In 1977, he followed in his father's footsteps when he was appointed a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. He was Senior Law Lord from 1989 to 1996, when he retired. For his public and administrative work, he was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1997.
He followed in his father's footsteps when appointed Lord of Appeal in Ordinary in 1977. He held the position of Senior Law Lord from 1989 to 1996 and then retired. His public service was recognized with a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 1997.