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
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 was an incredible attorney to work with during the entire divorce process. His knowledge of law, the courts and how thing moved along was second to none! He was always two steps ahead of everyone else in the room. When numbers were flying, situations were changing or when emotions were high, Lance always had a plan. He would suggest times to refrain from talking or debating and every time he stopped me, it was for the best. I found it amazing that an attorney would know so much about accounting principles, taxes, and business decisions. He would present issues or concepts that were reasonable and the Hearing Officer or other attorneys accepted. Lastly, he would make suggestions to me on the side about keeping the children first, looking at the big picture and how to possibly avoid additional hearings or attorney fees. Lance kept my case out of the courts with his negotiations skills I was not disappointed at any moment during the divorce process that I had Lance represent me!
From the beginning of the initial contact with John, he has been more than understanding, caring, kind and thoughtful of the situation that we have endured now approaching two years to get our security deposit returned. John went above and beyond with us to ensure that we were treated with respect and closed our case with a positive outcome. If you need an attorney, I highly recommend to call John without a doubt. Thank you John for everything you did for us to finally have a resolution!
Mary has been an absolute blessing. Due to a custody dispute, I ended up needing a criminal attorney. Not all attorneys are created equally, and Mary truly devoted her soul to my case. After two poor experiences, I started to believe all attorneys were the same until I hired Mary. She is communicative, extremely knowledgeable, forward thinking, and most of all, she always took the time to help me understand every part of the process. There was always full transparency. Despite being a fairly new attorney, she is wise beyond her years. She was persistent yet tactful with the police and the district attorney’s office, and she let them know she was going to fight for me. I am beyond grateful. I don’t know where I would be if not for her.
I’ve been dealing with Mike for about three years now as a non-profit company tries to take my service dog away from me. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I am the type of person it is very easy for an attorney to shun and overlook but Mike has NEVER treated me with anything but the utmost of respect and kindness. When I don’t understand something he takes the time to completely explain it. He has never taken more than a day and a half to get back to me with an answer to a question. I can not believe how blessed I have been to have him as my attorney!













































