He served as Solicitor-General for Ireland from 1881 to 1882, as Attorney-General for Ireland from 1882 to 1883 and as Master of the Rolls for Ireland from 1883 to 1906. The second Baronet assumed the additional surname of Horsbrugh in 1911.
He held positions such as Solicitor-General for Ireland from 1881 to 1882, Attorney-General for Ireland from 1882 to 1883 and Master of the Rolls for Ireland from 1883 to 1906. In 1911, the second Baronet adopted the additional surname of Horsbrugh.