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 Elects Andrew R. Silverman as Shareholder
Employment Law Update January 2026
When Safety Meets the Law: The Power and Consequences of Protection From Abuse Orders in Pennsylvania
Judge Lou Mincarelli Returns to MacElree Harvey After Service on the Chester County Bench
Employment Law Update December 2025
MacElree Harvey’s 2025 Charitable Contributions and Community Impact
Co-Parenting During the Holidays: Tips to Reduce Stress & Conflict
Selling Your Business? Five Lessons in M&A From 2025

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
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.
Caroline Donato was hope to me and my family at a time when our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed constrained. Not only was she able to defend me from an unjust accusation, her calm/confidence and empathetic demeanor offered emotional/compassionate support to myself and those I care about most. My wife, children and I are eternally grateful for her profound knowledge and professional services. I hereby recommend Ms. Donato without reservation.
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.
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.
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.













































