Brieanna Rabbitt combines a friendly, approachable style with a firm and decisive edge when representing her clients. Committed to building strong, trusting relationships, she focuses on providing clear guidance and applying her problem-solving skills to every case. Brieanna’s path to the law was inspired by her personal childhood experience with the Family Court system, which gave her unique insight into the vital role lawyers play and fueled her passion for assisting families with compassion and clarity.
As the first member of her family to obtain a university degree, Brieanna takes immense pride in her professional journey. Based in the Te Kūiti office while living in Hamilton, she enjoys the connection between both locations and the rural landscape of her commute. Outside of work, she is an active member of the firm’s social netball team, enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner, and values quality time playing board games with her family.
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Grace Ahipene is a Law Clerk at McCaw Lewis, specialising in environment and resource management and Māori land matters. As a proud Māori tauira, she is passionate about supporting whānau to navigate legal systems and protecting whenua, taonga, and rights. Grace brings a culturally informed and collaborative approach to her work, combining empathy, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to achieve practical outcomes for her clients.
She is particularly motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in her community and enjoys working on matters where she can support Māori communities and rangatahi. Outside of work, Grace enjoys staying active through running and gym workouts, and spending time with her two cats, Tihei and Aotea, and her French bulldog, Paraone.
Helana Higgs is a Law Clerk at McCaw Lewis, specialising in commercial law. She brings a professional and approachable, client-centred approach to her work, with a focus on understanding people, finding solutions, and navigating complex issues with attention to detail and adaptability. Helana was drawn to a career in law by her fascination with how society works and her desire to help people, combining problem-solving with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives.
Outside of work, Helana enjoys staying active through social sports, gym workouts, running, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She is also committed to her community, volunteering with youth groups and at school holiday camps. Helana draws inspiration from her family and is motivated by being a role model for her younger siblings. She is particularly proud of completing an Outward-Bound course and receiving a scholarship for the experience.
Sarisa Vuletich is a Law Clerk at McCaw Lewis, specialising in asset planning. Currently in the penultimate year of her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) studies, Sarisa brings a client-centred approach to her work, valuing the importance of establishing relationships and understanding each client’s needs. She enjoys providing practical solutions, particularly in matters relating to wills, and is known for her strong attention to detail and research skills. Driven by a passion for helping others, Sarisa is committed to making a positive impact through her legal practice.
Outside of work, Sarisa enjoys drumming as a creative outlet and spending quality time with friends and family. She is actively involved in the community, volunteering with Community Law Waikato, and has earned a Silver Award from the Student Volunteer Army for contributing over 250 hours of service.
Tamsyn Coe is a Law Clerk at McCaw Lewis, specialising in dispute resolution. She recently completed her third year of an LLB(Hons) at the University of Waikato and brings a keen interest in assisting clients through a wide range of disputes. Tamsyn enjoys the variety of work within the Dispute Resolution team and values the opportunities to continually learn and grow as she helps clients navigate complex issues.
Outside of work, Tamsyn enjoys spending time at Lake Taupō with her friends, family, and her dog, as well as participating in outdoor activities and enjoying quality time with loved ones.
Tawera works in our Kahurangi and Workplace Law Teams supporting clients across those kaupapa that are of most significance to them.
Tawera is currently completing his legal studies at the University of Waikato, Te Piringa Faculty of Law and will graduate in late 2026.
Throughout his studies, Tawera has held significant leadership roles, serving as Co-Tumuaki of Te Whakahiapo (Waikato Māori Law Students’ Association) and Co-Tumuaki of Tūmatakahuki (National Māori Law Students’ Association). These roles have provided a platform for him to advocate for tauira Māori, uplift Māori presence within te ao ture, and support the development of Māori leadership across Aotearoa.
A highlight of Tawera’s journey includes being selected by Māori ki Waikato to participate in an Indigenous exchange to Canada – an experience that strengthened international Indigenous connections and deepened his dedication to advocacy for future generations.
Outside of study and mahi, Tawera enjoys spending time with his best friends and whānau, travelling, beach trips, shopping, and creating memories with the people he loves. He maintains his wellbeing through Te Whare Tapa Whā, regularly checking in with his hinengaro, tinana, wairua, and whānau to support balance in both his personal and professional life.
Tawera began working with McCaw Lewis in November 2025.
