MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Initiative in Practice

West Chester, PA

Ashley B. Stitzer

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Ashley B. Stitzer

Partner – Family Law

Ashley is a partner in the West Chester office and a member of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.  Her practice focuses on representing clients in all aspects of family law matters, including divorce, alimony/spousal support, equitable distribution of property, marital agreements, child support, and custody.

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Ashley is a partner in the West Chester office and a member of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.  Her practice focuses on representing clients in all aspects of family law matters, including divorce, alimony/spousal support, equitable distribution of property, marital agreements, child support, and custody.  From custody and support disputes to complex divorce and property division, Ashley takes a direct, personal approach to resolve each client’s family law concerns and prides herself on being thorough, passionate and laser-focused on her clients’ needs.  Ashley also has significant experience from prior practice representing businesses in corporate bankruptcy matters, which she utilizes regularly in her representation of high net worth clients and divorce proceedings involving businesses.

Licensed to practice law both in Pennsylvania and Delaware, Ashley has received an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards an attorney can receive from the national attorney peer review rating service, since the early 2000s.  This rating indicates that an attorney’s colleagues and the judiciary perceive her to be at the pinnacle of professional success.  Ashley has also been named to Main Line Today’s “Top Lawyers” list since 2017.

Ashley is a member of the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Delaware State Bar Association, the Chester County Bar Association.  She is also a member of the Doris Jonas Freed Matrimonial American Inn of Court and the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

Active in the community, Ashley serves as a volunteer attorney at the Office of the Child Advocate, a state agency charged with safeguarding the welfare of Delaware’s children, and Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc., established to provide quality pro bono legal services to low-income Delawareans with meritorious civil legal problems.

Memberships

  • Chester County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Delaware State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • The Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court
  • Office of the Child Advocate

Community Involvement

  • Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
  • Wings for Success Board of Directors

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Delaware
  • Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • Temple University Beasley School of Law
  • St. Mary’s College of California, Business & Economics

ARTICLES

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Employment Law

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Employment Law

Employment law is one of the most complex and heavily regulated areas of legal practice. At MacElree Harvey, our employment lawyers bring over a century of combined experience to help clients, both employers and employees, navigate virtually every aspect of the workplace relationship. 

Unlike many law firms, we do not limit our practice to one side. We represent management, business owners, executives, employees, and independent contractors alike. Our loyalty is to our clients, not to an ideology. 

Areas of Employment Law We Handle 

Employment Discrimination

We represent clients in cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or genetic information, under both federal and state law.

Workplace Harassment

We advise and represent clients in claims involving sexual harassment, hostile work environments, and other workplace harassment issues. We also counsel employers on compliance with harassment laws to prevent claims before they arise.

Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims

Our attorneys protect employees who report unlawful conduct and defend employers against unfounded retaliation claims.

Wage & Hour Disputes

We handle disputes involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, employee misclassification, and improper wage deductions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Pennsylvania labor statutes.

Leave of Absence Issues

We assist with compliance and claims under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related medical or personal leave laws.

Employment Contracts

We draft, review, and negotiate contracts for executives, managers, and employees. We also represent clients in breach-of-contract disputes through mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

Restrictive Covenants & Non-Compete Agreements

We advise on the enforceability of non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements, and represent clients in related disputes.

Public Policy Restrictions

We handle claims involving workplace policies or agreements that violate established public policy.

Affirmative Action & Diversity Compliance

We counsel employers on diversity initiatives and compliance with federal and state affirmative action requirements.

Employment Law Training & Counseling

We provide training and proactive counseling to help businesses comply with employment laws and reduce the risk of workplace disputes.

Separation from Employment

We negotiate severance packages, prepare and review termination agreements, and advise on lawful separation terms regarding pay, benefits, and post-employment rights. 

This list is not exhaustive of all of the areas where an employment issue may arise. MacElree Harvey is ready to help you if and when they hit the doorstep of your family or business.

FAQ: Employment Law in Pennsylvania

Do you represent both employers and employees? 
Yes. We believe our ability to see issues from both perspectives makes us more effective advocates for every client. 

What counts as unlawful workplace discrimination? 
Unlawful discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin. 

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Pennsylvania? 
It depends. Non-competes must be reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and subject matter. Courts may refuse to enforce agreements that are overly broad. 

What is at-will employment? 
Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, meaning an employer can terminate employment for any reason or no reason at all — as long as the reason is not unlawful (e.g., discrimination, retaliation, or other wrongful termination). 

