, Scheef & Stone expanded its reach by opening an office in Marshall, Texas, a move that has proven highly successful. While Marshall may seem an unexpected location given its distance of over 150 miles from the firm’s other offices, the strategic decision was driven by the significance of the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas. For the past two decades, this court has been one of the busiest in the United States for patent and trademark litigation. Recognizing the opportunity to further enhance its offerings, he brought on Michael Smith in 2021, whose specialized expertise in intellectual property litigation strengthened the firm’s ability to serve clients in this critical area. This expansion allowed the firm to better meet the growing demand for patent and trademark litigation services, positioning it as a key player in a highly competitive legal market.