Maxwell C. Herath

Max focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, emerging business, data privacy and cybersecurity law. Max has obtained his Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) certification.

Max joined Calfee in 2026 from a Columbus-area Am Law 200 law firm.

While completing his law degree, Max founded and served as president of the Moritz Data Privacy and Cyber Security Organization.

Prior to law school, Max served in the U.S. Military as an Army officer. As a former Captain, Max obtained invaluable leadership experience commanding both combat-arms and support units in domestic and foreign locations. As an attorney, his goal is to leverage his legal and military background to help clients achieve their strategic objectives and navigate complex legal challenges.

Honors & Recognitions

• Special Student Innovation Award, The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (2023)
• CALI Excellence for the Future Award^® in E-Discovery Law
• CALI Excellence for the Future Award^® in Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Regulation and Compliance Law
• CALI Excellence for the Future Award^® in Engaging Polarized Groups

Education

J.D., The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, 2023

B.A., Legal Studies and Organizational Leadership, Gannon University, 2015

Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) certification

Professional & Community

• International Association of Privacy Professionals, KnowledgeNet Columbus Chapter Chair (2024 – 2026)
• Women’s Care Center of Columbus (2020 – present)
• Ronald McDonald House Charities, Red Shoe Society (2018 – present)
• Habitat for Humanity (2011 – 2016)
• Catholic Relief Services (2011 – 2014)

Presentations & Publications

Presentations

• “Patchwork in Progress: State Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Developments,” Cleveland State University College of Law Annual Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection Conference, Cleveland, OH (April 2026)
• “National Security Simulation,” The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (November 2023)
• “Section 1.3.3 Tribal Sovereignty and Sovereign Immunity,” American Bar Association Indian Law Section Chapter Update (October 2022)

Publications

• “Initiating Constructive Conversations Among Polarized University Student Groups: A Framework for Students, Faculty and Administrators,” Divided Community Project at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (November 2023), Co-author
• “No Longer Foreseeable? Cal-Am’s Impact for the Construction Industry,” Under Construction (July 2022)