Freebairn & Hehir Team

A modern law firm, we work closely with a smaller number of clients, providing a responsive and highly tailored service.

Our partners need little introduction. John Freebairn and Liam Hehir are both well-known and highly respected within the legal profession and in the community. They are involved in numerous charities and organisations throughout the Manawatu. Miriam Betts is also an established name in our region with a wealth of experience and connections across the property conveyancing landscape.

Our team brings an exceptional amount of experience across all areas of commercial and private law, providing sound, reliable legal advice, and a problem-solving mindset. We believe in building deeper relationships with our clients on a foundation of trust and transparency. View our team as an extension of yours, working together for successful legal outcomes.

John Freebairn

Partner

John is a knowledgeable and highly experienced lawyer having practiced in the Manawatu for over 30 years across property and business law, trust, estate advice and corporate insolvency law.

John is passionate about giving back to the community and provides advice on legal matters to many organisations and charities. He is a current trustee on the board of Arohanui Hospice, having previously been a chairman, and is also a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Palmerston North.

John is an Associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand.

John completed a Bachelor of Law at Victoria University of Wellington and was admitted in 1983.

06 777 5980

john.freebairn@fhlaw.co.nz

Liam Hehir

Partner

Liam is a “general practitioner” of the law and has strong connections to the rural community. He is a trusted advisor to many farming families. He has also developed a strong practice advising start-ups and not-for-profit organisations.

You may recognise Liam from his many appearances on national radio, television, digital and print publications as a political commentator.

Liam completed a Bachelor of Arts (History and Political Science) and a Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University of Wellington and was admitted in 2009.

06 777 5981

liam.hehir@fhlaw.co.nz

Miriam Betts

Associate

With over 30 years’ experience working in law firms across New Zealand and England, Miriam brings an efficient and friendly service to her clients.

Miriam specialises in residential conveyancing, guiding you through the process of buying, selling and refinancing properties and providing a seamless and stress-free experience to her clients.

Miriam is a Registered Legal Executive and member of The Legal Institute of NZ and an Associate member of The New Zealand Law Society.

06 777 5982

miriam.betts@fhlaw.co.nz

Brianna Freebairn

Associate

Brianna’s key areas of focus are relationship property agreements, elder law, wills and powers of attorney.

Her friendly approach and ability to deliver advice that’s easy to understand helps clients feel comfortable in the legal environment.

Brianna completed her law degree and a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psychology) at Victoria University of Wellington in 2018. She was admitted to the bar later the same year.

06 777 5984

brianna.freebairn@fhlaw.co.nz

Steven Raaymakers

Solicitor

Steven works across commercial and residential property, commercial law, wills, and estates.

Steven is known for his accuracy, integrity, and dedication, bringing a relationships-focused approach to law, always striving to achieve the best results for his clients.

Steven is a member of the Manawatu Law Society and volunteers with the Citizens Advice Bureau NZ.

Steven completed a Bachelor of Laws at University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Graphic Design at University of Waikato and was admitted in 2021.