- This firm was founded by Ruel W. Steele in 1948; he was joined by his two sons, newphew and daughter and while their areas of practice overlapped, each concentrated in different areas of the law. The members of the firm have been involved in community activities, from being president of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, President of local service clubs, and serving on a number of boards, they have resided in the community they serve. The unique feature of a family law firm is that each is that each member can benefit from the experience of all other members which is gladly given.