John F. McKenna, a MacElree Harvey partner, believes in improving the legal profession, and, for him, it begins with helping those who need it most. During 2004, he served as president of the Chester County Bar Association and championed "Access to Justice," a program that brings affordable legal representation to the working poor. It was for his dedication and participation in this program – as well as his thoughtful leadership – that he was recently given a Pro Bono award by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Through the Access to Justice program, individuals receive legal assistance at no charge. Attorneys help with cases involving protection from abuse, custody, bankruptcy, divorce, support, guardianship, power of attorney, wills, taxes, adoption, and more.

When asked about the program, John stated, "We need to effectively provide legal services to all those folks who cannot really afford an attorney."

Moving forward, John will continue to stay involved in the Bar Association's pro bono work, and will serve on the Board as Immediate Past President. He also plans to work with Community Volunteers in Medicine to help improve doctor/lawyer relations.

Outside the legal realm, John is active in community projects and organizations, including the West Goshen Lions Club and the Chester County Art Association, where he is a member of the Board.

At MacElree Harvey, John concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, probate litigation, and criminal law. He has represented clients in automobile and highway design negligence cases, consumer protection, corporate disputes, contract interpretation, white collar crime, and DUI and is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey State and Federal Bars.

Outside of the office, John can be found playing golf, jogging, power walking, or shooting hoops. He has been married for 26 years and has two daughters.

John mentions that he is also a film buff. "I like both old films and new ones, really anything with a well-written script," he says. "But the writing needs to be crisp." After all, time is of the essence with this busy attorney, father, and volunteer.

MacElree Harvey
17 West Miner Street
Post Office Box 660
West Chester, PA 19381–0660
p | 610.436.0100
f | 610.430.7885
f | 610.429.4486
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