Max Stein

Competent on complex construction litigation, but communication was inconsistent

I hired Max Stein and his team at Nelson Mullins to handle a significant payment dispute with a subcontractor on a commercial development project in Jacksonville. Given his recognition by Best Lawyers in Construction Law, I had high expectations for the legal strategy. On that front, Max delivered. His understanding of Florida construction statutes and his firm's resources were evident in the thorough pleadings and discovery process he orchestrated. The case settled favorably, largely due to the strong position he built. However, my experience was a mixed bag. While Max was sharp in meetings, there were often long stretches—sometimes a week or more—where my emails or calls went unreturned, with updates coming from a junior associate instead. For a client in the thick of a stressful litigation, this lack of direct, timely communication was frustrating. The bills were substantial, as expected from a large firm, and at times the value for certain administrative tasks felt unclear. In summary, Max Stein is undoubtedly a knowledgeable attorney who gets results in complex commercial and construction matters. If you prioritize pure legal acumen over consistent client hand-holding, he is a solid choice. Just be prepared to manage your expectations around accessibility and proactively follow up.