About John Nixon

John Nixon is a highly experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor Advocate and Director at McGee McGee Agar Law, with almost five decades of experience in the legal profession. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1977, John has represented thousands of clients throughout his career, developing extensive expertise in criminal defence, courtroom advocacy and road traffic law.

Coming from a family of solicitors, John followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather to pursue a career in law. Although he qualified in 1977, criminal law quickly became his passion, and he has specialised in criminal defence since 1990.

John is an accredited Duty Solicitor with Higher Rights of Audience, enabling him to represent clients at police stations, in the Magistrates' Court and in serious criminal proceedings before the Crown Court. He continues to practise full-time, advising and representing individuals facing a wide range of criminal allegations.

Known for his direct, honest and straightforward approach, John believes clients deserve clear legal advice they can understand and trust. His philosophy is summed up in a phrase he regularly shares with clients: "I talk in straight lines!"

With decades of practical experience, John combines professional knowledge with a realistic, client-focused approach, helping people navigate unfamiliar legal situations and make informed decisions about their defence.

Criminal Defence and Road Traffic Law Expertise

John has specialised in criminal defence for more than 35 years, representing individuals facing criminal investigations, prosecutions and court proceedings.

While his experience covers all aspects of criminal law, he has developed particular expertise in road traffic offences and motoring law.

His areas of practice include:

• Criminal investigations and police station representation
• Magistrates' Court proceedings and criminal trials
• Crown Court proceedings and advocacy
• Road traffic and motoring offences
• Criminal sentencing hearings
• Serious criminal allegations and prosecutions
• Duty solicitor representation

John's extensive experience allows him to advise clients facing a wide range of circumstances, from those attending a police station for the first time to individuals involved in serious criminal proceedings.

His specialist knowledge of road traffic law is particularly valuable to clients concerned about the consequences of motoring allegations, including the potential impact on their driving licence, employment and everyday life.

John understands that the consequences of criminal proceedings can extend far beyond the courtroom. He takes time to establish what matters most to each client, ensuring his advice reflects both their legal position and their wider personal circumstances.

Whether dealing with a criminal investigation, defending allegations in court or advising on sentencing, John remains focused on providing clear guidance and effective legal representation.

Experienced Criminal Court Advocate

As a qualified Solicitor Advocate with Higher Rights of Audience, John is authorised to represent clients in the higher criminal courts, including the Crown Court.

His advocacy experience spans the criminal justice system, from initial police station investigations through to trials and sentencing hearings.

John's work includes:

• Police station representation: Advising individuals who have been arrested or are attending voluntary police interviews, ensuring they understand their rights and legal position.
• Magistrates' Court advocacy: Representing clients facing criminal charges, including those who require assistance through the duty solicitor scheme.
• Crown Court representation: Acting as a Solicitor Advocate in serious criminal proceedings, including conducting trials and representing clients at sentencing hearings.
• Road traffic prosecutions: Providing specialist legal advice and representation in cases involving motoring and driving offences.
• Criminal sentencing: Presenting relevant circumstances and mitigation to the court, ensuring the client's position is properly considered.

Having represented clients at every stage of criminal proceedings, John understands the importance of early advice, thorough preparation and effective courtroom advocacy.

He recognises that the decisions made during an initial police investigation can have significant consequences as a case progresses.

His ability to advise and represent clients across different stages of the criminal justice system helps provide continuity and reassurance during what can be an extremely difficult experience.

Almost Five Decades of Criminal Law Experience

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1977, John has represented thousands of clients, developing considerable experience across criminal defence and courtroom advocacy.

His career has included cases of varying complexity and seriousness, giving him a broad understanding of the challenges individuals face when involved in the criminal justice system.

Having specialised in criminal law since 1990, John has spent more than three decades concentrating on defending individuals facing prosecution.

His experience extends from advising clients in police custody to conducting trials and sentencing hearings in the Crown Court.

Throughout this time, John has remained committed to ensuring that every client receives the same level of care, attention and professional representation, regardless of the circumstances of their case.

For John, professional experience is about more than the number of years spent practising law. It is about applying the knowledge gained from representing thousands of individuals to provide sound judgement, realistic advice and effective representation.

His continued involvement in police station work, Magistrates' Court proceedings and Crown Court advocacy reflects his long-standing dedication to criminal defence.

Straightforward Advice You Can Trust

John understands that entering the criminal justice system can be frightening, particularly for those who have never needed legal representation before.

Police investigations, court proceedings and unfamiliar legal terminology can leave people feeling uncertain about what will happen next and how their lives may be affected.

John believes his responsibility is to bring clarity to those situations.

His approach begins by listening carefully to the client, understanding their concerns and identifying what they hope to achieve. He then works with them to establish the best realistically achievable outcome based on their circumstances.

John's approach is built around:

• Clear, straightforward communication: Explaining legal issues in plain English so clients understand their position.
• Honest and realistic advice: Helping clients distinguish between their preferred outcome and what may realistically be achieved.
• Decades of professional experience: Drawing on extensive practical knowledge to provide considered legal guidance.
• A collaborative approach: Working closely with clients to identify their priorities and agree on the most appropriate course of action.
• Direct, confident representation: Providing firm, professional advice and ensuring clients understand the reasoning behind it.

John is particularly known for his straightforward communication style, regularly telling clients:

"I talk in straight lines!"

For John, this means giving clear advice without unnecessary complications, false reassurance or unrealistic promises.

He believes clients should be able to rely on the advice they receive, even when the reality of their legal position may be difficult to hear.

His honest approach, combined with almost five decades of experience, helps clients make informed decisions with greater confidence and understanding.

A Legal Career Spanning Three Generations

John's connection to the legal profession began long before he qualified as a solicitor.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he became the third generation of his family to pursue a career in law, qualifying as a solicitor in 1977.

Although his early career covered different areas of legal practice, John developed a particular passion for criminal law and began specialising in criminal defence in 1990.

He subsequently became a Partner at Askews, which later became Askews Nixon Mallon.

In 2004, the firm merged with Brown Beer to become Brown Beer Nixon Mallon, later known as BBNM Law.

John continued practising throughout the firm's development, building a long-standing criminal defence practice and representing clients across the North East.

In October 2026, BBNM Law became part of McGee McGee Agar Law, with John continuing his career as a Director and Criminal Defence Solicitor Advocate.

Despite nearly 50 years in the profession, John remains actively involved in legal practice on a full-time basis.

His continued commitment to representing clients reflects the same passion for criminal law that led him to specialise in the field more than three decades ago.

Qualifications and Professional Credentials

John's professional qualifications, accreditations and experience include:

• Qualified Solicitor – 1977
• Criminal Defence Specialist – Since 1990
• Accredited Duty Solicitor
• Higher Rights of Audience – Criminal Courts
• Solicitor Advocate – Magistrates' Court and Crown Court representation
• Director – McGee McGee Agar Law
• Former Partner – Askews, Askews Nixon Mallon and BBNM Law

John combines almost five decades of legal experience with specialist criminal defence knowledge and a direct, honest approach to supporting his clients.

Whether advising someone at a police station, defending a road traffic prosecution or conducting proceedings in the Crown Court, John remains committed to providing clear legal advice and effective representation.

His philosophy has remained consistent throughout his career: understand the client's circumstances, explain their options honestly and work towards the best achievable outcome.