Judge Harvey graduated from the University of Virginia Government Honors Program, earning a BA in United States government and foreign affairs in 1988. He received his JD from the University of Virginia Law School in 1991.  

Prior to joining OAH, Judge Harvey engaged in private practice with large and mid-sized firms in the Washington Metropolitan area. He represented industrial and commercial clients in a broad range of litigation and regulatory counseling matters involving railroad service, hazardous waste remediation, intellectual property, employment, and corporate governance issues. He also structured and negotiated long term fuel supply transactions for electric utilities in the Southwestern United States.  

Judge Harvey is married to Matilda Harvey. They belong to McLean Baptist Church, where Judge Harvey serves as a Deacon.