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Partner Brian L. Nagle Represents West Chester University in 10-Year Campus Master Plan Presentation

October 6, 2025 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Leave a Comment

MacElree Harvey recognizes Partner Brian L. Nagle for his work representing West Chester University in the public presentation of the University’s 10-Year Campus Master Plan early last week.

Held at the Madeline Wing Adler Theatre, the meeting brought together more than 60 community members from West Goshen Township and West Chester Borough to learn about the University’s long-term vision for campus growth and infrastructure improvements.

Brian presented alongside lead consultant Conrad Talley of Ewing Cole, outlining the key projects and priorities expected to shape the University’s next decade of development.

The 10-Year Campus Master Plan reflects the University’s goals to modernize facilities, enhance student life, and strengthen community integration. Highlights of the plan include:

• Residential Expansion: An additional floor will be added to each building at South Campus Apartments, creating 220 new student beds. Renovations will occur in phases over five years, with two to three buildings upgraded annually.

• New Commons Building: Plans call for a new gathering space featuring dining areas, community lounges, and indoor/outdoor recreation areas to foster connection among students.

• New Residence Hall in the Superblock: A potential six- to eight-story residence hall, offering 700–780 beds and dining facilities, could be constructed near Lawrence Hall.

• Historic Building Renovations: Several iconic structures: Philips Memorial Hall, Ruby Jones Hall, Anderson Hall, and Recitation Hall—are slated for restoration and maintenance upgrades, preserving their historic character while improving functionality.

• Student Union and Library Enhancements: Sykes Student Union is proposed for two phases of expansion, and both Francis Harvey Green Library and the Old Library are being considered for major renovations.

• Infrastructure and Safety Improvements: The plan prioritizes traffic calming along Rosedale Avenue and explores a pedestrian-only section of Church Street to create a safer, more walkable campus environment.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Recommendations include expanding geo-thermal energy production, adding greenspace, and exploring a bike path along New Street connecting North and South Campus.

Brian emphasized that all projects identified in the plan are conceptual and contingent on future development applications, funding, and University priorities. Importantly, the University’s growth will occur entirely on existing WCU-owned property, with no plans for eminent domain or required land acquisitions.

“This plan demonstrates West Chester University’s thoughtful commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, and community partnership,” said Nagle during the presentation. “By sharing its long-term vision transparently, the University continues to foster collaboration with local residents and governing bodies.”

Brian’s participation in this initiative highlights his leadership and deep understanding of municipal law, zoning, and community relations. His work reflects MacElree Harvey’s dedication to guiding institutions through complex land use projects that balance growth, compliance, and community impact.

Congratulations to Brian for his representation of West Chester University and continued contributions to the Chester County community.

Read more on DailyLocal.com.

About Brian L. Nagle

Brian L. Nagle is a Partner in MacElree Harvey’s Land Use and Zoning Department. He represents developers, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals in zoning, land development, and real estate matters throughout Chester County and the surrounding region. Learn more: www.macelree.com/attorney/Brian-L-Nagle. 

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Brian l Nagle, Brian Nagle

21 MacElree Harvey Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition

August 20, 2025 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Leave a Comment

West Chester, PA | August 21, 2025 – MacElree Harvey, Ltd. is proud to announce that 19 attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, with an additional two attorneys honored in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. 

For more than four decades, Best Lawyers® has been recognized as the legal profession’s preeminent peer-reviewed guide, highlighting the top 5% of practicing attorneys in the United States.

Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Honorees from MacElree Harvey:

West Chester, PA
  • Robert A. Burke: Litigation – Trusts & Estates
  • Harry J. DiDonato: Corporate Law; Real Estate Law
  • Caroline G. Donato: Criminal Defense: General Practice; Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Mary Kay  Gaver: Real Estate Law
  • J. Charles Gerbron, Jr.: Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law
  • Joseph P. Green: Criminal Defense
  • Peter E. Kratsa: Criminal Defense: General Practice; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Family Law
  • Michael G. Louis: Real Estate Law
  • John F. McKenna: Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Tax Law
  • Matthew M. McKeon: Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Brian L. Nagle: Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning; Real Estate Law
  • Lance J. Nelson: Family Law
  • Michael C. Rovito: Family Law
  • Ashley B. Stitzer: Family Law
Kennett Square, PA
  • Timothy F. Rayne: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
Centreville, DE
  • Marie I. Crossley: Family Law; Family Law Arbitration; Family Law Mediation
Hockessin, DE
  • Daniel T. Crossland: Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Trusts and Estates
  • Carolina Heinle: Trusts and Estates

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 Honorees from MacElree Harvey:

West Chester, PA
  • Matthew C. Cooper: Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Mary  E. Lawrence: Criminal Defense: General Practice

“It’s especially gratifying to see the breadth of practice areas represented, from family law and criminal defense to corporate, real estate, and personal injury litigation,” said Michelle Foster, CEO of MacElree Harvey. 

About MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

MacElree Harvey, Ltd. is a full-service law firm dedicated to providing trusted legal services to Pennsylvania and Delaware. Their team of experienced attorneys specializes in a wide range of practice areas, including commercial litigation, criminal defense law, family law, litigation law, mediation and arbitration, estates, and more. MacElree Harvey has committed to serving clients with integrity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of their legal needs for over 145 years.

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized

20 MacElree Harvey Attorneys Named to Main Line Today’s 2025 Top Lawyers List

August 15, 2025 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Leave a Comment

MacElree Harvey is proud to announce that several of our attorneys have once again been recognized by Main Line Today magazine as Top Lawyers for 2025 across a wide range of practice areas. This annual list highlights outstanding attorneys in the Main Line region who are nominated by their peers for professional excellence, client service, and leadership in the legal community.

MacElree attorneys have been included in the Main Line Today Top Lawyers list for the 17th consecutive year in 2025, having earned this distinction every year since the award’s inception in 2007. This consistent recognition reflects both the strength of our individual attorneys and the firm’s long-standing reputation for excellence across practice areas.

About the Selection Process

The Main Line Today Top Lawyers list is highly selective. Attorneys are chosen through an annual peer-to-peer balloting system that identifies the top practitioners across numerous specialties. The number of votes required varies by category, with thresholds adjusted for smaller practice areas or counties. Importantly, placement on the list cannot be bought, the publication receives no compensation in exchange for inclusion, and advertisers are not guaranteed recognition.

Once the balloting is complete, Main Line Today verifies all nominees using appropriate state licensure resources, with a balloting coordinator confirming each lawyer’s practice details. This guarantees that the final list reflects the region’s top legal talent, identified through peer recognition.

The following attorneys were featured:

  • Joseph A. Bellinghieri – Trusts & Wills
  • Patrick J. Boyer – Divorce & Family Law
  • Robert A. Burke – Commercial Law
  • Jeffrey P. Burke – Employment Law
  • Matthew C. Cooper – Business Law
  • Caroline G. Donato – Criminal Law
  • Harry J. DiDonato – Business Law
  • Mary Kay Gaver – Business Law
  • Peter E. Kratsa – Criminal Law
  • Mary E. Lawrence – Criminal Law
  • Michael G. Louis – Bankruptcy
  • Matthew M. McKeon – Real Estate
  • John F. McKenna – Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Brian L. Nagle – Real Estate
  • Lance J. Nelson – Divorce & Family Law
  • Michael C. Rovito – Divorce & Family Law
  • Duke Schneider – Trusts & Wills
  • Andrew R. Silverman – Business Law
  • Ashley B. Stitzer – Divorce & Family Law
  • Timothy F. Rayne – Personal Injury

Read the full list on Main Line Today: These Are the Top Lawyers in the Main Line Region in 2025.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

MacElree Harvey’s Mary E. Lawrence Named One of Main Line Today’s “20 Emerging Leaders Under 40 to Watch”

August 8, 2025 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Leave a Comment

MacElree Harvey, Ltd. is proud to announce that Mary E. Lawrence, Criminal Defense Attorney in our West Chester office, has been named to Main Line Today’s 2025 “20 Emerging Leaders Under 40 to Watch” list. This list honors young professionals across the western suburbs who are making a significant impact in their fields and communities.

In addition to her work at MacElree Harvey, Mary is an active member of the , serving on the board of directors and as Chair of the NextGen Committee which connects young professionals with other professionals to strengthen the local business and civic community.

n addition to her work at MacElree Harvey, Mary serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce and chairs its NextGen Committee, which connects young professionals with peers and mentors to strengthen local business and civic community.

We congratulate Mary on this well-deserved honor and look forward to seeing the continued impact she will make in the legal community. Learn more about Criminal Defense attorney Mary E. Lawrence at macelree.com/attorney/mary-e-lawrence. 

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized Tagged With: mary e. lawrence

3 Dos and 3 Don’ts of Divorce

July 18, 2025 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Leave a Comment

Do keep good financial records

In a divorce case, parties are typically required to complete a financial disclosure form listing all income, assets, debts, and expenses. Additionally, parties often must provide financial records spanning several years before the divorce. Maintaining organized financial documentation and producing it on time will help you reduce legal fees, enable you and your divorce attorney to better negotiate a divorce settlement, and, if necessary, be better prepared for divorce court or trial proceedings.

