"From early beginnings to a thriving legal career, my story is one of unwavering dedication to community."

Growing up in the small town of Fuquay-Varina, Max learned at an early age the value of hard work, supporting his community, and doing what he could to help others prosper.

Max attended the prestigious Woodberry Forest School in the Virginia foothills before returning to North Carolina to pursue his undergraduate studies at UNCW.

Working nights at a local real estate and bankruptcy law firm in college helped Max see that the law encompasses everything he was passionate about: education, helping others, and being engaged in his community. 

After graduating from Campbell Law School and passing the BAR exam a few months later, he received a job offer at the New Hanover County Public Defender's Office.

For nearly a decade, Max has worked as a legal advocate in criminal and civil proceedings for thousands of individuals in New Hanover County. He has represented juveniles in criminal court, fought for parental rights in civil court, submitted appellate briefs to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and defended adults in front of countless jurors. Max was previously a President of the New Hanover County Bar Association and received Chief Justice Paul Newby's Professionalism Award. 

When he's not in the courtroom or his office, Max can be found spending time with his wife, Heather, and their two children.