As a former federal prosecutor, Max uses the skills and insights he honed at the U.S. Department of Justice to assist companies of all sizes with internal investigations of potential criminal conduct, including public and private corruption, import/export violations and breaches of U.S. economic sanctions on other nations. He helps clients respond to regulatory and criminal investigations brought by federal, state and local authorities, as well as the enforcement authorities of other nations. He frequently coordinates cross-border investigations with counsel in the European Union (EU) and elsewhere.
Max regularly serves as trial counsel defending complex federal white-collar prosecutions, U.S. government claims under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the False Claims Act, matters involving securities litigation, complex civil actions and claims brought under the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
He counsels multinational corporations on developing and reviewing training and compliance programs that address various anti-corruption regimes, including the FCPA, the UK Bribery Act and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combatting Bribery, along with other cross-border law enforcement issues. Max also regularly defends individuals and businesses investigated or charged by the Department of Homeland Security, including its agencies Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.
As an assistant U.S. attorney, Max led the Project Exile Task Force, which prosecuted hundreds of federal firearms and explosives cases against violent career felons and coordinated enforcement efforts of state and federal authorities in New Mexico. Prior to that he served as staff attorney to U.S. District Judge C. LeRoy Hansen, District of New Mexico, and co-chaired the District Court's Legal and Policy Advisory Council.
Civic Involvement
· The Pembroke Hill School Parents Association, Executive Council, 2011-present; Diversity Committee, Chair, 2011-present
· Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Board of Directors, 2009-present; Vice Chair, 2012-present
Experience
· Represented a former senior executive of Westar Energy, in high-profile white-collar criminal case. Successfully obtained dismissal of case by the government prior to trial as well as resolution of related civil litigation.
· Litigated double jeopardy issues before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
· Successfully defended an international contract claim in the European Union
· Represented individuals and companies in the course of cross-national joint investigations by law enforcement authorities in multiple jurisdictions
· Successfully obtained a decision by U.S. Department of Justice to decline prosecution in criminal investigation regarding export controls on dual-use technology
· Coordinated response to antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice, which was closed without any charges being filed
News & Publications
News
9.2.10, Husch Blackwell Secures Dismissal of Corporate Fraud Charges Against Client
11.20.08, Husch Blackwell Sanders attorneys to speak at AILA Immigration Law Conference
Publications
10.13.11, Enforcement of Bribery Act Against Foreign Corporations a High UK Priority
9.21.10, In-House Counsel Lose Protection of the Attorney-Client Privilege When Talking to Personnel in Europe
6.1.10, The United Kingdom's Bribery Act: This Isn't Your Father's FCPA, American Bar Association's Criminal Litigation
2.25.10, Global Cooperation on Law Enforcement Grows
2.3.09, Enforcement Priorities of the Obama Administration
Events
9.15.11, Anticorruption - Enforcement Has Gone Global!
Chicago, IL
Speaking Engagement
4.29.10, International Law: An Introduction to U.S. Export Controls and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Missouri Bar Webinar
Speaking Engagement
4.1.10, International Law: An Introduction to U.S. Export Controls and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, The Missouri Bar webinar
Webinars
11.3.09, Global Regulation Seminar
St. Louis, MO
Seminar
2.24.09, Law Enforcement & Compliance Seminar
Chattanooga, TN
Seminar
11.1.08, The Sheriff versus the Constable: Global Anti-Corruption Efforts and Multinational Corporate Compliance, International Corporate Compliance Conference, with Addleshaw Goddard LLP, London, England
Speaking Engagement
10.16.08, Update on Immigration
Kansas City, MO
Seminar
4.1.07, How to Conduct an Internal Investigation, and Do You Need One?, CLE seminar, General Counsel Forum, The Missouri Bar
Speaking Engagement
11.1.04, Legal Issues Related to Importing, First National Bank Importer Seminar, Kansas City, Mo.
Speaking Engagement