Poyner Spruill Welcomes Education Law Practice Group

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Steve Rowe

Partner
t: 252.972.7108

Steve represents employers in a wide variety of employment matters in state and federal court and before a variety of government agencies.

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Biography

Steve represents employers in a wide variety of employment matters in state and federal court as well as before the EEOC, U.S. and North Carolina Departments of Labor, and other agencies in North Carolina and throughout the country. In addition, Steve conducts investigations; provides counseling to employers; and training.  Steve is a frequent presenter on employment issues.

Areas of Focus

+Employment

Harris v. Matthews, 361 N.C. 265, 643 S.E.2d 566 – Counsel for church pastor in lawsuit arising from internal church governance dispute. The plaintiffs, representing the minority of the congregation, sued the pastor and other church officials for alleged mismanagement of church resources. Successfully argued to the North Carolina Supreme Court that the trial court did not have jurisdiction over the case, as the First Amendment prohibits involvement in matters of religious doctrine and practice.

Jacobs vs. Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, Inc. et al., 214 F. Supp. 2d 552 – Represented Church, Presbytery, and other Defendants being sued by minister, who claimed he was harmed by the procedural actions taken by the church administration in investigating allegations of misconduct. Obtained dismissal of all Defendants.

Charlene Eley v. Rocky Mount Family YMCA, et al., 536 S.E.2d 71 – Represented YMCA and others in action brought by former employee. Former employee’s claims included conspiracy, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and tortious interference with contract. Obtained dismissal of all claims and dismissal of appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Petition for discretionary review was denied by the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Dana N. Bowen vs. Moye and Reedy Branch Free Will Baptist Church, Superior Court of Pitt County – Represented Church being sued by Church member, who alleged was harmed by the choir director. Obtained judgment on the pleadings in favor of the Church.

Marvin E. Cobb vs. Rocky Mount Board of Education, 335 N.C. 236, 439 S.E.2d 143 – Represented Board of Education in regard to petition for reinstatement by former employee. Trial Court affirmed Board of Education’s decision, which was affirmed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Petition for discretionary review was denied by the North Carolina Supreme Court.

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Credentials

+Certifications & Specializations

Certified Yellow Belt in Legal Lean Sigma by the Legal Lean Sigma Institute®

+Education

Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 1988

Wake Forest University, B.A., 1985

+Notable Accomplishments

Client Service All-Star, BTI Consulting 2022

Martindale Hubble AV Rated 2000-2021

+Professional & Community Activities

Chairman, USLAW Employment and Labor Law Practice Group, 2017

North Carolina Bar Association (Litigation Section, Labor and Employment Section, Workers Compensation Section)

Defense Research Institute

North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
Chair, Attorneys Section of Carolinas Council of Housing, Redevelopment and Code Officials

Elder and Clerk of Session, First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount

Board of Directors, United Community Ministries

Board of Directors, Triangle East Community Penalties/Eastern Carolina Judicial Resource Center, Inc.

Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Rocky Mount Area United Way

Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of New Hope

Advisory Committee, CareNet Counseling East of Rocky Mount

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