Litigation

Hiruy Y. Berhane

June 13, 2026 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Hiruy Y. Berhane

Associate – Litigation

Hiruy Berhane is an attorney with experience representing institutional, corporate, municipal, and private clients in litigation, regulatory compliance, privacy, data security, and business matters. His practice has included commercial litigation, creditor rights litigation, contract disputes, asset recovery, judgment enforcement, regulatory investigations, data breach response, HIPAA compliance, and transportation industry compliance.

Before joining MacElree Harvey, Hiruy served as an Associate Attorney at McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, where he represented institutional clients in litigation matters involving creditor rights, asset recovery, judgment enforcement, and related disputes. He previously practiced at Baker & Hostetler LLP and Mullen Coughlin LLC, advising clients across industries on cyber incident response, privacy compliance, breach notification obligations, and regulatory reporting. His background also includes work as a legal consultant for a transportation company, a regulatory analyst at TrustArc, a judicial internship with the Honorable Michael A. Shipp of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in-house legal experience with FMC Corporation.

Hiruy earned his Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he was a member of the Temple Moot Court Competition Team and received several honors, including the National Order of the Barristers Award and the Albert M. Cohen Memorial Award. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Paralegal Certificate from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

He is a cooking enthusiast of east African cuisine; and life-long sports enthusiast and fan of professional basketball and football including the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia 76ers.

Notable Representations

Represented institutional, corporate, and private clients in litigation matters involving creditor rights, contract disputes, asset recovery, and judgment enforcement.
Developed and executed litigation strategies designed to efficiently advance client objectives and resolve complex disputes.
Negotiated settlements and advised clients on risk management, regulatory compliance and business-related legal matters.
Advised public, private, municipal, healthcare and educational organizations on privacy compliance, HIPAA compliance, data breach response, regulatory investigations and reporting obligations.
Represented clients nationwide in responding to cybersecurity incidents and navigating statutory and contractual notification requirements.
Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a variety of industry contracts, including vendor, lease, and independent contractor agreements.
Assisted with corporate governance policies, trade compliance reviews, and corporate filings for in-house clients.

Memberships

Chester County Bar Association
Eritrean American Bar Association
National Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
Philadelphia Barristers Association

PRACTICE AREAS

Litigation Law

OFFICES

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Pennsylvania

LANGUAGES

Native Tigrinya
Basic Spanish
English

EDUCATION

Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D., 2019)
State University of New York at Buffalo (B.A. in Communication, 2012, Paralegal Certificate, 2013)

ARTICLES/IN THE NEWS

Hiruy Y. Berhane has not written any articles yet.

Patrick L. Ware

February 16, 2026 by MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Patrick L. Ware

Associate – Land Use and Litigation

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Patrick Ware is an attorney in the firm’s Land Use and Litigation departments. As a litigator, Patrick has a wide array of experience handling property disputes, breach of contract claims, and trust and estates litigation matters. Patrick has experience litigating in the Delaware Court of Chancery, the Delaware Superior Court, and the Court of Common Pleas, successfully representing both individual and corporate clients.

As a zoning and land use attorney, Patrick assists clients to navigate a range of complex land use and zoning matters. Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Patrick worked at a prominent national litigation firm where he specialized in land use, commercial litigation, and government affairs in Delaware.

Patrick is a longtime West Chester resident with deep ties to the local community. In his spare time, he enjoys walking his dog around the borough, playing golf, and watching Jeopardy with his wife Kaitlin. Before practicing law, Patrick enjoyed a successful career as a touring musician, performing with his band throughout the United States and around the world.

Memberships

Delaware State Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS

Litigation Law

Real Estate & Land Use Law

OFFICES

Centreville, DE

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Delaware
Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

Villanova University School of Law, J.D.
West Chester University, B.A. Political Science

ARTICLES/IN THE NEWS

Patrick L. Ware has not written any articles yet.

Katherine A. Isard

February 18, 2025 by Hoppel Design

Katherine A. Isard

Partner – Litigation

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Katherine A. Isard has extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, employment disputes, commercial real estate matters, and construction litigation. In her 12 year solo practice, she successfully represented clients in arbitration, state and federal courts, and transactional matters. Katherine’s expertise extends beyond litigation to corporate advisory services, where she assists clients in drafting and negotiating software as a service agreements, master service agreements, and non-disclosure agreements, particularly for technology and private equity clients.

