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
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
13 MacElree Harvey Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars Lists

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.
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.
My case was with a different lawyer for a year before I gave it to Brian. He was able to solve some financial issues I was having in just a few months, that the previous attorney couldn’t get done in a year’s time. Brian consistently kept me updated and always responded to emails or phone calls quickly. He is also very personable and makes you feel comfortable when speaking with him. Will definitely hire Brian in the future, if I need an attorney.
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.
It is easy when getting divorced to make emotional decisions. Lance helped keep me on track by constantly benchmarking my emotional choices against my long term goals. His ability to steer my communications and ultimately my decision making to achieving my goals was an enormous benefit. Lots of lawyers understand the law. Lance not only is a great lawyer, he also understands people and how to motivate them to success.













































