After completing a degree in Politics and Philosophy at Sheffield University I went on to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law at Manchester Metropolitan University, being awarded a Distinction.

I trained and qualified as a Solicitor at BLM in Manchester and worked at BLM from 2004 – 2022. I joined Arch Law Limited in June 2022.

For the last 15 years I have specialised in regulatory work, particularly related to the talking therapies. I have acted for psychologists at the HCPC and for counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychoanalysts before the BACP, UKCP, the BPC and other regulators in this area. I have 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:

“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.”