Prior to establishing her own practice, Katherine was a litigation associate at Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg LLP, where she worked on high-stakes commercial disputes, breach of contract actions, employment litigation, and shareholder derivative suits. She also gained valuable experience in white-collar defense and internal investigations at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, focusing on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance and large-scale document reviews.

Katherine is known for her strategic legal approach, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to manage every aspect of her cases—from client communication to litigation strategy, negotiations, discovery, and trial advocacy.

Clients appreciate Katherine’s deep legal knowledge, practical solutions, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. With almost two decades of experience, she remains a trusted legal advisor committed to delivering high-quality representation tailored to her clients’ needs.

Notable Representations

Served as second chair in multi-million-dollar litigation in Texas state court, securing a favorable settlement after partial summary judgment.
Served as second chair in a Pennsylvania state court case, achieving a successful verdict after a three-day bench trial.
Represented home builder in construction defect claims.
Managed internal investigations related to potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations.
Negotiated and drafted key agreements, including Non-Disclosure, Software as a Service (SaaS) contracts and Master Service agreements.

Videos

PRACTICE AREAS

Business and Corporate Law

Commercial Litigation

Employment Law

Litigation Law

Real Estate

OFFICES

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D., 2005)
- Associate Editor, Journal of Constitutional Law
ACLU of Pennsylvania, Pro Bono Research
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, Pro Bono Law Clerk

ARTICLES

Katherine Isard has not written any articles yet.

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IN THE NEWS

Lou Mincarelli

January 4, 2024 by Hoppel Design

Lou Mincarelli

Partner – Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury

Partner in the Litigation Dept focusing on Criminal, Family and Commercial Litigation, working from the West Chester office.

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Judge Lou Mincarelli served as a respected Common Pleas Judge in West Chester, Pennsylvania, both before and after joining MacElree Harvey, and returned to the firm following his most recent judicial service through 2025. He originally joined MacElree Harvey in January of 2024.

Joining MacElree Harvey’s Litigation Department, Judge Mincarelli focuses his practice on criminal, family, commercial litigation, as well as the firm’s mediation and arbitration practice. His diverse legal skill set was shaped by decades of experience as a practicing attorney and years on the bench, where he presided over complex matters across Civil, Criminal, Family, and Juvenile Court.

While serving as a Judge, Judge Mincarelli presided over numerous jury and bench trials in both civil and criminal court and successfully handled dozens of settlement conferences. His experience facilitating resolutions spans both his judicial service and private practice, giving him a practical, balanced perspective on litigation strategy and alternative dispute resolution.

Judge Mincarelli is a certified Civil Mediator, having received his certification from the National Judicial College in 2024. His mediation experience, combined with his extensive trial background, allows him to guide parties toward efficient, informed, and durable resolutions, whether through litigation, mediation, or arbitration.

Judge Mincarelli was nominated by then-Governor Tom Wolf and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate to fill a vacancy on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. He was later reappointed by Governor Josh Shapiro and again confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate, continuing his judicial service through 2025.

Earlier in his career, Judge Mincarelli served as a Victim Advocate in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he gained first-hand insight into the impact of crime on victims and their families. After graduating from Temple University Beasley School of Law, he became a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office under former District Attorney Lynne Abraham.

Notable Representations

Presided over Criminal, Family and Juvenile cases as a judge.

Community Service

Committee Chairman for Cub Scouts Hopewell Pack 8

Memberships

Temple Law School Alumni Association
Member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, St. Anthony’s Lodge in Downingtown

Featured Articles

Ex-Chester County Judge Heads Back To MacElree Harvey Law360

Judge Lou Mincarelli Returns to MacElree Harvey After Service on the Chester County Bench VISTA Today

MacElree Harvey’s Judge Lou Mincarelli Reappointed to Chester County Court of Common Pleas VISTA Today

MacElree Harvey Law Firm Grows Mediation and Arbitration Practice, MH MA VISTA Today

Ex-Pa. State Court Judge Joins MacElree Harvey Law360

Videos

PRACTICE AREAS

Commercial Litigation

Criminal Defense

Family Law

Litigation Law

Mediation and Arbitration

OFFICES

Centreville, DE

Kennett Square, PA

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

Temple University Beasley School of Law

ARTICLES/IN THE NEWS

MacElree Harvey Attorney Lou Mincarelli Completes American Arbitration Association Program

Judge Lou Mincarelli’s Reappointment Celebrated at Swearing-In Ceremony with Remarks from Partner Brian L. Nagle

MacElree Harvey Proudly Announces the Reappointment of Judge Lou Mincarelli to Chester County Court of Common Pleas

MacElree Harvey Law Firm Grows Mediation and Arbitration Practice – MH MA

Esteemed Common Pleas Judge Lou Mincarelli Joins MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

AWARDS

Michael C. Rovito

February 16, 2022 by Hoppel Design

Michael C. Rovito

Partner – Family Law

Michael is a Partner in the West Chester office’s Family Law Practice and a member of the Litigation Group. Michael’s practice focuses on family law specific areas of divorce, equitable distribution of property, alimony, marital agreements, child custody, and support.