What should I do if I’m being harassed at work? 
Document the harassment, follow your company’s complaint procedures, and contact an employment attorney to protect your rights. 

Can an employer deny FMLA leave? 
Yes, if the employer is not covered under the FMLA, if the employee does not meet eligibility requirements, if the request does not qualify under FMLA guidelines, and if the request is not properly submitted to the employer. 

ATTORNEYS

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.

Andrew R. Silverman

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Andrew R. Silverman

Partner – Business and Corporate Law

“Andrew Silverman provided straightforward, professional legal advice, allowing me to resolve, efficiently and confidently, an otherwise unsettling contractual matter.” – Client Review from AVVO

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Andrew Silverman is an attorney in the firm’s Business Department. Andrew’s practice focuses on providing advice to both principals and stakeholders of Delaware and Pennsylvania business entities concerning mergers and acquisitions, business divorce and inter-company conflicts, complex corporate governance and financing matters, intellectual property, and commercial agreements.

Andrew is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Widener University School of Law. In addition to practicing law, Andrew is on the board of the World Trade Center Delaware, whose mission is to assist Delaware entities and those who seek to do business in Delaware with international commerce. Prior to his work with MacElree Harvey, Andrew was an attorney at a national litigation boutique where he specialized in business, commercial, and tort litigation in Delaware.

Notable Representations

Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Represented client in food hygiene industry with respect to multi-million dollar strategic co-investment into industry partner; successfully negotiated board seats and joint venture agreement.
  • Counseled biotech seller in the sale of membership interest, including successful negotiation of earn-out and transfer pricing.
  • Represented technology firm and stockholders’ representative in the sale of stock to publicly-traded company in exchange for cash consideration and restricted stock in purchaser entity; in addition, negotiated favorable executive compensation and earn-out protections on behalf of stockholders.
  • Counseled limited partnership with respect to conversion to limited liability company; successfully resolved complex governance matters with limited partners.

Start-Ups and Growth

  • Counseled real estate joint venture with respect to the formation, organization, and successful series A offering.
  • Representation of international watch retailer concerning the successful disposition of e-commerce and manufacturing agreements.
  • Represented technology company staged for public offering regarding complex governance structure and restricted stock plan.

Business Divorce

  • Successful prosecution and resolution of declaratory action under 8 Del. C. § 225 in the Delaware Court of Chancery to avoid a takeover by minority stockholders.
  • Prosecuted stockholder oppression action against controlling stockholder of a Pennsylvania corporation to a negotiated settlement that resulted in client’s ownership of the company’s intellectual property in addition to cash consideration.
  • Successful representation of a client in Delaware Court of Chancery regarding business divorce and breach of limited liability company agreement.
  • Counseled member of 50/50 Delaware limited liability company concerning business divorce and buy-out matter, resulting in favorable buy-out terms and avoidance of litigation.
  • Successful representation of minority stockholder in Pennsylvania corporation with respect to the redemption of minority stockholder’s interest on favorable terms.

Memberships

  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Chester County Bar Association
  • Delaware State Bar Association
  • World Trade Center Delaware, Board of Directors
  • Main Line Chamber of Commerce
  • Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
  • John E. Stively, Jr. American Inn of Court

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Delaware
  • Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Political Science.
  • Widener University School of Law
  • Villanova Law School, LL.M, Tax Law

ARTICLES

IN THE NEWS

AWARDS

Tax Law

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Tax Law

MacElree Harvey’s tax lawyers provide tax advice on a wide variety of personal, business and real estate matters, as well as thoughtful and experienced representation in obtaining rulings and other guidance from tax authorities and in resolving tax controversies.

We pride ourselves on providing well-thought-out advice in a manner that is timely, efficient and reflects our clients’ business objectives. The knowledge and experience of each tax lawyer is not limited to just the tax department, but is made available firm wide through close collaboration and cooperation across practices groups.

For taxpayers engaging in business and real estate transactions, success depends on compliance with a diverse and ever-evolving array of tax rules. Tax regulations and policies are constantly changing, and often vary widely in different national, regional, and local jurisdictions. A thorough understanding of the tax regulations can mean the difference between profitable transactions and harsh penalties.

MacElree Harvey provides comprehensive and strategic tax planning advice, combining a thorough knowledge of complex tax laws with a pragmatic problem-solving approach to our clients’ tax issues. We serve corporations, private equity funds, family businesses, individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies, and non-profits in a wide variety of transactions ranging from routine corporate formations to complex mergers and acquisitions. Our goal is to maximize after-tax results for our clients within applicable laws and regulations.

