About John

“I like consumer protection- you make the powerful pay.”

John Steed is no stranger to hard times. As a young child, he was in foster care until the age of eight, and he struggled throughout adolescence and early adulthood. As a young man, he spent time in jail for drug possession (less than .1 grams of marijuana). That experience opened his eyes to the stark segregation of classes and privilege, but he also says it was here that he realized, “There but for the grace of God go I.”  

While it might not have been hard prison time, John’s stay in jail did shine a light on his direction- he wanted to use his mind and heart for an impactful purpose. So, John enrolled in college and studied economics. Due to his eye-opening adventure in jail, he wrote his thesis on the private prison industry. He graduated from college in 2004. 

After graduating college, John worked and lived in Maine and held various jobs- working on a lobster boat and managing the house at Opera House Arts to name a few. Without a doubt, the experience of working on a lobster boat helped John understand the importance of the fishing industry to his native Maine. While working for the Opera House in Stonington, John directed a documentary about Chuggy, a k a Chuck Proper, and the Stonington “burners.” See more here.  

In 2006, John had a child. This life-changing event motivated him to take another step in his professional development. John enrolled in law school at Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in Philadelphia, PA, where he received a full tuition scholarship and graduated with honors. (That’s hard to do!) 

Following law school, John worked for a federal judge where he was responsible for writing brief summaries of incoming cases. It was here John vowed, “I will never be that kind of lawyer,” as most cases revolved around money. John received a fellowship through the City of Philadelphia, and he made a move to the local Department of Human Services where he represented the state's social services professionals. In this role, John spent many hours in the courtroom, and he developed confidence arguing in court.  

Shortly thereafter, John decided to move back to Maine where he began to focus on helping the “little guys” fight the powerful and privileged. He argued hundreds of criminal cases as a public defender, and he represented clients in foreclosure defense. John logged many victories during this time including a 100% win-rate in front of juries (he’s never lost a jury trial). 

Today, John is mainly focused on representing those who need help getting out from under the “fine print.” He considers himself to be a Consumer Protection attorney first, and he is the only one of his kind in Maine.  

John has finally made it where he wants to be- assisting those who need help the most. He believes every person deserves the opportunity to defend one’s self, and he can help.  

John is a graduate of Deer Isle Stonington High School, Antioch College, and Drexel University Law School. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming founded by Gerry Spence. His philanthropic work includes serving as a Selectman for his native town of Stonington.