He was a United States Naval Reserve Lieutenant during World War II, from 1942 to 1945.

[1] On August 16, 1954, Brooks was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky created by 68 Stat.

His service terminated on December 12, 1969, due to his elevation to the Sixth Circuit.

[1] On August 13, 1969, President Richard Nixon nominated Brooks for elevation to a new seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit created by 82 Stat.

Brooks served in that capacity until his death on December 30, 1971, in Louisville.