Vale: Max Basheer AM
15 September 2025
The Law Society of South Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Max Basheer AM and sends its deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.
Max was a towering figure in both the legal and sporting communities of South Australia. His remarkable career spanned 68 years of legal practice, making him the longest-serving lawyer in South Australian history. His enduring presence and contributions have left an enduring mark on the profession and the wider community.
Max’s early life was shaped by a love of sport and a deep commitment to excellence. He excelled on the football field, earning a “Full Blue” for Adelaide University Football Club, the highest recognition for sporting achievement at the club.
Max’s legal journey began in 1947 when he articled to Povey and Waterhouse as a law student. Under the mentorship of the esteemed Elliott Johnston QC, Max developed a lifelong passion for the law and a reputation for integrity, wisdom, and generosity. He became a partner in 1954, and the firm was renamed Povey, Waterhouse and Basheer. By 1966, he became the sole partner of Povey, Waterhouse and Basheer, the beginning of a significant period of growth for the firm. In the early 1990s Max practised with Peter Humphries and David Tillett under the banner of Reilly Basheer Downs and Humphries, before amalgamating with Duncan & Hannon to form Duncan Basheer Hannon. Max remained at DBH until his retirement in 2019.
Max played a vital role in the South Australian football scene, serving as SANFL President for 25 years and playing a pivotal role in the creation of Football Park and the Adelaide Crows. His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including the Order of Australia and induction into both the SANFL and AFL Halls of Fame. His name lives on in the Max Basheer Stand at Adelaide Oval—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the game.
Max was deeply respected by colleagues, clients, and friends alike. His warmth, humility, and unwavering belief in the value of people defined his approach to life and law.
His contribution to the profession over nearly seven decades is unmatched. He exemplified the values of integrity, collegiality, and public service, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers to come.
He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary achievements but for the kindness and wisdom he shared so generously.
We honour Max’s extraordinary life and career, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be remembered as a true gentleman, a visionary, and a beloved figure in our profession.
Vale Max Basheer AM.
Marissa Mackie
President
Law Society of South Australia