Nichole Y. Shafer
Partner and Managing Attorney
My maiden name is Nichole Y. Johnson, I was born in Ohio and raised in Mansfield-Ontario in Richland County. I married my husband Jordan C. Shafer in the summer of 2023 and moved to Columbus Grove in the fall of 2023.
I was born in 1994 to hard-working parents and attended Ontario High School. In high school I participated in track and soccer, and was involved in National Honor Society and key club.
In college, I went to Heidelberg University where I graduated with honors in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. At Heidelberg I was a member of the track team, soccer team and served on student senate. I also worked with the director of the PACE program mentoring juveniles and working with the Seneca County Judge.
For law school I initially studied law at Southern Illinois University School of Law, before returning to Ohio. In Ohio I went on to finish my legal studies at Ohio Northern Pettit College of Law where I obtained my Juris Doctor. At Ohio Northern I severed as staff editor and associate editor on Law Review; as executive board treasurer of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity; was a legal extern for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); was a legal clerk for the Mercer County Common Pleas Court; was an extern in the Allen County Municipal Court Prosecutor’s Office; and was involved in the Icelandic Legal Exchange Program.
I started working for Schroeder Law LLC as a law clerk in January of 2017. Lee Schroeder named me Junior Partner in 2021 and in 2024 following Lee Schroeder’s passing I took over Schroeder Law to continue Lee’s legacy and the firm’s commitment to our clients.
My parents are Mark and Kathy Johnson of Mansfield-Ontario. I am the granddaughter of Martha Vermillion of Mansfield, Ohio and Levon Johnson of Shelby, Ohio. I have one (1) older sister, Kassandra Johnson of Mansfield, Ohio. I have one (1) younger brother, Kyle Johnson of Mansfield, Ohio.
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Founding Partner Lee R. Schroeder
Lee R. Schroeder was the founder and inspiration of Schroeder Law. Lee actively practiced law for 21 plus years before passing away unexpectedly on February 18, 2024 from a brief illness. Born on June 14, 1975, Lee’s life journey was marked by a deep commitment to selflessness and simplicity, traits that endeared him to many.
Lee’s educational pursuits were commendable, having graduated as Salutatorian from Leipsic High School in 1993 while being involved in National Honor Society, Putnam County 4-H Leadership Club, Putnam County Junior Fair Board, and Spanish Club. Lee went on to college at THE Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in political science in 1999. Lee then initially studied law at George Washington University in Washington D.C. Lee eventually obtained his law degree from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where Lee received his juris doctorate in 2002, and he was admitted to the bar on November 18, 2002.
Throughout his career, Lee wore many hats with distinction. Lee engaged in impactful internships at the U.S.D.A. Secretary of Agriculture in the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada before becoming an associate at various law firms. Lee’s dedication led him to serve as the Putnam County Economic Development Director and later the Henry County Economic Development Director. Notably, in 2016, Lee founded his own law firm, Schroeder Law LLC in Columbus Grove, Ohio, where Lee was able to do what he loved daily alongside law partner Nichole Shafer and while impacting the lives of thousands of families in Northwest Ohio and beyond.
A man of diverse talents and interests, Lee’s involvement in agricultural activities across different countries showcased his global perspective. Lee’s roots on a farm in Putnam County instilled in him a love for agriculture that remained a vital part of his identity.
Lee’s proudest accomplishments included holding leadership positions within the Ohio FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) organization, where Lee was elected in the fall of 1994 as National Vice President of the FFA. Lee also held many other roles in the FFA organization including in 1992 when Lee was the District 4 Vice President of the Ohio FFA, and in High School when Lee held multiple local FFA offices. His passion for community service and youth development left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Lee is survived by his parents Dan and Nancy Schroeder, maternal grandmother Mary Ann Erhart, siblings Susan (Bob) Kamphaus, Sharon (Scott) Siebeneck, Andy (Pam) Schroeder, Cindy (Steve) Maravich, Sarah (Doug) Pester, Jenni (Scott) Hoffman, nieces and nephews: Lily (John) Ellerbrock, Morgan (Jay) Kamphaus, Hallie Kamphaus, Ryan Kamphaus, Daniel Siebeneck, Aaron Siebeneck, Samatha Siebeneck, David Siebeneck, Hannah Schroeder, Kylee Schroeder, Eli Maravich, Newell Maravich, Joe Pester, Emma Pester, Helen Pester and Sophia Hoffman, all of whom he deeply loved as his own children. He also leaves aunts, uncles, and a wide circle of family and friends.
From February 2014 till February 2024, Lee was a contributing columnist for the Lima News, where he wrote 500-word column each Sunday regarding real estate, business, agriculture, and estate planning. You can see the previously published columns through links on this website’s Blog or by visiting limaohio.com.