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
MacElree Harvey CEO Michelle Foster Appointed to Board of the Chester County Bar Foundation
Application of Privilege in the Era of Generative AI
One Reason Homeowners Miss Tax Sale Notices
Overturning a Tax Sale: Why Acting Quickly Matters
MacElree Harvey Elects Andrew R. Silverman as Shareholder
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

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.
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.
Brian Nagle has been my attorney for many years and has also become a great friend. He has completed everything that was asked of him on time, in an excellent manner, and below initial budgets. I have used him on land development, corporate issues, and seek (and trust) his counsel on a variety of subjects. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars with his firm in the last few years and have always felt every dime was used wisely.
My situation was horrible and spiraling all in a negative direction. In a big moment for myself, I decided to switch attorney & law firms. Lance rationally moved things in a direction that fairly got things done. He is calm, professional & spot on. If he is being baited towards confrontation he dilutes the scenario from escalating rationally & respectfully. All very important elements towards helping the topic or issue staying on point and reasonably litigated. Lance is the professionals of professionals. His sincerity to reaching fair results for the children’s behalf is exemplary. We as a family are still a family cause of Lance Nelson.
Lance was very calming when I was stressed out. He kept me focused but listened when I vented during the 2 years it took to finalize my divorce. He kept me informed and made sure things were moving toward a resolution when the it was stalled from opposing lawyer. Overall he kept me out of trouble when I made mistakes and was always there to help 24/7. I believe I made the best choice asking him to help me.














