Do communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully with your ex

Your written communication will be scrutinized in child custody cases. Important matters related to co-parenting, such as child exchanges, activities, and school events, need to be discussed and confirmed. Communicating clearly, concisely, and respectfully will help resolve custody disputes, avoid unnecessary arguments, and present yourself favorably to Family Court judges.

Do take care of yourself

Divorce and separation are stressful processes. Don’t make it harder by neglecting your physical, emotional, and mental health. Your well-being can be considered in any contested custody case. Make sure to prioritize self-care, therapy if needed, and maintaining a healthy routine.

Don’t sign anything without seeking legal counsel

Once signed, agreements are legally enforceable—whether they are fair or unfavorable. Always consult a family law attorney to understand your legal rights before signing any documents related to child custody, alimony, property division, or financial settlements.

Don’t move out of the family home without considering the consequences

Moving out can result in paying expenses for two households and may impact your standing in custody disputes. Speak with your attorney before making any major decisions about property or living arrangements.

Don’t engage in heated arguments with your ex

Confrontations can lead to your ex filing a Protection from Abuse (PFA) petition, which may result in serious consequences such as removal from your home, temporary custody being granted to your ex, or court-ordered child support and spousal support (alimony).

Author Patrick J. Boyer concentrates his practice on family law. He advocates in various areas including, but not limited to, divorce, property division, alimony, child custody and visitation, child support, and domestic violence. In addition, Patrick assists his clients with issues involving guardianship and third-party visitation. He is licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania and works out of the firm’s Centreville, Delaware office.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Patrick J. Boyer

Dying Without a Will: The State Decides Who Gets Your Assets, Not You 

July 16, 2025 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd. Leave a Comment

When a person dies without a will in Pennsylvania, their estate is distributed according to the state’s intestate succession laws. These laws determine the order of inheritance and how assets are allocated among surviving relatives. Understanding these rules is crucial for those navigating the probate process without a will. 

Intestate Succession Laws in Pennsylvania 

Intestate succession laws in Pennsylvania are designed to distribute a decedent’s assets to their closest relatives. The distribution process is governed by the Pennsylvania Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code. The primary goal is to ensure that the decedent’s property is passed on to their family members in a fair and orderly manner. 

Order of Inheritance 

  1. Surviving Spouse: 
  • If the decedent is survived by a spouse and no descendants or parents, the spouse inherits the entire estate. 
  • If the decedent is survived by a spouse and descendants (all of whom are also descendants of the surviving spouse), the spouse inherits the first $30,000 of the estate, plus one-half of the remaining estate. The descendants inherit the other half. 
  • If the decedent is survived by a spouse and descendants (some of whom are not descendants of the surviving spouse), the spouse inherits one-half of the estate, and the descendants inherit the other half. 
  • If the decedent is survived by a spouse and parents (but no descendants), the spouse inherits the first $30,000 of the estate, plus one-half of the remaining estate. The parents inherit the other half. 
  1. Descendants: 
  • If there is no surviving spouse, the entire estate is distributed to the decedent’s descendants, per stirpes. This means that the estate is divided equally among the decedent’s children, with the share of any deceased child passing to their own descendants. 
  1. Parents: 
  • If there are no surviving spouse or descendants, the estate is inherited by the decedent’s parents. 
  1. Siblings and Their Descendants: 
  • If there are no surviving spouse, descendants, or parents, the estate is distributed to the decedent’s siblings and their descendants. 
  1. Grandparents and Their Descendants: 
  • If none of the above relatives survive, the estate is divided equally between the paternal and maternal grandparents or their descendants. 
  1. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 
  • If no relatives can be found, the estate escheats to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Legal Considerations 

  • Adopted Children: Adopted children are treated as biological children for the purposes of intestate succession. 
  • Half-Relatives: Half-relatives inherit as if they were whole relatives. 
  • Posthumous Relatives: Relatives conceived before but born after the decedent’s death are considered in the distribution. 
  • Advancements: Any property given to an heir during the decedent’s lifetime may be considered an advancement against their share of the estate, reducing their inheritance accordingly. 

Conclusion 

Understanding Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws is essential for those dealing with the estate of a loved one who died without a will. These laws ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed to their closest relatives in a structured manner. For those seeking to avoid intestate succession, creating a will is a proactive step to ensure that one’s wishes are honored after death. Legal advice from an estate planning attorney can provide further guidance tailored to individual circumstances. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Jamison C. MacMain, Jamison MacMain

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