WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County law firm Gawthrop Greenwood is celebrating the election of attorney and partner Anthony T. Verwey as a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Chester County.
Founded in 1904, Gawthrop Greenwood has produced six other judges in its 117-year history, including the first female judge in Chester County. Two judges went on to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, one went on to become a Federal District Court Judge and three have served as President Judge of Chester County.
“To say we are proud of Tony’s accomplishments is an understatement,” says Patrick McKenna, Chair of the Management Committee at Gawthrop Greenwood. “As a member of our firm’s Government Law Department, Tony has devoted his entire career to public service. He has always upheld our tradition of commitment to unparalleled service, which has long distinguished the firm in the Mid-Atlantic region. We know he will bring the same integrity and commitment to his role as judge, and are pleased that voters recognized that as well.”
Verwey was among four candidates seeking two seats on the Chester County Common Pleas bench. Fellow Democratic candidate, Alita Rovito, won the other seat. Both will fill vacancies on the trial court bench in January 2022. Common Pleas judges hear trials and cases in all fields of the law including criminal, civil and family.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Chester County as a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and to follow in the footsteps of skilled and respected jurists,” says Verwey. “Although I will miss my Gawthrop family, I am comforted by the fact that my clients will have the benefit of being represented by my experienced and attentive colleagues.”
Verwey also says his 31 years in practice have enabled him to adeptly transition from one area of the law to the next. “I believe having been raised in poverty, serving in the military, and putting myself through college and law school gives me a broad perspective that is based on first-hand experience,” Verwey says.
Verwey is a member of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Real Estate Law, Municipal Law and Litigation departments. With a focus on real estate development, eminent domain, government and school law, he navigates government regulations on behalf of developers, property owners, municipalities, appointed officials, school districts and boards. In addition to successfully obtaining land development approvals on both large- and small-scale projects, Verwey has also litigated real estate taxation, digital billboard and telecommunication matters. His practice includes appeals addressing constitutional and other complex issues. He is the author of numerous articles, and a frequent speaker before township supervisors, legislative committees and chambers of commerce on a variety of topics.
Verwey is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, where he serves on the Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee, as well as of the Chester County Bar Association and its Municipal and Real Estate Law sections. He received his law degree from Widener University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State University.
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