MacElree Harvey’s tax attorneys provide thoughtful and experienced advocacy on behalf of clients in federal, state and local tax disputes. We represent clients at all stages of the administrative process, from audit through administrative appeal and post–appeals mediation. We also represent clients in a wide range of tax collection matters, from initial assessment through enforced collection means (liens and levies).

MacElree Harvey’s Tax Controversy lawyers have an in-depth understanding of tax matters arising in controversies affecting a broad array of industries, including the financial products, hedge fund, manufacturing, transportation, entertainment, and utility industries. Likewise, we have significant experience with many of the issues on which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state and local taxing authorities currently focus their resources. On the federal side those include debt/equity issues, the determination of ownership of property, capital versus expense classifications, losses from trading in securities and commodities, economic substance and business purpose, and placed-in-service date disputes. We have also handled cases involving tax shelters, accounting methods, and promoter registration. With respect to state and local controversies, our experience extends to a wide range of income, capital, and transactional tax issues.

We routinely advise clients on state and local tax planning matters, including entity selection, operational flow, and the tax consequences of acquisitions, reorganizations, and divestitures. Our lawyers have handled tax controversies in state courts and administrative proceedings.

We advise our not-for-profit clients on a broad range of matters including general tax issues, tax-exempt financing, securing and maintaining recognition of tax-exempt status, issues regarding payments to grantees (including foreign organizations), corporate governance, restructuring and bylaws issues, contract negotiations, employment issues, donor issues, real estate transactions, land use and local government issues, and the substantive areas of law with which the client is involved.

We have extensive experience in representing our nonprofit client in an application for real estate tax exemption, or defending our client when an existing tax exemption is changed or challenged. We have represented clients before tax assessment boards, tax courts, courts of general jurisdiction and have successfully negotiated tax settlements and payment in lien of tax (“PILOT”) agreements for our nonprofit and charitable clients.

Below are some of the forms that we prepare for clients:

  • Form 1040 – Individual tax return
  • Form 1041 – Fiduciary tax return
  • Form 1065 – Partnership tax return
  • Form 1120 – Corporate tax return
  • For 1120 S – S Corporation tax return
  • Form 990  – Foundation tax return
  • Form 5227 – Split Interest Trust tax return
  • Form Fin Cen 114 – Foreign Bank reporting form
  • Form 1040 NR – Non Resident individual tax return
  • Form 1023 – Application for Recognition of Exemption Under 501 (c) (3)

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If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

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Real Estate

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Real Estate

For generations, MacElree Harvey has guided clients through every stage of real estate ownership, investment, and development across Pennsylvania and Delaware.

At MacElree Harvey, our real estate attorneys represent builders, developers, investors, and property owners in a full range of real estate transactions and disputes. Whether you are acquiring, financing, developing, leasing, or selling property, our team provides the practical guidance and legal insight needed to protect your investment and achieve your goals efficiently.

Our clients include private landowners, entrepreneurial developers, lenders, and institutional investors. We handle projects of every scale, from single-family properties and residential subdivisions to large commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments.

Comprehensive Real Estate Services

Our real estate practice covers all aspects of property ownership, management, and transfer, including:

  • Real estate acquisition and sales — drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, due diligence, and title review
  • Leasing — representing landlords and tenants in commercial and residential lease negotiations
  • Financing and lending — advising borrowers and lenders in real estate financing and secured transactions
  • Development agreements and contracts — negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of complex real estate agreements
  • Condominium and homeowners’ association matters — formation, governance, and compliance
  • Easements, covenants, and property rights — creation, interpretation, and enforcement
  • Real estate litigation — resolving disputes related to ownership, title, contracts, or development
  • Tax assessment appeals and exemptions — representing property owners in challenging over-assessed property values

Industry Experience

Our attorneys have successfully guided clients through transactions involving:

  • Shopping centers and retail developments
  • Office buildings and business parks
  • Apartment complexes and condominium conversions
  • Industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities
  • Hotels, resorts, and hospitality projects
  • Planned residential communities and mixed-use developments

Why Choose MacElree Harvey

  • Local knowledge: decades of experience with Pennsylvania and Delaware property laws, title issues, and closing procedures
  • Strategic advocacy: from negotiating contracts to litigating disputes, our attorneys protect your interests at every stage
  • Multi-disciplinary support: collaboration with our business, tax, and litigation teams ensures comprehensive counsel for every transaction
  • Proven results: trusted by clients for efficient closings, complex development deals, and long-term property strategies

Banking & Finance Law

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Banking & Finance Law

At MacElree Harvey, our banking, finance, and commercial lending attorneys provide comprehensive services to help clients navigate today’s complex financial landscape. We represent both borrowers and lenders — including banks, savings associations, credit unions, finance companies, private lenders, and other financial institutions — in transactions of all sizes, from routine loans to multi-million-dollar credit facilities.

