Max Kauffman

Community Managing Attorney

From a young age, I was guided by a deep commitment to justice and a determination to amplify the voices of those often unheard. My awareness of the disparities in our society, particularly in how systems treat individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, has always been a driving force. My decision to pursue a career in law was shaped by my family’s experiences and a strong belief in standing up for what is right, alongside those who face significant challenges.

During my time in law school, I found a natural alignment in the areas of special education and juvenile justice. By working closely with at-risk youth and advocating for students with disabilities, I discovered a sense of purpose. These experiences strengthened my belief that the law can be a powerful tool for fostering social change, justice, and equity.

After law school, I began my legal career as a public defender and later as a mental health attorney. In these roles, I had the privilege of representing individuals navigating mental health challenges in behavioral health courts and competency proceedings. This work was deeply meaningful, as it allowed me to walk alongside those facing complex and often unjust systems—to offer guidance through a legal landscape that can be overwhelming. During this time, I also served as co-chair of a Mental Health Response Advisory Committee and as a director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Mexico, collaborating with community stakeholders to improve behavioral health services, access, and outcomes.

My path eventually led me to non-profit work in the field of disability rights, where I engaged in legal and systems advocacy for individuals with disabilities across a broad spectrum of issues.

Whether addressing cases involving Medicaid, education, housing, or civil rights, my focus remained on dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

When the opportunity to join TeamChild as a Managing Attorney arose, I recognized it as a natural continuation of my journey. At TeamChild, I am grateful for the opportunity to work together with youth and families, to support their rights, and to challenge the systems that cause harm and fail our most vulnerable. I bring to this work a commitment to reshaping justice in collaboration with communities, ensuring that it truly serves and uplifts those who need it most, and those who need it now.