Theo Claypoole chairs the firm’s Business Practice Group. Theo represents companies of all sizes in all stages of development ranging from formation, financing, mergers and acquisitions, to corporate governance and day-to-day general business and operational matters, as well as commercial lenders in loan transactions. His clients are involved in a wide variety of industries, a sampling of which includes commercial real estate, automotive, industrial/manufacturing and financial services.
A lawyer, business professional, deal maker and dedicated team player, Theo’s unwavering commitment to his client’s goals aid him in protecting their interests while advising on the risks inherent in any given deal. Theo is particularly well-versed in all areas of real estate law and development, particularly because practically every commercial transaction involves a real property component of some kind. If there is a way to make a deal work, Theo will find it and serve as a catalyst to bringing parties together to a successful closing. An innate “people person,” Theo truly enjoys getting to know and helping his clients achieve their goals. His calming presence, active listening skill and ability to problem solve throughout the negotiation process aid him in consistently closing transactions valued into the tens of millions of dollars.
A Main Line Today magazine “Top Lawyer” for business law over multiple years, Theo has also been recognized as a leading attorney by Suburban Life magazine. Notably, Theo maintains a preeminent “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing his superior legal ability as judged by his peers. Theo was selected for inclusion in the 2023 and 2024 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists in the area of Business/Corporate law, in addition to being included as a “Rising Star” from 2010 through 2013. In 2010, Theo was deemed a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” by the Legal Intelligencer. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in the real estate law practice area consistently since 2021 and in the banking and finance law practice area in 2024.
Dedicated to the community in which he lives and works, Theo previously served on numerous municipal commissions and committees and has served as a board member of the Housing Authority of the County of Chester since 2015.
Practice Areas
- Banking & Finance
- Business Planning & Organizations
- Business Transactions
- Real Estate Development
- Real Estate Transactions
- Taxation
Education
- Villanova University School of Law, J.D. (1998)
- Villanova University School of Law, LL.M., Taxation (2003)
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (1995)
- B.A., Sociology
- Minor, Philosophy
- Member, Shippensburg Rugby Club
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (1998)
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (2000)
- United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit (2000)
- United States Tax Court (2000)
- United States Supreme Court (2002)
Memberships
- Chester County Bar Association
- Chester County Commercial Industrial Investment Council
- Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties
- National Home Builders Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Business Law Section
- Charitable Organizations Committee
- LLC Standard Forms Task Force (2008-2009)
- Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Real Estate Section Assistant Editor for the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Newsletter (2013 – 2020)
- Real Estate Section Editor for the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Newsletter (2021 – 2024)
- Pennsylvania Builders Association
- Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce (Board Member (2009 – 2014))
