[1] He graduated from a business college and received a Bachelor of Laws from Cumberland School of Law (then part of Cumberland University, now part of Samford University) in 1914.

[2][3] He was in private practice in Tennessee from 1914 to 1918, and was then an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee from 1918 to 1921, which position he held until appointed to the solicitor's office, October 26, 1921.

[5] President Herbert Hoover reappointed Littleton as chairman of the board in October 1929.

[6] but shortly thereafter, on October 17, 1929, nominated Littleton to a seat on the Court of Claims (United States Court of Claims from June 25, 1948) vacated by Judge J. McKenzie Moss.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 6, 1929, and received his commission the same day.