Andrew Nicholson

Andrew is Managing Partner at Barker Gotelee and qualified as a solicitor in 1992, specialising in agricultural law. He has extensive experience in dealing with almost all legal issues which affect farmers and landowners.

Having worked for major legal practices in East Anglia and Cumbria, Andrew frequently deals with the acquisition and disposal of farms and estates for individuals and investors. He also advises on many other matters including farm partnerships, renewable energy projects, sporting rights and mineral leases as well as handling issues relating to entitlements under the Single Farm Payment scheme.

Recent experience has included:

• Advising farmers on the development of potential solar sites
• Negotiating leases for onshore wind turbines
• Dealing with all of the legal issues arising from disputes between family farming partnerships; advising on the sale and purchase of farmland for clients
• Negotiating surrender agreements in conjunction with the termination of tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings Act

Andrew is a member of the Agricultural Law Association, the Country Land and Business Association and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Andrew says:
‘Farmers and landowners face unique issues in today’s economic markets and maximising their business potential is essential. I enjoy getting out of the office and familiarising myself with my clients and their environments so that I am able to tailor my service to their unique needs’.

Clients say:
‘Thank you for everything you have done on this transaction. It has all worked very well indeed and, as always, it has been a pleasure working with you.”

Legal 500 2025 says:
“Lead partner Andrew Nicholson is a prominent advisor to large farming companies and estates, with notable expertise in dealing with partitions of partnership assets.”

Chambers & Partners 2025 says:
“Andrew Nicholson has always been very good at what he does.”

Legal 500 2022 says:
“Andrew Nicholson is a consummate professional and great to deal with. He has a no nonsense approach and looks for pragmatic solutions. He is very efficient and performs in timescales that many solicitors don’t achieve.”

Legal 500 2020 says:
“… has extensive experience in dealing with substantial transactions for farmers and landowners across the country.”

Chambers & Partners 2019 says:
“Andrew Nicholson wins market-wide recognition for his expertise in agricultural property issues, including the sale and purchase of land, and tenancy matters. ‘He is very grounded and he gives well thought-out advice,’ notes one interviewee.”

Legal 500 2018/19 says:
“Head of both the property and the agriculture and estates practice Andrew Nicholson has specialised in agricultural law for more than 25 years and is highly recommended for complex property matters. Clients describe him as ‘very good in terms of both ability and speed of service’.

Legal 500 2017 says:
“Barker Gotelee ‘never drags its heels and is proactive in getting all matters progressed as soon as possible’. Andrew Nicholson has specialised in agricultural law for 25 years and deals with a wide range of issues affecting farmers and landowners.”

Chambers & Partners 2017 says:
“Managing Partner Andrew Nicholson frequently assists farmers and landowners with agricultural and rural property transactions. ‘I’ve got a lot of time for Andrew,’ says a source, explaining: ‘He’s good, very sensible, gets the deal done and doesn’t get bogged down in the details.'”

Legal 500 2016 says:
“‘Good listener’ and agricultural specialist Andrew Nicholson is highly recommended.”

Chambers & Partners 2015 says:
“Andrew Nicholson is a reliable solicitor with a good name in the market. He has a wide practice covering transactions, renewable energy developments and partnership disputes.”

Legal 500 2014 says:
“At Barker Gotelee, property partners Toby Pound and Kerry Addison, and ‘very approachable’ agricultural specialist Andrew Nicholson provide ‘appropriate, concise and comprehensive advice’. Experience includes large estate sales, business restructuring, renewable energy projects, EU policy advice and diversification projects.”

Andrew is also listed in Best Lawyers in United Kingdom in the fields of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Call me
01473 617313