In 1907, he left the drug business and turned exclusively to his law practice and politics.
[2] He served as Assistant Clerk of the New York State Assembly under Luke McHenry in 1911.
He served as a Commissioner of the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission from its organization in December 1913 until January 1919, when he was appointed secretary to Governor Smith.
He then began working for the law firm Le Boeuf and Lamb on 15 Broad Street, New York City.
[4] Van Namee was a member of the Elks, the New York State Bar Association and the Manhattan Club.
[5] Van Namee died of pneumonia at St. Luke's Hospital on December 6, 1949.