Meet the Team

David Osborne Hayward
Director
David Hayward is a Director of Lincoln Law, with B.Com LLB.
David has been practicing law since 1990 (that makes him feel bloody old).
He has been at Lincoln Law since 2014, is a general practitioner, taking care of buying and selling residential properties, buying and selling businesses, commercial property and farms.
Also advising clients about wills, estates, enduring powers of attorney and trusts.
David is married to Lee and they have two adult children.
His interests include fishing, reading and having the odd pint.
Email david@lincolnlaw.co.nz

Sarah Bee
Director
Sarah Bee is a Director of Lincoln Law and was admitted to the bar in 2001. She specialises in family law ranging from parenting disputes to property disputes to estate claims.
Sarah is able to assist in protection and division of assets upon separation and death including personally owned assets, companies and trust property.
Sarah also has a conveyancing practice and enjoys assisting New Zealand Defence Force families. Based in the city office but available at Lincoln by appointment Sarah is motivated to achieve the best result for you through negotiation, mediation and litigation if need be.
Email sarahbee@lincolnlaw.co.nz
Mobile 027 366 6090

Brett Thomas
Lawyer
Brett is an experienced Property, Commercial and Private Client lawyer with a strong focus on delivering practical, client-focused legal solutions. He advises clients on a wide range of property matters, including residential and commercial transactions, first-home purchases, refinancing, asset restructuring, relationship property agreements, separations, wills, enduring powers of attorney, and trusts.
In the commercial space, Brett assists clients with business sales and purchases, commercial property transactions, share acquisitions and disposals, leasing matters, shareholder agreements, and business and asset restructuring.
Brett is committed to providing clear, efficient, and strategic legal advice tailored to the unique needs of individuals and businesses alike. His approachable manner and depth of expertise ensure clients receive reliable guidance every step of the way.
Outside of work, Brett has a strong passion for horse racing. A former junior driver in the harness racing industry, he has recently returned to the sport.
Email brett@lincolnlaw.co.nz
Mobile 027 499 1172

Sarah Hartley - Starting 16/2/26
Senior Associate
Sarah Hartley is a Senior Associate at Lincoln Law, specialising in property, employment, estate planning, and commercial law, including leases and business sales and purchases. With a client base spanning New Zealand, Sarah prioritizes her clients' needs in every aspect of her practice.
In addition to her legal expertise, Sarah has extensive experience assisting migrant clients in purchasing property, ensuring they navigate the complexities of New Zealand law with ease.
Living in Lincoln with her husband and two children, Sarah is deeply embedded in the community. She’s actively supporting her children at Lincoln Primary School and has embraced her role as a sport mum, finding herself on the sidelines of rugby and football fields most weeks.
Outside of her family and community commitments, Sarah enjoys fishing, catching up with friends and family, and frequenting Twizel for holidays.
Sarah is dedicated to fostering strong, long-term relationships with all her clients, driven by a passion for helping them achieve favorable outcomes and successfully navigate various issues.
Email sarah@lincolnlaw.co.nz
Mobile 021 686 177

Emily Ayas
Graduate
Emily completed a double degree at the University of Canterbury in 2025, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice.
She is currently undertaking her Professional Legal Studies course and expects to be admitted to the bar in June 2026.
Based in our city office Emily has a keen interest in family law and is committed to providing thoughtful and effective legal support.
Email emily@lincolnlaw.co.nz

Stephanie Whiteley
Registered Legal Executive
Stephanie, our Registered Legal Executive, has been in the legal industry since 2010. She enjoys all aspects of Property Law, in particular, helping First Home Buyers make their dreams come true.
Stephanie has completed her Legal Executive Diploma, graduating in 2020 and is now registered with Legal Executives New Zealand.
Stephanie joined Lincoln Law in 2025.
Stephanie is conscientious, practical and above all will assist you with your Property Law plans.
Email stephanie@lincolnlaw.co.nz
Mobile 022 317 7248

Ingrid Mackle
Legal Executive
Ingrid is a qualified and experienced Legal Executive, joining Lincoln Law in 2008. She started working in the legal profession in 1997 as a Legal Secretary/Personal Assistant and completed her Legal Executive studies in 2005, graduating as Top Graduate for the Canterbury/Westland Region.
She works primarily in the areas of estate administration, wills, enduring powers of attorney and trusts.
Email ingrid@lincolnlaw.co.nz

Heather Barber
Legal Assistant
Heather is based in our Lincoln Office and is usually your first point of contact.
Contact Heather
Email heather@lincolnlaw.co.nz

Sally Mills
Legal Assistant
Sally is based in our city office and assists our Director Sarah Bee.
Contact Sally
Email sally@lincolnlaw.co.nz

Chelsea Erkell
Legal Assistant
Chelsea is based in our Lincoln office and is working towards attaining her Law Degree at University of Canterbury.
Contact Chelsea
Email chelsea@lincolnlaw.co.nz
TWO LOCATIONS
CBD Christchurch
Address:
20/212 Antigua Street, Christchurch 8011
Phone:
03 325 7018
Lincoln, Canterbury
Address:
5/19 Gerald Street, Lincoln
Phone:
03 325 7018
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