Initiative in Practice.®
For every client. Every day.
Founded in 1880, we serve individuals and businesses.
We’ve transformed the way we practice law to meet the technological and social requirements of the day.
ABOUT US

MacElree Harvey 145 Years Of Experience
With roots that reach back to 1880, MacElree Harvey uses the traditional values of professionalism and excellence as the foundation for the firm’s identity. Our attorneys are encouraged to build on these traditional values through Initiative – creative problem-solving, proactive planning, and strategic positioning.

Initiative in Practice® . For Every Client. Every Day.
Our 45+ attorneys and their staff are dedicated to providing clients with superior representation and are committed to achieving the best outcomes. We serve individuals and businesses in the Pennsylvania and Delaware area with our expertise in various areas of the law.

Client Focused Law Firm
We believe that we’re only as good as the reputation of our clients—which is why we work diligently to ensure our clients come first. We never hesitate to put our reputation on the line to ensure they get as much out of the relationship as we do.
NEWS & INSIGHTS
Employment Law Update April 2026
Caroline Donato Named 2026 VISTA Today NextGen Superstar
MacElree Harvey Attorney Carolina Heinle Featured in Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Women in Law”
Employment Law Update March 2026
Attorney Tim Rayne Reaches 500-Video Milestone on YouTube
The #1 Reason Properties Go to Tax Sale Even When Owners Think Taxes Are Paid
Employment Law Update February 2026
MacElree Harvey CEO Michelle Foster Appointed to Board of the Chester County Bar Foundation

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
After interviewing several attorneys to handle my divorce, Lance was the clear choice in assuring my needs and interests would be secured. All throughout the process, Lance was calm, confident, thorough and understanding in helping navigate through this difficult time. When so much is on the line, having a solid rock to ground you is essential. Lance was that rock and instilled the required confidence and care in preserving sanity until the process was complete. In the end, this was my divorce and Lance earned my trust and was the asset needed to close that chapter in my life.
Mr. Nelson’s calm approach to negotiating the tumultuous process of a hostile divorce and custody battle can be contagious. No matter how heated or volatile the process becomes, he never seems to lose his cool and keeps his composure at all times. He knows the system and the process and conducts himself as a true professional.
My process with the most painful experience of my life, but he was there for me every step of the way, and in the end, I got everything I wanted and more. He knows when to show his hand, and when to stick to the plan. He is organized, and no matter how busy he seems to be, he always knew the details of my case off the top of his head without having to review the mountains of paper in my files.
As far as I’m concerned, he’s the best that West Chester has to offer in the excruciating process of family law, especially when children are involved.
Several years after a divorce, new issues prompted me to seek counsel about child custody concerns. No longer confident in the divorce lawyer’s practice, a recommendation led me to Lance Nelson. I truly cannot say enough good things about Lance. He is patient, pragmatic, professional, accessible. Exceptional communication and clear integrity. He laid out the options at every stage, with practical advice regarding the most logical next steps. It never needed to go to court — we were able to manage the situation well enough long enough, the kids aged out before needing more serious legal intervention. In addition to Lance, everyone I have interacted with in the office is equally competent and caring. I would not hesitate to recommend Lance specifically or the practice as a whole.
Patrick represented me in a very difficult case for custody and child support. I couldn’t be happier that I made the choice of hiring Patrick after consulting with 3 other attorneys. Soon as I meet with Patrick for the first time I knew he was the one who would fight tooth and nail for what was right for my babies. He didn’t let me down. I would recommend Patrick in a heartbeat to anyone who is seeking a divorce, custody, property, alimony and/ or child support. Thank you so much, Patrick, for everything you did!
Lance has been and continues to be an excellent resource and outstanding advocate for me regarding family law matters. He crafted my premarital agreement with thoughtful thoroughness so when it, unfortunately, was needed the divorce process was short and smooth. Additionally, Lance counseled me regarding child custody matters in a fair and balanced manner that was always focused on the well being of my children. I would recommend Lance for family law matters based on my continually exceptional experience.













































