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 July 2026
Can My Child Choose Which Parent They Want to Live With in Pennsylvania?
Even Cher Can’t Always Get Her Attorneys’ Fees Back
MacElree Harvey Attorneys Recognized Among Chester County’s Top Lawyers 2026
Join Our Team at MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
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

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Great advice and perspective. Carolina was able to address all my concerns and made me feel much better about the situation. Thank you very much.
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.
My mother used JC at MacElree Harvey for her estate planning and the entire process was great. He was thorough and detail-oriented. I definitely recommend him to help with anyone’s estate planning needs.
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.
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.










































