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 January 2026
When Safety Meets the Law: The Power and Consequences of Protection From Abuse Orders in Pennsylvania
Judge Lou Mincarelli Returns to MacElree Harvey After Service on the Chester County Bench
Employment Law Update December 2025
MacElree Harvey’s 2025 Charitable Contributions and Community Impact
Co-Parenting During the Holidays: Tips to Reduce Stress & Conflict
Selling Your Business? Five Lessons in M&A From 2025
Employment Law Update November 2025

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Lance is a fantastic lawyer and I recommend him and his associates. He handled my very complicated and financially complex high- income child support adjustment. I received an increase in support and quite an education on PA child support law in the process. Lance’s ability to simplify confusing issues was key in helping me make important decisions for my family’s future. Highly recommend if you need legal help with any family law matter.
I had a very difficult divorce and custody battle. I stuck with Lance through the entire process and I’m so glad I did. Lance took the time to fully understand my case and worked hard to navigate complex issues. He has excellent knowledge of the law and his recommendations were spot on. When we had to go to court Lance clearly explained the strategy and reasoning behind it and we always walked away with a positive outcome. I highly respect Lance’s ability as a lawyer and found his advice to be very valuable. Going through divorce and custody issues is an extremely emotional process and I found Lance to be very level-headed and even throughout the process. Lance guided me in the right direction during times when I wanted to go a more adversarial route, which in the end produced a better outcome for less money. I highly recommend Lance as a divorce attorney, he is worth every penny.
Caroline Donato was my criminal attorney. She was by far the smartest and most insightful person in the court room. She was also a delightful person and a pleasure to work with. Caroline handled everything that came her way in a complex case with an exceptional level of confidence and discernment. Her attention to detail, academic excellence, and commitment to her clients shined brightly from the beginning, and she sustained that level of promise to the end. Caroline delivered on all of her promises, was responsive in all of our communications, and came more than prepared to every meeting. She maintained utmost professionalism and poise in the courtroom and was always ten steps ahead of the opposing counsel. Whenever the situation called for it, she was as fierce as a lion on my behalf. Her closing arguments were on point; they deserved a standing ovation if not for the serious context of the case at hand. Any claims from opposing counsel were addressed and put to rest thanks to Caroline’s preparedness and noteworthy eloquence in speaking. As a result of her efforts, justice was served. Caroline is who you want by your side in a crises. I highly recommend her services to anyone who needs a criminal attorney.
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.
Lance Nelson helped me with many issues over several years. I would and do highly recommend him for all legal issues, especially child custody.














































