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.