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
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
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

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Caroline and her team represented me for a DUI I was charged with back in 2021 where the state trooper lied about everything from why he charged me with a DUI, because I was not intoxicated, to the reason why he even pulled me over to begin with which was unlawful. Caroline, Mary, Donna, and everyone who was on my case actually listened to me, believed me that I was telling the truth and proved it with video and by catching the trooper on the stand lying. This past over three years have been probably the toughest of my life, because of this stopping me from moving to Phoenix, and the care and compassion that Caroline showed toward me and what was right is incomparable and priceless to what I’ve seen from any other attorney that I’ve worked with. She didn’t sugarcoat or bs anything and that was very much appreciated as well. Caroline and her whole team are amazing and I definitely recommend her if you want things done right.
I’m a younger guy who had some fairly serious charges hanging over my head about 10 months ago, and my first lawyer did not make me feel like I was going to get through the legal proceedings without facing serious consequences. This individual was too busy with his many other cases to know details about my case without looking over notes. They were also late to appointments and even showed up to a preliminary hearing 90 minutes late.
On the other hand, Caroline demonstrated an acute understanding of my situation as it relates to the law, and as we worked through my case over the last 8 months, I felt like she genuinely valued my time and that she was really passionate about being as prepared for trial as humanly possible. Caroline was extremely creative about preparing a defense for my case, utilizing a variety of resources that her firm has at their disposal.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to go to trial and were able to work out a reasonable deal with the Commonwealth. However, had we gone to trial, I would have had the utmost confidence in Caroline’s ability to adequately represent me, present my defense, and corroborate that defense with the facts of the case in an extremely compelling manner.
While I do hope that I am never in need of Caroline’s services again, I would not hesitate to hire her again or refer her to anybody in need of a good lawyer.
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.
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!
I was wrongfully accused of four crimes in which I clearly did not commit. Caroline not only saw to it that I was proven innocent, but she was always available to answer any and all questions that my family and I had pertaining to my case. To say that we are thankful for her services would be an understatement. A five-star review doesn’t do her justice.
I was a client of Tim Rayne in the Kennett office for over 3 years. He and his staff were incredibly patient and understanding, despite a brain injury that left me unstable, confused, anxious, depressed, and in pain. Not being able to comprehend the what’s and why’s of the circumstances surrounding you is a scary place to be. Tim’s group was always on the same page and I will always be grateful they were there to “hold my hand”.














































