ASSOCIATE

Theodore T. Speedy, Jr.

BIOGRAPHY

Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. brings a mission-driven focus and practical mindset to his municipal law and litigation practice. A U.S. Navy veteran and former civil engineer, Theo is passionate about public service and helping communities navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and precision. He advises municipalities on a wide range of legal matters, including governance, personnel, compliance and public policy. His litigation practice includes defending clients in civil rights, tort and employment discrimination cases in both state and federal courts.

With a background in civil engineering, Theo approaches legal issues with a results-oriented, analytical perspective. His technical experience has proven especially valuable when advising clients on matters involving infrastructure, land use and rights-of-way. Prior to focusing on municipal law, he gained experience as a criminal defense attorney and supported workers’ compensation litigation.

Ever the engineer at heart, Theo takes a preventative approach to law—helping clients anticipate and resolve issues before they escalate, rather than fixing problems after the fact. Theo’s legal foundation was shaped by his seven years of service as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, during which he managed complex shipboard operations and served as a ship’s legal officer. His military experience instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, teamwork and service—qualities that continue to guide his legal practice today.

Theo earned his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he also received a Certificate in Trial Advocacy. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Drexel University, where he served on the Judicial Review Board.

A lifelong resident of southeastern Pennsylvania, Theo lives in Exton with his wife, Monique, and their two young sons. He is an active volunteer in local township events and a member of the Chester County Bar Association.

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania, 2021
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2023
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2024
U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit, 2024

Education

Drexel University, B.S., Civil Engineering, 2010
Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D., 2021
Certificate of Trial Advocacy

Membership & Service

Chester County Bar Association, Member, 2022-present
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member, 2022-present

CREDENTIALS

Court Admissions

Pennsylvania, 2021
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2023
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2024
U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit, 2024

Education

Drexel University, B.S., Civil Engineering, 2010
Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D., 2021
Certificate of Trial Advocacy

Membership & Service

Chester County Bar Association, Member, 2022-present
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member, 2022-present

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Gawthrop Greenwood Attorney Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. Appointed Solicitor of West Marlborough Township Zoning Hearing Board

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC is pleased to announce that the law firm has been appointed solicitor of the West Marlborough Township Zoning Hearing Board, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Attorney Theodore. T. Speedy, Jr…

Major Changes to Pennsylvania Building Codes Affect Municipal Code Officials, Designers, Contractors and Builders Starting January 1, 2026

After a lengthy delay and final regulatory review process, Pennsylvania will officially implement the International Code Council 2021 Code Series, with amendments, as the Commonwealth’s Uniform Construction Code, anticipated to take effect on January 1, 2026. All municipalities and municipal code officials across the Commonwealth, in addition to designers, contractors and builders who work with them, must ensure compliance with the new code.

How Do SEPTA Service Cuts Affect Chester County Municipalities?

Today the first phase of reductions begins for SEPTA service cuts, affecting the following municipalities in Chester County with a 20% service cut. Of the 32 bus routes eliminated in the region, the Chester County bus routes eliminated this month include the 204 (from Paoli to Eagleview) and the 206 (from Paoli to Great Valley)...

Major Changes to Pennsylvania Building Codes to Affect Municipal Code Officials, Builders, Designers, Contractors

PA will officially implement the International Code Council 2021 Code Series as the Commonwealth’s Uniform Construction Code. All municipalities and municipal code officials, in addition to designers, contractors and builders who work with them, must ensure compliance.

Municipal Law and Litigation Attorney Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. Joins Gawthrop Greenwood

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC is pleased to announce that municipal law and litigation attorney Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. has joined the firm as an associate effective May 12, 2025.

Theodore T. Speedy, Attorney at Gawthrop

(610) 696-8225

tspeedy@gawthrop.com

PRACTICE AREAS

Latest News

Gawthrop Greenwood Attorney Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. Appointed Solicitor of West Marlborough Township Zoning Hearing Board

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC is pleased to announce that the law firm has been appointed solicitor of…

Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms

For an eighth consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The firm achieved national recognition once again for Land Use and Zoning Law as well as Trusts and Estates, while the majority of our 11 metropolitan recognitions were elevated to a higher tier for 2026.

Stock image of construction worker with arms folded in front of building

Major Changes to Pennsylvania Building Codes Affect Municipal Code Officials, Designers, Contractors and Builders Starting January 1, 2026

Aerial illustration of a city bathed in purple light

What Can Happen If I Use AI as a Condo or HOA Board Member?

Members of association boards must now be on the look-out for certain exclusions to their directors & officers liability policies relating to artificial intelligence. Recently, a large commercial lines insurance company introduced a new “absolute” exclusion to its D&O policies that seeks to eliminate coverage for nearly all claims related to AI-generated content, including using AI-generated content to assist with making complex financial, legal or governance decisions, as well as creating budgets, contracts, declarations, bylaws and more.

How Can We Help You?

With offices in West Chester, Berwyn and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as Greater Wilmington, Delaware,
we provide the highest level of legal services throughout the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region.