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
Caroline Donato Named 2026 VISTA Today NextGen Superstar
MacElree Harvey Attorney Carolina Heinle Featured in Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Women in Law”
Employment Law Update March 2026
Attorney Tim Rayne Reaches 500-Video Milestone on YouTube
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

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
I was searching for an attorney in a sensitive matter and Caroline came highly recommended by someone who worked for an entirely different law firm (despite them having attorneys for this as well). I have to say, I don’t often write reviews but it would be unjust to let this go. Caroline was absolutely amazing. Not only was she always on top of issues, she handled each step of the way in the best interest of me. I knew I made the correct decision when each time we had to go to court in two different counties, everyone came up to talk with her. The judges knew her. The other attorneys. Even the members of the court room. It was easy to see how people respected her, and that was almost as important to me as it was her skills. She’s a fighter in the court room and doesn’t get rattled. Her questioning was spot on and she knew what to ask and what not to. Even when I disagreed with a particular question, it was quickly apparent she knew better. Her knowledge of the law was incredible, and her ability to read the room made a huge impact in my cases. The results I had were more than even I expected. If I had to pick something she didn’t do well, I would not be able to. Honestly she was an absolute rockstar at her profession and faced with terrible consequences, she kept me calm and promised to ensure she did all she could. That is exactly what she did. There are important factors when searching for the right attorney. Experience. Knowledge of the law. The ability to read the room. Working well with others but also knowing when to push and when to sit back and listen. And one that fights for her clients and not her ego. Caroline was five stars in all areas. If you find the need for a criminal attorney, I can promise you this; there is no better person to hire. It’s not even close.
Mary has been an absolute blessing. Due to a custody dispute, I ended up needing a criminal attorney. Not all attorneys are created equally, and Mary truly devoted her soul to my case. After two poor experiences, I started to believe all attorneys were the same until I hired Mary. She is communicative, extremely knowledgeable, forward thinking, and most of all, she always took the time to help me understand every part of the process. There was always full transparency. Despite being a fairly new attorney, she is wise beyond her years. She was persistent yet tactful with the police and the district attorney’s office, and she let them know she was going to fight for me. I am beyond grateful. I don’t know where I would be if not for her.
Mr. Kratsa provided excellent representation in my case. Very knowledgeable of the law. More importantly, he knows the nuances of the judicial process and the folks that oversee it in Chester County PA–judges, magistrates, clerks etc. Very personable; great at listening and providing advice and recommendations. Overall, an excellent and successful experience.
When my tiny company was sued by a massive global corporation as I was trying to protect my rights under their contract, I have to admit that I was horrified. Although I knew that I had a real case and solid claim against this vendor to my company, I was dwarfed by their juggernaut legal team and seemingly bottomless legal budget. Mr. Louis was referred to me by my local attorney (the suit was in Pennsylvania and I’m in a very small town in Iowa) and within ten minutes of our initial phone conversation, my anxiety of the enormity of this situation began to fade. He carefully listened to my story and asked me very relevant questions and by the end of the conversation was able to show me that not only did I have a solid defense against their claim, but that I also wielded a substantial counterclaim. We immediately began to build our case to defend and counter and after a few months of carefully executing his recommended process, we settled outside of court for a very reasonable amount. Had my company lost the case, we would have been bankrupted. Instead, he and his expert teammates focused on keeping the opposition on their heels. For round after round, my attorney fought an amazing fight, and I was so pleased to see this corporate giant so often on the ropes. His letters were so carefully composed and structured, my confidence increased each time I read them. I shuddered at the prospect of being on the receiving end of them, as a matter of fact! And, the way he asserted our legal dominance kept the diligent pressure on the other team – ultimately bringing forth a very reasonable settlement. Pure professionalism, legal expertise, and brilliant battleground strategy were my allies every step of the way. When I sat in the room with Michael Louis, I was the 800-pound gorilla. The other guys didn’t stand a chance, and I know that they now wish they had never brought the suit against me. I never want to be sued again. But, if I am, I would be lucky to have Mr. Louis or an attorney like him on my side.
Brian did a great job representing our company. We had a unique case with some very grey areas involving privacy in today’s ever changing market. Brian was very thorough in his preparation and filings and he took the time to listen to come up with a strategy that best suited us.
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.













































