Andrew Locke

I have a great deal of experience in this field, having run a variety of my own businesses prior to becoming a barrister, including helping to manage a firm of property management consultants and chartered surveyors. This "real world” experience means I take a practical and commercially aware, common sense approach to my advice and representation. 

Since practising as a barrister after 2009 I have advised and represented businesses in all manner of proceedings, and in 2015 I spent 8 months working with a large solicitors’ firm advising small/medium sized businesses on commercial matters; 

Whether you are setting up a new business or entering into a new contractual arrangement with an individual or another business, it is highly advisable to at the very least have a written contract and to have it looked over by a lawyer before you embark on your venture. When advising businesses who are in dispute, one very common theme is the absence of a properly drafted contract and a history of starting to perform services before all terms had been properly agreed. A few hundred pounds spent on legal advice at the outset can avoid many thousands of pounds of lost profit and legal fees further down the line. 

The type of contracts I can assist with include: 

  • Sale of goods contracts
  • Service contracts
  • Agency agreements
  • Distribution agreements
  • Terms and conditions for online sales

My approach

i pride myself on being down to earth, friendly and practical. I will use all my real world experience and legal knowledge to get the best result for you whilst doing my absolute best to minimise costs and delays. 

I offer a free initial 30 minute telephone consultation, after which I operate a fixed fee service and will only charge for the work I do on your behalf. This can be paid for at each stage in order to minimise up front outlay and unexpected costs. 

I recognise that it is often difficult to find spare time during the day, so I am more than willing to meet in the evenings or at the weekend if this is more convenient for you. 

About me

I am a barrister at Nexus, The Chambers of Michael Mansfield QC. 

I was called to the Bar in 2008 after a 15-year career in the property lettings and management business during which time I also spent four years as a part-time County Court Advocate representing defendants in housing and mortgage possession proceedings.

After initially practising solely as a criminal barrister I then used my pre-Bar experience to build a diverse, mixed practice which gives me a wide range of experience across a number of areas which compliment one another. I primarily practise in the following areas:

  • Commercial (breach of contract, debt claims, business disputes, partnership and company law).
  • Landlord & tenant/housing (possesssion claims, injunctions, disrepair, unlawful eviction, s.21 and s.8 cases). 
  • Regulatory/licensing law (professional discipline, fitness to practice, taxi/alcohol licensing).
  • Crime (jury and magistrates court trials, motoring, fraud, planning enforcement, business crime, violence, sex offences, drug dealing).

In addition to my day to day practice from Nexus Chambers I offer legal compliance training to property professionals and small businesses. 

I also operate an online legal advice service for small/medium businesses: www.thelegallifeline.co.uk

I am a passionate motorcyclist and I enjoy watching motorsport and occasionally participating in trackdays. I also box and train regularly. My more sedate pursuits include socialising, reading and watching documentaries, particularly history and cosmology.

 

Professional & academic

Qualifications:
LL.B (Hons) (London) – 1st class BVC – Very Competent

Prizes & Scholarships
Pearson Education Prize in Contract Law (2001) Inner Temple Scholarship (2006) Inner Temple Exhibition (2006)