Theo Claypoole joined Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees in 2002 after serving high net-worth clients in a specialized accounting firm and then at a regional general practice law firm. At Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, Theo focuses his practice on the representation of businesses, tax-exempt entities, real estate developers, commercial landlords, and financial institutions.
Practice areas
I represent new and existing for-profit and non-profit small to mid-size corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. These services may include choosing and forming the proper entity for the business, applying for tax-exempt status, drafting of buy-sell documents, drafing of commercial contracts and dissolving entites when they cease to do business.
23 years
I represent new and existing residential and commercial real estate developers and construction contractors. These services may include drafting of agreements of sale, reviewing title insurance and other due diligence material and drafting of construction contracts.
22 years
I represent commercial landlords and tenants. These services may include drafting and negotiation of commercial leases and amendments.
22 years
Languages spoken
English
Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees
17 West Gay Street
P.O. Box 515
West Chester, PA, 19381-0515
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Active | 1998 | 09/09/2021 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Business Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2015 |
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Business Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2014 |
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Business Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2013 |
| Pennsylvania Rising Stars | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2013 |
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Real Estate Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2012 |
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Business Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Rising Stars | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Business Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2011 |
| Pennsylvania Rising Stars | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2011 |
| Lawyer on the Fast Track | The Legal Intelligencer | 2010 |
| Named a Top Lawyer in the Business Practice Area | Main Line Today Magazine | 2010 |
| Pennsylvania Rising Stars | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2010 |
| AV Rated Attorney, 2010. Rating: AV® Preeminent™ 4.5 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell -- awarded by peer review, for the highest standards of professional skill and ethics. | 2010 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees | 2002 - Present |
| Associate | Ryan, Emory & Ryan, LLP | 1999 - 2002 |
| Tax Associate | Joseph W. Roskos & Co. | 1998 - 1999 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the County of Chester | Member of the Board of Commissioners | 2015 - Present |
| West Brandywine Township Historical Commission | Member | 2010 - Present |
| Chester County Commercial Industrial Investment Council | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association, Charitable Organizations Committee | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties | Member | 2007 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Chester County Bar Association, Business Law Section | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association, Business Law Section | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association, Property, Probate and Trust Law Section | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce | Board Member | 2009 - 2014 |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association LLC Standard Forms Task Force | Member | 2008 - 2009 |
| Sadsbury Township Planning Commission | Chairman | 2006 - 2010 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Bar Association | Contributor to Pennsylvania LLC Documents (William H. Clark, Jr., ed., 2d ed. 2010, PBI Press) | 2010 |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Newsletter | Assistant Editor for the Real Property Section | N/A |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Villanova University School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 2003 |
| Villanova University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1995 |
Daniel Hanifin, Business Attorney on Oct 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Before opening my own firm, i worked with Theo. He is a great resource to anyone in need of sound business and real estate representation. He is a first rate attorney!
I endorse this lawyer.
Douglas Kaune, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Sep 23, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
Theo is an excellent attorney working in the corporate entity creation, business planning/succession and real estate areas of practice. Our practice areas compliment one another and have allowed us to work together on several occasions to assist clients with their overall planning goals. I highly recommend Theo's services and am confident that you will be pleased with the results.
Neil Yahn, Land use and zoning Attorney on Mar 16, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.