“As the son and grandson of United Methodist preachers, I learned to believe that people come first. This core value is essential to my relationship with my clients. Simply put, I am here to serve you.”
After 41 years as a lawyer, Steven D. Rowe, a founding partner of Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe, is as passionate as ever about his career and is continually motivated by his strong sense of duty and service to others.
Clients are just as committed to Steve because they know his extensive experience in several practice areas helps solve problems and meet goals in an efficient and cost-effective manner. But they also know Steve views them as more than clients — they have become extended family members. Many of Steve’s clients have been supportive of the firm since it was founded in 1977.
Their continued loyalty to Steve is a unique indicator that his work has been consistent in quality. But it is also reflective of the daily assistance of his outstanding secretary of 32 years, Suzette Doak.
Three cases in particular stand out to Steve: The three he argued — and won — in the Ohio Supreme Court. But he is also proud to have achieved many significant settlements for his personal injury clients. More recently, he concluded negotiations of a seven-figure settlement with the Ohio Department of Transportation concerning the taking of real estate from the York Golf Club for State Route 23 improvements.
In his spare time, Steve spends as much time as possible with his wife, children and grandkids. He also volunteers at his church, Linworth United Methodist. If there is any time left in the day, he enjoys golf and fly-fishing and maintains a fly-fishing blog as a hobby.
Admitted to practice:
- Ohio, 1974
- United States District Court, 1975
- United States Supreme Court, 1978
Work experience:
- Associate, Wilcox and Schlosser, 1974-1977
- Partner, Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe Co., L.P.A., 1977-Present
Education:
- Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D. Cum Laude, 1974
- Miami University, B.A. Cum Laude, 1971
Associations:
Awards:
- Worthington Community Service Award
Civic and volunteer background:
- Member, Linworth United Methodist Church
- Past chair of Administrative Council, Strategic Planning, Missions Work Area, Council on Ministries, Linworth United Methodist Church
- Present member Staff Parish Relations, LUMC
- Past member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Columbus North District United Methodist Church
- Lay member, Columbus North Union, 4 years
- Member, Worthington Youth Boosters, acting as coach and program director for youth soccer, baseball, basketball; and secretary, vice president, president during a 15-year period of service.
- Treasurer, Thomas Worthington Diamond Club
- Formed Columbus Bombers Baseball Club for college-age baseball players
- Member, Worthington Partners for Citizenship and Character (PCC)
- Coordinator, Coaching for Character Series presented by PCC
- Assistant varsity baseball coach, Thomas Worthington High School, 2001-2014
- Member of the York Golf Club Board of Directors, 2006 to present
- Past president of the York Golf Club Board of Directors, 2014-2015
- Member of the Gusstrong Committee providing fundraising for cancer research in the memory of Coach Stephen Gussler, TWHS Cardinal baseball coach