Borrower & Lender Representation

Our attorneys handle a wide variety of financing transactions, including:

· Commercial loans and construction loans

· Lines of credit and letters of credit

· Multi-bank credit facilities and tax-exempt loan facilities

· Bond issues and asset-backed or secured loans

· Real estate loans, loan participations, and equipment financing

We represent lenders and borrowers in new financing, as well as refinancing and restructuring existing debt.

Corporate, Real Estate & Nonprofit Financing

In addition to representing traditional lenders, we counsel corporate clients, real estate developers, and nonprofit organizations on the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of:

· Credit facilities

· Equipment leases

· Private placements

· Bank-qualified loans

Our team also has extensive experience in tax-exempt finance. We have served as borrower’s counsel and bond counsel in financing for manufacturing companies, qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, and public-private development projects.

Strategic & Collaborative Approach

Known for creativity and flexibility, we design loan and collateral structures tailored to each transaction. We frequently collaborate with colleagues in corporate law, real estate, and tax to deliver results-oriented, value-added solutions.

Loan Enforcement & Defense

Legal services for loan enforcement, typically provided to lenders and creditors, involves a range of actions to recover funds from a defaulting borrower, while defense of an enforcement action involves assisting borrowers in combatting the claims of lenders and creditors. We provide legal representation of both. The specific services required depend on whether the loan is secured by collateral, such as a property, or is unsecured. Secured loans are backed by collateral that the lender can repossess or seize if the borrower defaults. Legal services for these loans often include: negotiating workouts and restructuring; repossession; foreclosure and sheriff sales of real estate or personal property; replevin actions: deficiency judgments; deeds in lieu of foreclosure. Unsecured loans, such as personal loans or other obligations, are not backed by collateral. When a borrower defaults, legal services focus on obtaining a money judgment against the debtor. Services include: commencing litigation; judgment enforcement through post-judgment remedies; attachment of property; bank garnishments; and placing a lien on the debtor’s assets, like real estate, to satisfy the debt.

Representative Matters

· Represented an early-stage environmental manufacturing company in a venture capital convertible bridge loan financing

· Represented four nonprofit corporations affiliated with state universities in the issuance of over $300 million in qualified 501(c)(3) bonds to construct student housing facilities, including negotiation of bond, credit, real estate, and construction agreements

· Represented the issuer of a letter of credit in a $27 million public bond financing for the construction of a YMCA facility

· Represented a bank as senior creditor in the reorganization of a company’s stock ownership and the restructuring of $10 million in collective working capital lines of credit and permanent loans

FAQ: Banking & Finance Law Terms Explained

What is the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured loan? A secured loan is backed by collateral — such as real estate, equipment, or other assets — that the lender can claim if the borrower defaults. An unsecured loan relies solely on the borrower’s creditworthiness and does not require collateral.

What does a banking and finance attorney do? A banking and finance lawyer advises lenders, borrowers, and investors on structuring, negotiating, and documenting loan and credit transactions. They also ensure compliance with lending regulations and help resolve disputes.

What is tax-exempt financing? Tax-exempt financing allows certain borrowers — such as nonprofit organizations and qualifying projects — to obtain financing where interest income is exempt from federal (and sometimes state) taxes, often resulting in lower borrowing costs.

What is bond counsel? Bond counsel provides a legal opinion on the validity and tax status of bonds issued in a financing. They ensure that the bond issuance complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between a letter of credit and a line of credit? A line of credit provides a borrower with access to funds up to a set limit, which can be drawn and repaid over time. A letter of credit is a guarantee issued by a bank to a third party that payment will be made if certain conditions are met, often used in large transactions and international trade.

Who needs a commercial lending attorney? Any business, developer, nonprofit, or financial institution involved in a lending or financing transaction can benefit from a commercial lending attorney to safeguard their interests and ensure compliance.

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If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

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ABOUT US

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Centreville, DE

5721 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE 19807
302-654-4454
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Hockessin, DE

724 Yorklyn Rd #100
Hockessin, DE 19707
302-239-3700
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Kennett Square, PA

209 East State Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-444-3180
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West Chester, PA

17 West Miner Street
West Chester, PA 19382
610-436-0100
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