Here at French Burt Partners, we give our clients peace of mind with friendly, professional legal services that provide the best results for every matter.
Managing/Senior Partner
P: (03) 218 7346
E: craig@frenchburt.co.nz
Employment Law
Deceased Estates Administration
Education Law
Qualification: LL.B. B.Com
Admitted: 1998
Craig was admitted to the bar in 1998 and brings extensive legal experience alongside a genuine passion for helping people. Approachable and compassionate, he is committed to supporting his clients and making a positive contribution to the wider Southland community.
Craig is Trust Chairman for Presbyterian Support Southland, President of the Southland Medical Foundation, Chairman of SIT’s Business Consultative Group, a regular legal adviser for Citizens’ Advice, a Board Member responsible for Governance and Legislation at Ruru Specialist School, and a member and past President of the Invercargill Rotary Club.
His previous community and governance roles include serving as Board Chair for both Southland Girls’ High School and Myross Bush School Boards of Trustees, as well as working as a Statutory Interventionist for the Ministry of Education.
Outside of work, Craig loves sailing, fishing and the great outdoors. He is actively involved with the Bluff Yacht Club and enjoys making the most of everything Southland has to offer.
Partner
P: (03) 218 7346
E: rachael@frenchburt.co.nz
Family Law
Criminal Law
Qualification: LL.B. B.A.
Admitted: 2006
Rachael brings a positive and approachable attitude to her work, helping clients navigate what can often be difficult and challenging situations.
She acts in the areas of Family Law and the Criminal Court and is a Lead Family Legal Aid Provider and Family Legal Aid Service (FLAS) Provider. Rachael is also a trained Collaborative professional and a member of Collaborative Resolution New Zealand.
Outside of her legal work, Rachael is a Charter Member of the Waihopai Lions Club and a past President.
Family is an important part of Rachael’s life, and she loves spending time with and spoiling her nieces and nephews, along with her much-loved fur babies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies and listening to true crime podcasts.
Consultant
P: (03) 218 7346
E: john@frenchburt.co.nz
Civil Litigation – High Court/District Court
Relationship property
Contracting out agreements
Family Protection proceedings
Arbitration and mediation
Insolvency, debt recovery
Qualification: LL.B.
Admitted: 1968
With more than 50 years of legal practice, John has been an integral part of French Burt Partners and brings a wealth of experience to the firm.
He is well known for his legal expertise in civil litigation, matrimonial and relationship property law, and family protection cases.
John is a past President of the Southland District Law Society, now a branch of the New Zealand Law Society, and former Convenor of the NZLS Southland Branch Standards Committee. He has also been a member of the NZLS Civil Litigation & Tribunals Committee and various Legal Aid Grants and Approvals Committees.
Outside of his legal work, John is a member and past President of the Rotary Club of Invercargill East and a lay minister at All Saints Church in Invercargill.
A keen cricket and rugby fan, John has previously been the Citing Commissioner’s Liaison Officer for Rugby Park provincial matches. He also enjoys gardening and tending to his home beehives.
Registered Legal Executive
P: (03) 218 7346
E: andrea@frenchburt.co.nz
Residential and rural property transactions/refinancing
Company and commercial transactions
Wills, powers of attorney, estate planning, trusts
Deceased Estates Administration
Qualification: DipLegalExec. (Fellow LENZ Inc)
Andrea is someone who is always striving for more, and her achievements both within the legal profession and the wider community reflect that drive.
A Fellow of Legal Executives New Zealand Incorporated, Andrea is also the Southern Regional Representative and President of the Canterbury Southern Districts Branch Legal Executives New Zealand Committee.
In early 2026, she added another achievement to the list when she was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace.
Andrea brings the same energy to life outside of work. She enjoys watching sport, going to live concerts and is currently Secretary and Youth Director of the Invercargill South Rotary Club, while also being a Past President. Andrea is also a member of events committee of South Alive. Most importantly, she is a very proud aunty to her three nephews.
Registered Legal Executive
P: (03) 218 7346
E: rei@frenchburt.co.nz
Deceased Estates Administration
Residential property transactions
Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
Qualification: DipLegalExec.
Rei joined the French Burt team in September 2025 while completing her Diploma of Legal Executive Studies. After finishing her diploma and completing her registration, she began 2026 as a registered legal executive.
Rei brings a strong work ethic and client-focused approach to her role and enjoys supporting both her clients and the wider French Burt team.
Alongside her work, Rei is continuing her studies towards a Bachelor of Communications, which she is set to complete in 2027.
Outside of work and study, Rei enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Administration Team
P: (03) 218 7346
E: david@frenchburt.co.nz
David is a Legal Executive and part of the administration team at French Burt Partners. With an impressive ability to track down files, deeds and information when they are needed, he plays an important role in keeping things organised and supporting the wider team.
Much of David’s time is spent researching and cataloguing, where his attention to detail and knowledge of the firm’s records make him a valuable resource for the team.
Outside of the office, David enjoys spending time with his running club, the Hash Harriers.
Administration Team
P: (03) 218 7346
E: shweta@frenchburt.co.nz
Shweta is a valued member of the administration team, known for her efficiency, reliability and ability to get things done. Her organised and dependable approach helps keep the day-to-day workings of French Burt Partners running smoothly.
Recently returning to the team following maternity leave, Shweta now balances her role at French Burt Partners with a busy family life and enjoys spending time with her family outside of work.
Administration Team
P: (03) 218 7346
E: samara@frenchburt.co.nz
Samara joined French Burt Partners in early 2026 and quickly became a valued part of the team. As a welcoming presence at reception, she is often the first point of contact for clients, whether in person or over the phone, and takes pride in making sure they feel well looked after from the outset.
Alongside her role at reception, Samara has begun studying towards her Legal Executive Diploma as she continues to build her knowledge and experience within the legal profession.
Outside of work, Samara enjoys travelling and exploring new places, whether close to home or further afield.
