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
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
What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in Plain English?
MacElree Harvey Featured in Philadelphia Business Journal Table of Experts

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
I was faced with a challenging divorce with complex estate implications. Lance provided clear practical advice ultimately allowing me to reach an agreement through mediation. He was accessible to answer questions – even during weekends – helping me map out strategic approaches to complex dispute areas. Despite the emotions being felt, Lance maintained focus on the “big picture” – advising where it made sense to fight and where it made sense to compromise. His team was also very professional and continue to guide me post-divorce on things like estate planning to help put this event behind me.
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.
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.
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.
Caroline was a phenomenal lawyer exceeding all excellency when it came to. As a lawyer, she went above and beyond with every action to ensure the best outcome for myself. I was charged twice on separate occasions and Caroline sought to it that I was ensured with the best possible outcome. Both times the outcomes were better than predicted. Stellar job to Caroline. Would highly recommend for anyone.










































