It was, however, felt by many that Dodds, who took the portfolio of attorney-general, was the real leader of the government. In 1887 he was appointed one of the representatives of Tasmania at the colonial conference held at London, and while on the voyage was offered and accepted the position of puisne judge of the supreme court. He held this position for 12 years and in 1898 was appointed chief justice.
It was, however, considered by many that Dodds, who took charge of the attorney-general's office, was the actual head of the government. In 1887 he was selected to represent Tasmania at a conference on colonial matters held in London, and while traveling, he was offered and accepted a position as an assistant judge of the supreme court. He occupied this role for 12 years before being appointed chief justice in 1898.