Russell Cooke Kingston Upon Thames

About Max

I have first hand experience working with young people with complex needs and have seen both the harm caused by inadequate support as well as the positive impact of getting it right. That insight drives my interest in education law and my commitment to helping families access the support they need.

Max is a legal assistant in the education law team, specialising in supporting parents and carers to secure the education provision their children need to thrive. 

Before joining Russell-Cooke, Max worked as a special educational needs tutor, supporting students with a range of learning needs and Education, Health and Care Plans. This experience has given him a practical understanding of the education system and the challenges faced by children, young people and their families.

Max is committed to access to justice, promoting fairness and helping individuals navigate public systems. He volunteers for national charity SOS!SEN .

Experience

Max has experience working on cases including:

  • special educational needs (SEN)
  • school admissions 
  • school exclusions
  • disability discrimination 
  • judicial review
  • disputes with schools
  • disputes with local authorities

Education

  • University of Law—Legal Practice Masters (ongoing)  
  • Open University—Law LLB 

Memberships

Member of the Education Law Association 

Max's highlights

News

03.09.2025

What legal rights and entitlements does a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have?

Discover the legal rights of children with SEND, from EHCPs to school placement, and learn what parents can do if support is denied.
Max Charman, legal assistant in the Russell-Cooke education law team.
Max Charman
4 min Read
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