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 June 2026 – Managing Remote Employees
MacElree Harvey Named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer
How Your Neighbors Factor into Your Zoning Application
What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in Plain English?
MacElree Harvey Featured in Philadelphia Business Journal Table of Experts
Want to Sell Your Business? Start Now.
Graduation Season: Why Young Adults Need More Than a Diploma
Employment Law Update May 2026 – Workplace Investigations

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
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.
It is a pleasure to write a review on the services MacElree Harvey provided, specifically Mr. Michael Louis and Mr. Patrick Gallo. While my situation would likely be considered a minor case, for me it was very concerning. After contacting Mr. Louis he immediately assisted with a time sensitive court document and addressed my concerns regarding financial liability. After the initial concern was addressed, Mr. Patrick Gallo worked diligently on negotiating a reasonable settlement and provided me with several options. Both Mr. Gallo and Mr. Louis were always available, provided detailed explanations, were extremely professional, and treated my case with the utmost importance. In addition, their rates were very fair as they went “above and beyond” to assist. Thank you both for all your help.
I’ve been working with Michael Louis on several cases that involve our family business. Mr. Louis has taken the time to not only get familiar with our type of business but to also get familiar with us as people. Mr. Louis is prepared when we enter the courtroom, professional as we face the judge, and as excited as we are when we emerge with a verdict in our favor. It was never my goal in life to need a lawyer for anything other than wills and minor business dealings. But that is not how things worked out. Thankfully, I have Michael in my corner and that has been a good thing.
Caroline did an extraordinary job of defending my rights which were unabashedly infringed. Not only was Caroline empathetic, warm and sincere – she was also prepared, diligent and well versed on the law to support my case. I am profoundly grateful for Caroline’s preparedness and astute acumen of case law as she sought to defend my individual and personal rights. There are no words stronger than my most sincere thanks for the work she did to ensure fair justice was reviewed and ultimately obtained.
Several years after a divorce, new issues prompted me to seek counsel about child custody concerns. No longer confident in the divorce lawyer’s practice, a recommendation led me to Lance Nelson. I truly cannot say enough good things about Lance. He is patient, pragmatic, professional, accessible. Exceptional communication and clear integrity. He laid out the options at every stage, with practical advice regarding the most logical next steps. It never needed to go to court — we were able to manage the situation well enough long enough, the kids aged out before needing more serious legal intervention. In addition to Lance, everyone I have interacted with in the office is equally competent and caring. I would not hesitate to recommend Lance specifically or the practice as a whole.
From the beginning being faced with so many challenges … Charges that included highly probable incarceration… With such serious life-altering events looming. Caroline Donato from beginning to the end of my case with results in my favor with terms I was totally comfortable with!!!!!! Professional delivery and high aptitude of knowledge precede her. In a random consult, she would recite word for word certain terms/rules of law from the (Law) book … So impressive!!!!! Professional and timely support staff behind the scenes created a comfortable environment in obviously an uncomfortable situation. Caroline Donato emulates the true flawless delivery of the facts to bring true solid reputable representation to any case big or small… I recommend your search for a lawyer be over and recommend Caroline Donato.










































