West Chester, PA

Mary E. Lawrence

October 25, 2021 by Hoppel Design

Mary E. Lawrence

Associate – Litigation and Criminal Defense

Mary E. Lawrence is an Associate in MacElree Harvey’s Criminal Defense Practice Group and Litigation Department.

Mary E. Lawrence is an Associate in the Criminal Defense Practice Group and Litigation Department at MacElree Harvey. She focuses her practice on criminal defense, representing clients at all stages of their involvement with the criminal justice system—from investigations and pre-trial litigation to trial and appeals. Mary has experience handling complex criminal cases, including violent crimes, child abuse, drug offenses, white collar cases, theft related offenses, driving under the influence (DUI), and juvenile delinquency matters. She also represents clients in civil and administrative proceedings related to protection from abuse, Children, Youth, and Families (CYF), and regulatory matters.

Beyond her legal practice, Mary is actively involved in the local legal and community organizations serving as:

Co-Chair of the Chester County Bar Association Criminal Justice Section, where she facilitates continuing legal education (CLE) programs with judges, attorneys, and other members of the Chester County criminal justice community.

Publications Committee Member of the Pennsylvania Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), where she co-authored Child Abuse Cases in Pennsylvania: The Real Face Behind the Mask of the Child Protective Services Law with Partner Caroline G. Donato.

Attorney Advisor for the B. Reed Henderson High School Mock Trial Team.

Board of Directors of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors of Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restorative justice, childhood literacy, and reducing the cradle-to-prison pipeline, where she works to promote youth empowerment and social equity.

Mary is the author of Subject to Review – a written update on all things criminal defense from real case updates, trending news, and answering reader submitted questions about the criminal justice system.

Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Mary clerked for a criminal defense and family law practice in Philadelphia and served as a law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. She also completed a certified legal internship at the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and clerked in Philadelphia Family Court.

During law school, Mary served as the Director of the School Discipline Advocacy Service, a pro bono organization that supported Philadelphia students facing disciplinary transfers and expulsions. She also competed nationally for Drexel University’s Trial Advocacy Program and was the recipient of the Eric D. Turner Award from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Before attending law school, Mary graduated with honors in dual majors of Criminology and Sociology from the Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University. She served on the executive board of the Penn State Mock Trial Association and competed nationally in the American Mock Trial Association. Mary also worked as a Teaching Assistant for courses in Women in Justice and Sociology of Deviance, and as a Research Assistant at the Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center. In 2018, she was named the Distinguished Graduating Senior in Sociology.

Testimonials

Highly recommended!

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.

Immediate Connection

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.

Memberships

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) (2021-present)
Chester County Bar Association (2021-present)
Pennsylvania Bar Association (2019-present)
American Association of Justice (2019-present)

PRACTICE AREAS

Commercial Litigation

Criminal Defense

OFFICES

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Pennsylvania
Eastern District of PA

EDUCATION

Drexel University Kline School of Law – JD with Concentration in Criminal Law (2018-2021)
The Pennsylvania State University – Schreyer Honors College, Criminology & Sociology cum laude (2014-2018)

ARTICLES

Subject to Review – Your Monthly Dose of Real Criminal Law

IN THE NEWS

MacElree Harvey’s Mary E. Lawrence Named One of Main Line Today’s “20 Emerging Leaders Under 40 to Watch”

Child Abuse Cases in Pennsylvania: The Real Face Behind the Mask of the Child Protective Services Law

Subject to Review – Your Monthly Dose of Real Criminal Law: April 2024 Edition

Subject to Review – Your Monthly Dose of Real Criminal Law: Fourth Edition

Subject to Review – Your Monthly Dose of Real Criminal Law: Third Edition

Subject to Review – Your Monthly Dose of Real Criminal Law: Second Edition

AWARDS

Eric D. Turner Award – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Matthew C. Cooper

December 18, 2020 by Hoppel Design

Matthew C. Cooper

Partner – Business and Corporate Law

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Businesses and business owners in the Mid-Atlantic, particularly Southeastern Pennsylvania, turn to Matthew Cooper for his extensive experience in all aspects of the corporate business life cycle including entity formation, commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions and private securities offerings.

Matthew’s clients range from newly-minted startups to third-generation family businesses to middle market corporations. Many of Matthew’s clients reside in the agricultural/mushroom, food and beverage, financial services and landscaping industries; however, his practice is industry agnostic. For many of his clients, Matthew acts as their go-to outside counsel, anticipating their business’ needs and being there for 24/7 advice and counsel. Clients remark on his responsiveness, accessibility, attention to detail and remarkable “let’s get to yes” energy.

Matthew is a transactional attorney laser-focused on getting deals closed on the terms and timing that his clients want. Whether buy-side or sell-side, Matthew is a trusted advisor for much of the middle market mergers and acquisitions happening in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He is one of only a handful of attorneys in Chester County experienced in handling private placements. Thus, when businesses seek to raise capital and fundraise, they turn to Matt for this specialized expertise knowing that he can turn a letter of intent into a successful fundraise on timelines that clients need.

According to clients, working with Matt is a rewarding experience. Beyond his deep understanding of business law, what separates him from other business attorneys is his commitment to understand each client’s business and industry thoroughly including how it operates, makes money and deals with various challenges. With this important perspective, he can best assist clients in reaching their goals and serving as a trusted ally and partner — looking at their business with an eye towards financial success, tax minimization, compliance and limited risk and exposure. He was also named as a 2025 VISTA NextGen Superstar for his contributions and achievements.

