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, believed by many that Dodds, who assumed the role of attorney-general, was the actual head of the government. In 1887 he was appointed one of the representatives of Tasmania at the colonial conference held in London, and while on the voyage was offered and accepted the position of a junior judge of the supreme court. He held this position for 12 years and in 1898 was appointed chief justice.