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 April 2026
Caroline Donato Named 2026 VISTA Today NextGen Superstar
MacElree Harvey Attorney Carolina Heinle Featured in Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Women in Law”
Employment Law Update March 2026
Attorney Tim Rayne Reaches 500-Video Milestone on YouTube
The #1 Reason Properties Go to Tax Sale Even When Owners Think Taxes Are Paid
Employment Law Update February 2026
MacElree Harvey CEO Michelle Foster Appointed to Board of the Chester County Bar Foundation

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
After encountering an issue with adopting our dog, we didn’t really know where we would ever find help and support. After having John recommended to us by a family friend, we knew immediately we were going to get the help we needed. John took our story very seriously, he was compassionate and right away began to identify solutions for us. Through his well spoken and confident demeanor, John explained each part of the legal process in terms we grasped easily. He educated us, upheld our values and held consistent professional communication throughout the process. His high expectations for his clients coupled with his legal expertise allowed us to have a smooth case. Thanks to John’s hard work and dedication, we are more than pleased with the outcome of our suit and highly recommend John to everyone we know. Thank you John for advocating for us – you changed our lives!
I wish I’d found MacElree Harvey sooner. We hired an attorney from Philadelphia for a border dispute that was heading to arbitration. This initial lawyer was overconfident, dismissive of our questions and slow to respond. We did extensive research and then reached out to MacElree Harvey for a 2nd opinion consultation. From our very first interaction with this firm, we were impressed. Our phone call was answered by a live person, Executive Assistant Cheryl McVicker, who was fantastic. She listened to our story, gathered all of our information, promised to get back to us promptly and kept her word. Within a short time, we got a call from Matt McKeon. During the first 30-minute phone call with Matt, he provided an extensive amount of helpful information. In response to additional questions, he did prompt and thorough research and answered right away via email. For the first time in almost 2 years, we felt that we fully understood our case. Matt then brought in a colleague, Brian Forgue, to address certain aspects of the case. His expertise and attentiveness to our case was similarly impressive. Just a great experience. We highly recommend Matt, Brian and the entire MacElree Harvey staff!
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.
I’m a younger guy who had some fairly serious charges hanging over my head about 10 months ago, and my first lawyer did not make me feel like I was going to get through the legal proceedings without facing serious consequences. This individual was too busy with his many other cases to know details about my case without looking over notes. They were also late to appointments and even showed up to a preliminary hearing 90 minutes late.
On the other hand, Caroline demonstrated an acute understanding of my situation as it relates to the law, and as we worked through my case over the last 8 months, I felt like she genuinely valued my time and that she was really passionate about being as prepared for trial as humanly possible. Caroline was extremely creative about preparing a defense for my case, utilizing a variety of resources that her firm has at their disposal.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to go to trial and were able to work out a reasonable deal with the Commonwealth. However, had we gone to trial, I would have had the utmost confidence in Caroline’s ability to adequately represent me, present my defense, and corroborate that defense with the facts of the case in an extremely compelling manner.
While I do hope that I am never in need of Caroline’s services again, I would not hesitate to hire her again or refer her to anybody in need of a good lawyer.
Mr. Kratsa provided excellent representation in my case. Very knowledgeable of the law. More importantly, he knows the nuances of the judicial process and the folks that oversee it in Chester County PA–judges, magistrates, clerks etc. Very personable; great at listening and providing advice and recommendations. Overall, an excellent and successful experience.













