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Michael possesses the skill, knowledge, and experience to represent and navigate clients through the complex and emotional realms of family law. He is a compassionate and zealous advocate, who maintains a practical and results-driven approach to the issues at hand. He represents clients in family law matters ranging from the routine to the highest levels of complexity.

Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Michael was an associate in the firm Rovito Law, LLC, from 2011 through 2021, where he concentrated in family law matters.

Michael is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal School of Business, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.

Michael is also a graduate of Widener University School of Law located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While at Widener, Michael was a member of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society and earned a Certificate of Merit in the study of Corporate Finance. While in law school, Michael clerked for a private practice, the Northumberland County Office of the Solicitor, and as a summer clerk in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

Notable Representations

Counseled spouse involved in complex divorce matter with significant multi-level business interests, requiring the utilization of forensic accountants and business evaluators for resolution of equitable distribution and spousal and child support.
Advised client and worked with client’s future spouse’s counsel to reach an amicable and comprehensive prenuptial agreement, which provided protection of premarital assets and ensured financial security and stability
Advised and represented aunt and grandmother, in obtaining standing and ultimately an order awarding primary custody of a child.
Represented a client to bring to conclusion a near decade long contentious divorce process

Memberships

Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Member of Legislative Committee
Chester County Bar Association
- Family Law Section – Co-Chair
Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court
- Community Outreach Committee – Co-Chair

Speaking Engagements

Older Adults & Divorce – Chester County Bar Association
Grey Divorce – Doris Jonas Freed Inn of Court
Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Collaboration, and Arbitration

Video

PRACTICE AREAS

Adoption

APL/Spousal Support

Business Valuations

Child Custody

Child Support

Commercial Litigation

Divorce

Equitable Distribution

Family Law

Family Law Mediation

Legal Custody

Litigation Law

Marital Settlement Agreements

Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial Agreements

Protection From Abuse

OFFICES

West Chester, PA

ADMISSIONS

Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

Widener University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
The Pennsylvania State University, Finance

ARTICLES

Brady v. Bündchen: WSTBD (What Should Tom Brady Do?)

Another Petition to Modify?! Can I Get a Side of Fees with That?

What Is and How to Navigate Grey Divorce

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.

Notable Representations

Obtained summary judgment in favor of employer in United States District Court against claims of alleged Title VII sex discrimination and alleged violations of Equal Pay Act
Negotiated executive employment agreements for selling principals in multi-million dollar merger and acquisition transaction
Obtained favorable, confidential settlements in cases of alleged sex discrimination for multiple Pennsylvania employers, ranging from complex, multi-entity enterprises down to a small family-owned store
Obtained favorable, confidential settlement through Mediation in favor of Pennsylvania business in a case seeking wages under Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection law and alleging discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Obtained favorable, confidential settlement through Mediation in favor of Pennsylvania employer in case of alleged national origin discrimination
Successfully obtained transfers of venue from Philadelphia County to favorable outlying Pennsylvania counties in multiple personal injury lawsuits brought against Fortune 500 Company
Defended and successfully resolved numerous personal injury and property damage claims brought against Pennsylvania businesses and individuals in the areas of premises liability, motor vehicle liability and construction
Obtained Summary Judgment before United States District Court in favor of multiple police officer defendants and City alleged to have committed Constitutional rights violations against detainee
Litigated numerous cases to judgment involving recovery of possession of real property and unpaid rent
Successfully defended and obtained dismissal of numerous Pennsylvania criminal charges, from First Degree Felonies to Summary offenses

Memberships

Chester County Bar Association, Civil Litigation Section
Chester County Bar Association, Employment Law Section
Chester County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
Stively Inn of Court
Pennsylvania Bar Association

Community Involvement

West Chester Downtown Foundation, Board Member

Videos

PRACTICE AREAS

Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Juris Doctor
The Pennsylvania State University, Finance (A recipient of the Class of 2008 Community Service Award)

ARTICLES