He was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, and then at Stephen's Green School, Dublin.

At Trinity College Dublin, he had a distinguished career: he became a senior exhibitioner (1897) and a prizeman in civil and international law (1898), and graduated in 1899 with honours in ethics and logic.

A sports fan Andrews had passions for shooting, golf, cricket and sailing (mainly on Strangford Lough).

He built up a lucrative practice and soon established himself as an advocate; his uncle William the judge did everything he could to further his career.

In 1937 he succeeded Sir William Moore, 1st Baronet as Lord Chief Justice, an office which he held until his death.