From the first moment I spoke with Mary there was an immediate connection. Savvy, down to earth, and so good at what she does. There was never a doubt or question as to the status of the case. Mary and her team were outstanding in communication. I was pursuing this case during a very difficult time personally and I was not able to handle any of it. I had trust and confidence in Mary and her team, and they did not disappoint. That is no small thing. Another crucial element in working with Mary, she is empathetic and has a keen emotional intelligence. Believe me, you want that in someone when working through some difficult times. I highly recommend Mary E. Lawrence.
Mary E. Lawrence
Commercial Litigation
Your business is business. Ours is litigation.
A critical tool in protecting your company’s interests, litigation can also be used to attack those same vital interests – often putting your entire life’s work at risk, and leaving your future uncertain.
At MacElree Harvey, our Commercial Litigation Practice is uncompromisingly committed to providing clients with the upper hand – utilizing the advantage that comes from our years of experience, and our dedication to helping you achieve your overall goals.
With a depth of expertise and the resources expected of large firms without sacrificing the responsiveness and personal attention typically found in much smaller firms, our experienced commercial litigators advise and advocate for the rights of businesses and individuals engaged in sales, trades, and commerce.
Whether you’re an industry leader with high visibility, or a smaller family-owned franchise, from onset to closing, our attorneys are equipped with the sophisticated knowledge and training to ensure you have the right team on your side.
Our clients know that it doesn’t matter if they’re a large business involved in breach of contract dispute, a business or individual seeking to protect his or her intellectual property, or a shareholder seeking to protect his or her rights in a corporate dispute, our commercial litigators approach each matter the exact same way – with the expertise required to properly advise you on the next steps, the skill to unrelentingly fight for, or defend you – and – most importantly – the initiative to obtain the result desired.
If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.
Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense

Being investigated or prosecuted for a crime is obvious cause for anxiety. It is imperative to have an experienced, proficient, and accessible defense attorney to guide you through this process.
Our team of criminal defense attorneys will assess your matter and advise of the most effective way to defend or mitigate it. We will advise you of the realistically obtainable outcomes and also of how to manage or avoid any collateral consequences to the allegations.
Our team has handled diverse criminal matters involving felony and/or misdemeanor offenses in Chester County and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the Federal Courts. With well over a decade of combined experience, our criminal defense attorneys are uniquely qualified and well prepared to assist you with matters including:
- Felony Offenses
- Homicide – Murder and Manslaughter
- Set of Offenses – Rape, Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, Corruption of Minors
- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- RICO
- Insurance Fraud
- Drug Offenses – Possession with Intent to Deliver, Drug Delivery Resulting in a Death
- Burglary
- Theft
- Misdemeanor Offense
- Simple Assault
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
- Terroristic Threats
- Retail Theft
- Indirect Criminal Contempt
- Traffic Offenses
- DUI
- Homicide by Vehicle
- DUS
- State and Federal Grand Jury Representation
We rely upon our knowledge and experience to render thorough assessments and prompt advice. We handle our criminal defense cases proactively and, when appropriate, creatively. In defending our clients, we also may utilize a variety of resources, including experienced investigators and reputable forensic witnesses.
At MacElree Harvey, we will guide and assist you throughout the criminal process and we will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome in your case, whether that be a declination of prosecution by the government, acquittal, or other favorable disposition.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES:
- Acquittal by juries of multiple clients accused of rape and related allegations.
- Acquittal by jury of physician accused of felony offenses of illegally dispensing controlled substances.
- Acquittal by jury of client accused of homicide.
- Exoneration of client accused of felony insurance fraud.
- Acquittal by juries of multiple DUI clients.
- Successful Pre-Trial Motions dismissing prosecution for multiple clients.
- Favorable sentencings for clients accused of financial fraud and other felony offenses.
- Alternative sentences (i.e., house arrest or in-patient treatment) in lieu of otherwise mandatory incarceration.
OFFICES
ALL PRACTICE AREAS
If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.
West Chester, PA
Centreville, DE | Hockessin, DE | Kennett Square, PA | West Chester, PA
17 West Miner Street
West Chester, PA 19382
610-436-0100
Attorneys