Matthew began his career in the Washington, D.C. office of an Am Law 100 firm where he counseled management and boards of directors of private and public companies in navigating legal challenges, while facilitating their compliance with current and future laws and regulations. His experience in Washington, D.C. included the representation of Fortune 500 and private equity companies with SEC disclosure and financial reporting rules and best practices, corporate governance, commercial lending, fund formation and capital-raising/strategic transactions.

A summa cum laude graduate of Virginia Tech, Matthew was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society, and Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership society. He earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School where he served on the William & Mary Business Law Review and as a member of the school’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Team.

Notable Representations

Mergers & Acquisitions

Represented, as securities counsel, NYSE-listed client in its $2.7 billion sale (cash and stock consideration) to another NYSE-listed company; securities registered on Form S-4.

Represented NYSE-listed and Fortune 100 client in its $62 million purchase of an equity ownership percentage in a leading media streaming company.

Represented environmental consulting/remediation Seller in $48 million sale of equity (cash and rollover equity consideration) to private equity firm (F-Reorganization).

Represented Seller in $42.5 million asset sale of industry leader’s pool/spa products and chemicals business.

Represented Chester County-based robotics company in $25 million international stock acquisition to a publicly-traded Korean corporation.

Business/Commercial Lending Transactions

Represented bank in their $10.25 million asset-based loan secured by three separate state mortgages to finance the construction and installation of a geothermal energy facility.

Represented local mushroom company in $7.5 million convertible loan to essential peat/spawn industry supplier.

Represented, as securities counsel, OTC-listed client in their Chapter 11 bankruptcy and accompanying $6.7 million asset sale and winding-down process.

Represented OTC-listed client in a restructuring transaction providing for the satisfaction and extinguishment of debt obligations under an existing Credit Agreement and providing for the issuance of $3 million in new capital.

Securities & Private Placements

Represented NASDAQ-listed client, as lead counsel to the issuer, in its $375 million Rule 144A/Regulation S offering of senior notes and related guarantees from certain subsidiaries.

Represented 501(c)(3) corporation in its borrowing of $163 million in sustainability bonds to fundraise the construction, development, and implementation of new and existing structural improvements to one of the country’s premier horticultural display gardens.

Represented OTC-listed client in obtaining $20 million equity line of credit with securities registered on Form S-1.

Represented private fund client in its $25 million offering of subscription units for fund’s targeted investments in one of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Qualified Opportunity Zones with a focus on start-up businesses in the internet infrastructure, cellular coverage, and green technology spaces.

Represented Chester County distillery in $1.5 million private placement of securities to accredited investors.

Represented Chester County distillery in its $1.2 million private placement offering of securities under Regulation Crowdfunding.

Represented Philadelphia-based coffee roastery in $2 million private placement of securities to accredited and non-accredited investors; preparation of Private Placement Memorandum.

Community Involvement

West Chester Public Library, Board of Trustees

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Committee, Member

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Community & Government Relations Committee, Member

PRACTICE AREAS

Banking & Finance Law

Business and Corporate Law

Mergers & Acquisitions

OFFICES

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Pennsylvania

Maryland

Washington, D.C.

EDUCATION

William & Mary Law School (J.D.)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (B.A., summa cum laude, Political Science)

ARTICLES

“Just Venmo Me” – The IRS

Lessons in Liquidated Damages

Welcome to the New Decade: Decennial Reports Due for Pennsylvania Business Entities

IN THE NEWS

Why I Work at MacElree Harvey Employee Spotlight: Matthew Cooper

Enterprise Liability – Coming Soon to a Pennsylvania Company Near You?

AWARDS

Jeffrey P. Burke

October 22, 2019 by Hoppel Design

Jeffrey P. Burke

Partner – Employment Law

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Jeff Burke is a Partner at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., working in both the firm’s Business and Litigation practice groups, with an emphasis on employment law. Jeff counsels businesses and individuals on equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies, disability accommodation, employment & severance agreements, restrictive covenants, executive compensation, independent contracting, workforce audits, and other employment-related matters. In the employment law field, Jeff has provided employee and management training to businesses as well as continuing education seminars to other attorneys. Jeff also provides legal counsel in merger and acquisition transactions for employment-related due diligence and contract negotiations.

In his litigation practice, Jeff has successfully resolved numerous disputes in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, including Title VII discrimination claims based upon sex, race, national origin, and religion, Americans with Disability Act claims, compensation claims under state and federal wage and hour laws, and restrictive covenant / non-competition claims, to name a few. Jeff also applies his considerable litigation experience to select complex commercial disputes, working with his partners on contract, real estate, construction and shareholder cases.

In addition to being an experienced litigator and transactional attorney in the field of employment law, Jeff is also a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional^®. This certification indicates that Jeff has a deep understanding of HR principles that enables him to provide first-rate legal advice grounded in the latest industry knowledge.

Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Jeff worked for 6 years at an insurance defense litigation firm, where he represented clients across multiple disciplines in state and federal court, including employment discrimination, personal injury, civil rights, product liability and construction litigation. Before that, Jeff was an associate with a small-size, general practice law firm focusing on criminal defense as well as civil and domestic litigation.

Jeff is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was a recipient of the Class of 2008 Community Service Award. Before attending law school, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, with minors in Economics and Political Science.