If you have visited our Bendigo office over the last few years, there is a very good chance you have already run into Max Johnson. He has been an integral part of the Arnold Dallas McPherson team since 2021, working hard behind the scenes as a legal assistant and law graduate while wrapping up his university degrees.
This year marks a massive milestone for Max—he has officially been admitted to the legal profession and is stepping into his new role as a fully qualified Personal Injury Lawyer.
To celebrate his admission, we caught up with Max to chat about his journey so far, how a background in psychology and elite sport shapes his approach to law, and why Central Victoria will always be home.
A Passion for the Person Behind the Case
Max, you chose to dive straight into personal injury law. What was it that drew you to this specific area?
For me, it comes down to a genuine love for advocacy. Personal injury law gives you the opportunity to represent people’s best interests at a time in their lives when they might not have the strength or resources to do it themselves. Legal processes can feel incredibly overwhelming when you are injured, so being able to step in, clear away the confusion, and guide someone through to the other side is incredibly rewarding.
Your academic path wasn’t just focused on law; you also hold a qualification in psychological science. How does that blend of knowledge change how you approach a file?
It completely shapes how I talk to and support my clients. A compensation claim is never just a legal problem or a financial equation—it affects a person’s entire life, their family, and their peace of mind.
My psychology background reminds me to prioritise building a real relationship first. It helps me understand each client’s individual circumstances so I can offer clear, plain-English advice and support them through the practical and medical hurdles they face. It’s about securing their long-term recovery, not just finishing a legal transaction.
Hit the Ground Running
You’ve already had a few years of hands-on experience in the field prior to your formal admission. Is there a particular moment that stands out as an early career highlight?
Absolutely. Back in 2021, when I was just 19 and brand new to the firm as a Legal Assistant, I got to attend a Supreme Court circuit in Wangaratta to sit in place of the instructing solicitor. We managed to get a highly favourable outcome for the client, and being thrown into that level of legal action so early on was an unforgettable experience.
On the academic side, writing my Honours research project at La Trobe University on sports concussion injuries and compensation law was incredibly fulfilling, as it allowed me to connect my studies directly to my love for sport.
Deeply Rooted in the Local Community
You grew up across Bendigo and Echuca, and you’re now based out of our Bendigo office. What does it mean to you to practice law in the region you grew up in?
My regional background underpins my approach to the entirety of my legal practice. Handling matters for clients right across Central Victoria, including Echuca and Shepparton, means that my local understanding is incredibly helpful in building supportive and understanding relationships with my clients.
Community connection is a massive part of my life outside the office. I’ve spent years playing and coaching local sport, including a stint down in Melbourne’s northern suburbs playing for the Northern Bullants in the VFL. I was also the founding college captain at Marist College Bendigo, and I still head back there most years to speak at various events.
When you do manage to get a bit of downtime away from work and sport, how do you spend it?
I try to stay involved with community volunteering wherever I can, whether that’s helping out at local Auskick clinics or engaging with Men’s Mental Health charities. Otherwise, you’ll generally find me caught up in local regional sport.
Congratulations Max!
