Max was educated at St Paul's School and New College Oxford where he read history. He qualified in 1980. He was previously a partner with Frere Cholmeley and joined Payne Hicks Beach in 1995 as a partner.

Max specialises in corporate finance (private) - debt and equity finance, corporate acquisitions, management buy-outs, shareholders rights; corporate finance (public) - advice to target and bidding companies. He also advises on financial services, including advising independent financial groupings and appointed representatives on marketing and regulatory issues. He also specialises in employment law, including advice to senior executives of substantial companies and to companies or individuals concerning redundancy.