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 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
Employment Law Update December 2025
MacElree Harvey’s 2025 Charitable Contributions and Community Impact
Co-Parenting During the Holidays: Tips to Reduce Stress & Conflict
Selling Your Business? Five Lessons in M&A From 2025
Employment Law Update November 2025

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
I had a very difficult divorce and custody battle. I stuck with Lance through the entire process and I’m so glad I did. Lance took the time to fully understand my case and worked hard to navigate complex issues. He has excellent knowledge of the law and his recommendations were spot on. When we had to go to court Lance clearly explained the strategy and reasoning behind it and we always walked away with a positive outcome. I highly respect Lance’s ability as a lawyer and found his advice to be very valuable. Going through divorce and custody issues is an extremely emotional process and I found Lance to be very level-headed and even throughout the process. Lance guided me in the right direction during times when I wanted to go a more adversarial route, which in the end produced a better outcome for less money. I highly recommend Lance as a divorce attorney, he is worth every penny.
I was referred to Peter Kratsa through a friend who had amazing things to say about him. After speaking with him the first time, I knew why my friend thought so highly of him. You could tell, even on the phone, how much he cared about his clients & the outcomes of the cases he takes on. I felt like I finally had someone on my side who I could trust. Peter and his staff are always available to speak, promptly & they explain things in the clearest of ways so you fully understand your options. I am so pleased with working with him and I would recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance.
After contacting many of the attorneys you see on TV ads, I finally found the gem. I was involved in an accident which after I was transported by ambulance to the hospital, given an EKG and CT scan and released which took 4 hours. I didn’t carry normal health insurance at the time of the incident. I later received a hospital bill for over $16,000.00. Despite explaining my situation, a motor vehicle accident that I was the NOT at fault party, every attorney I spoke to wanted to know what injuries I had sustained and what treatment I was pursuing. When I said thankfully, neither I nor the other party was injured, they all told me they weren’t able to help and I would be responsible for that $16,000.00 bill.
I did one more search on the computer and came across Mr. Timothy F. Rayne. Not only was he pleasant to work with, he personally reached me and gave me all the legal guidance to put this behind me almost a year after the initial accident occurred. This person is a great guy. He truly cares for his clients. If you are in need of an Attorney that deals with this type of law this is your guy. As I said in the beginning, a real gem. Thank you so much, Mr. Rayne.
Patrick represented me in a very difficult case for custody and child support. I couldn’t be happier that I made the choice of hiring Patrick after consulting with 3 other attorneys. Soon as I meet with Patrick for the first time I knew he was the one who would fight tooth and nail for what was right for my babies. He didn’t let me down. I would recommend Patrick in a heartbeat to anyone who is seeking a divorce, custody, property, alimony and/ or child support. Thank you so much, Patrick, for everything you did!
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.














































