He returned to South Australia in 1858 and worked as a solicitor in the Lands Titles Office from July 1858 to September 1884.

During that time he spent two short periods as Attorney-General of South Australia.

[2] Gawler was never an elected member of parliament, but he twice served a few days as Attorney-General of South Australia, 8–17 October 1861 and 23–25 March 1876.

He visited New Zealand in 1870 to assist the government there to adopt the Torrens Title system.

[3] Gawler married Caroline Augusta Philpot, daughter of Rev.