After completing a degree in Politics and Philosophy at Sheffield University Max went on to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law at Manchester Metropolitan University, being awarded a Distinction.
Max trained and qualified as a Solicitor at BLM in Manchester and worked at BLM from 2004 – 2022. He joined Arch Law Limited in June 2022.
For the last 15 years Max has specialised in regulatory work, particularly related to the talking therapies. He has acted for psychologists at the HCPC and for counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychoanalysts before the BACP, UKCP, the BPC and other regulators in this area. He has also dealt with civil claims for compensation that may arise. Legal 500 has said: Max Ekstein continues to be the leading expert on the regulation of mental health and talking therapists. He goes far beyond the minimum for his clients and is unfailingly caring and sympathetic even with the most challenging of clients.
Following the conclusion of a recent cases, clients have said:
“Having never experienced a complaint from working in the mental health field for the past 18 years, I was nervous about working with a solicitor for the first time when I received a complaint via the NCPS. However, from the initial contact right up to the outcome, I have been treated with the utmost professionalism by Max. I never felt judged by him, and his reliability and swift replies helped ease the stress I felt dealing with the complaints procedure. I cannot recommend him highly enough as someone who works proficiently and with care at a time in a person’s career when you are feeling at your most vulnerable. He is a credit to the company he works for.“
“As an experienced therapist, what a shock to receive a client complaint via the BACP, just the time one needs a professional to step in to support. Max’s calm manner was reassuring without any unrealistic expectations raised. He knowledgeably explained everything and answered my myriad questions. When a call was arranged, they were on time and patiently handled. My outcome was largely positive restoring my confidence in my practice. There is no doubt that having Max as my solicitor was key in my process and I am immensely thankful to him. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.”
“I cannot emphasise enough the need to have expert support throughout the BACP‘s complaints procedure, and Max provided exactly that for me. He was sensitive, responsive and knowledgeable, which were the three absolutely crucial qualities that I needed in my representative during a terribly stressful and confusing time. I am eternally grateful to Max for his high standards of professionalism and client care.”
“I would like to thank Max for his assistance with the UKCP complaint. He provided me with an excellent service from start to finish, including managing my sense of hurt and urge to widen the context to offer a fuller explanation – arguing convincingly that on this occasion precisely the opposite approach was required if the process of managing the complainant was to be hastened to a conclusion. Whilst going through the process was challenging, the outcome was the best I could realistically have hoped for, and I shall always remain thankful to Max whose knowledge of the terrain is exemplary.”
“Max provided excellent advice during very difficult circumstances. Due to his thoughtful and thorough approach, I felt supported in preparing a witness statement and well prepared to give evidence at an inquest. Max was incredibly responsive, offered appropriate reassurance and provided clarity. I am very grateful for his support.”
“From the outset it was evident that Max was a highly capable professional with considerable expertise, who would ably assist me with the complaint made to the HCPC FTP panel. I was reassured by his excellent communication throughout and particularly, the time Max spent familiarising himself with the documentation and discussing objectively the case with me.
Max’s ability to provide clarity regarding the HCPC process and inform my understanding with pertinent advice, helped me to understand far better the situation I was facing. He assisted me with all aspects of the submission process and was always responsive over the course of the complaint.
I cannot think of an area of his work that could have been improved by Max. After my first such experience in 3 decades, even though it ended with the most favourable outcome, I have recognized the vital need for the skillset Max brings to the table.”
“I feel blessed that Max was appointed my Solicitor. The complaint was both potentially serious, damaging and distressing and his calm, ultra-professional advice, helped stabilise me. Throughout a long 17 month process he was a guiding, reassuring presence, clear, and very swift in responding. His help with the witness statement was invaluable, his expertise and experience helping prepare the best statement I could. The outcome was favourable, and I shall be eternally grateful for all the support/expertise he gave me. I wholeheartedly recommend and commend Max for his client-care, expertise, and professionalism.”
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